- Site: Heysham 2
- IR number: 20-005
- Date: June 2020
- LC numbers: 36
Executive summary
Purpose of Intervention
The purpose of this intervention was to evaluate how Heysham 2 manages its human resources – particularly with respect to NGL’s use of the ODM (Operational Decision Making) process for managing change during Phase D of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This intervention is aligned with ONR’s IIS Plan for Heysham 2, implemented to meet the constraints of Government restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The LC36 intervention was carried out by a ONR Leadership and Management for Safety (LMfS) specialist inspector, supported by the nominated site inspector. The inspection was conducted in accordance with the following ONR Technical Assessment Guides: Organisational Change, NS-TAST-GD-048 Rev5.
Interventions Carried Out by ONR
The LMfS inspector undertook a licence compliance inspection of NGL’s arrangements for Licence Condition (LC) 36 (Organisational Capability), which requires that ‘the licensee shall provide and maintain adequate financial and human resources to ensure the safe operation of the licensed site’.
The intervention was focused on the changes NGL has implemented as a result of Government restrictions on movement and social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The intervention was performed in line with ONR's guidance requirements (as described in our technical inspection guides) in the areas inspected.
Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate
No system based inspection was undertaken hence, this is not applicable for this intervention.
Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made
The station provided its current arrangements and evidence of implementation before the video conference. During the video conference it presented evidence to show how it was managing its human resources and managing organisational change during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We examined the modified arrangements in place for managing organisational change and reviewed the changes as a result of the pandemic response in order to judge whether it was appropriately categorised and whether risks were identified and managed.
Based on our sample of interviews and document reviews we judged that there are effective processes in place to manage and monitor human resources and organisational change. We identified a number of positive findings and we also identified some opportunities where we believe the station can improve the effectiveness of its activities in this area.
Overall, we judge the licensee was meeting relevant good practice when compared to ONR guidance and have therefore assigned a rating of Green (no formal action) for LC36 compliance.
Conclusion of Intervention
There are no findings from this inspection that could significantly undermine nuclear safety and no change is necessary to the planned interventions and inspections at Heysham 2 as a result. The remote inspection was successfully carried out for LC36, assisted by the information provided before the inspection and by the use of video links.