Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: November 2024
Aim of inspection
Over the last few years the site has been undergoing significant change following global evolutions affecting the operational landscape. ONR seek to enable the successful, safe and secure delivery and operation of the new facilities, as well as the extant operations. The aim of the inspection is to:
- understand how cultural factors affect safety performance,
- provide a baseline of such cultural factors, and identify any relevant learning to support SFL moving forward;
- provide our understanding of the adequacy of the SFL response to address safety performance going forward.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Leadership & Management for Safety - Rating: Not rated
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
This inspection sought to gain an understanding of safety culture across Springfields Fuels Limited (SFL). As part of the inspection, SFL leadership presented on a number of relevant topics, linking to safety KPIs, strategy, and plans. We also carried out a series of interviews and focus groups with a sample of employees, as well as observing / holding discussions with some employees on plant. This was an unrated inspection focused on Leadership and Management for Safety.
The inspection was well supported by site leadership, and we did not identify any significant areas of concern. Some opportunities for learning and assurance were identified, in particular:
- Maintaining a proportionate focus on competence assurance, especially due to changes in operational strategy.
- Ensuring proportionate focus on ageing plant and associated ALARP justifications.
- Ensuring appropriate / manageable workloads, with clear responsibilities and prioritisation for nuclear safety critical personnel.>
The SFL leadership team were receptive to the feedback and opportunities for continued improvement at the close out of the inspection.
Conclusion
This is an unrated inspection and has not identified any shortfalls in legal compliance. The Observations provided offer advice/opportunities for SFL to consider in terms of continued learning and improvement. ONR will monitor as part of normal business.
The culture intervention has highlighted a number of areas where perceptions were positive, and aspects regarding culture are largely deemed satisfactory. Many of the observations/advice have a link to key changes at the site. These changes have been significant at a strategic level, ultimately in essence, moving from a horizon of decommissioning, switching to life extension, and potential future growth opportunities.