Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
April 2023
Aim of inspection
The purpose of the inspection was to assess NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd's (NNB GenCo) quality function capability, effectiveness, and integration, and assess that the quality function has sufficient oversight and is adequately monitoring contractors and supply chain quality performance and assurance arrangements.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC 17 - Management systems - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The inspection team's preliminary findings were shared with, acknowledged, and accepted by NNB GenCo (HPC) management as part of normal inspection feedback. These findings can be summarised as follows:
- ONR concluded that NNB GenCo (HPC) has delivered improvements in the capability and effectiveness of the quality function, and the oversight and monitoring of contractors and supply chain quality performance and assurance arrangements. However, it is acknowledged that further developments are planned to deliver increased effectiveness of the NNB GenCo (HPC) quality function and capability.
- NNB GenCo (HPC) provided an overview and examples of its quality management arrangements, capability and effectiveness across the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project.
- Based on the information presented, ONR observed that there has been improvements in the governance and reporting structure within the quality function, specifically in relation to the Integrated Management System (IMS) and assurance arrangements, quality function effectiveness, and management, escalation and resolution of quality related issues.
- ONR noted that there are structured and collaborative interactions between NNB GenCo (HPC) and Bylor to target and address improvements and adverse trends in key performance indicators, including, but not limited to, non-conformance reports and right first time metrics.
- NNB GenCo (HPC) provided examples of knowledge transfer and shared learning being considered and applied for Unit 1 to Unit 2, and between HPC and Sizewell C.
I outlined ONR's intent to raise a level 4 regulatory issue (RI) to monitor the delivery of the actions arising from the root cause investigation report presented during this inspection.
Actions are in-progress to address the broader areas for improvement and, therefore, these matters will be progressed during future interactions with NNB GenCo (HPC).
Conclusion
On the the basis of the evidence sampled, I concluded that an inspection rating of GREEN is appropriate. Areas of good practice were highlighted, and it is acknowledged that further developments are planned to deliver increased effectiveness of the NNB GenCo (HPC) quality function and capability.