Executive summary
- Date(s) of inspection: May 2024
Aim of inspection
The aim of this observation was to gain assurance that the EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd (ENGL) board is providing effective governance of safety, including:
- adequate direction and control of safety; and
- due consideration of safety in decision-making.
This is not a rated intervention but ONR will provide relevant observations and advice where appropriate.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC17 - Management systems - Rating: Not rated
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
Overall, we found that the EDF Nuclear Generation Ltd (ENGL) board is operating effectively in accordance with its terms of reference and relevant good practice, providing adequate governance of safety matters.
The information pack provided ahead of the board meetings is of good quality and comprehensive with due focus and balance on safety matters. The Independent Advisors to the ENGL board are of high calibre and bring diverse perspectives. They engage in pre-meetings, deep dives and site visits to enhance their understanding of specific topics and enable more effective and efficient interactions in the board. Their role is akin to that of an independent Non-Executive Director and it was apparent that their advice is highly regarded.
We observed a board meeting, held every other month, which we found to be well run, in accordance with the ENGL board etiquette principles. The matters discussed were relevant and suitably risk-informed. We observed respectful questioning and challenge on safety matters, and the Managing Director provided clear summaries of items discussed, and set follow-up action where appropriate. It was apparent that the board has due regard for the role of ENGL’s Independent Nuclear Assurance (INA) function from which it receives a six-monthly report. Future board meetings will include a formal response from the business on the matters raised by INA which we considered to be an important development.
Since ONR’s last board observation (in 2018), ENGL has introduced a shadow board which is effectively fulfilling its role of providing additional insight (effectively a fifth Independent Advisor) as well as useful experience and insight for those concerned.
We provided advice on a number of matters where we felt the ENGL board could further improve its effectiveness in accordance with ONR’s expectations.
Conclusion
Overall, we were satisfied that the ENGL board is providing effective governance of safety.