The Minister for Transformation, , has announced today that
Dr Nicola Crauford will take up the role of chair of the Office
for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) on 1 March 2025.
- Dr Nicola Crauford has been appointed as the new Chair of the
Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)
- As part of her role, she will ensure ONR continues to regulate
the nuclear industry efficiently and effectively on behalf of the
public
ONR is the
UK's independent nuclear regulator for the 36 nuclear sites in
Great Britain, including the existing fleet of operating
reactors, fuel cycle facilities and waste management and
decommissioning sites. It also regulates the design and
construction of new nuclear facilities including the supply chain
as well as the transport of civil nuclear and radioactive
materials.
ONR also plays
a crucial role in delivering the government's energy security and
growth missions
This is done principally through their approach to regulation,
being open to innovation and new, efficient cost-effective ways
of working, being ready to regulate new projects and providing
trusted, timely, independent advice and guidance to Government.
Minister for Transformation, , said:
I am pleased to confirm Dr Nicola Crauford as the next chair of
the Office for Nuclear Regulation. She brings a wealth of
experience to this challenging but rewarding role.
I would also like to thank Dame Judith Hackitt for all she has
done as interim chair and her valuable contribution to nuclear
safety and security.
Dr Nicola Crauford said:
I am delighted to join ONR at a time when the
nuclear sector embarks upon significant growth, diversification
and change.
As the UK's independent nuclear regulator, ONR has a vital role in
holding the industry to account on behalf of the public, but it
also needs to continue to strive for the most effective ways of
working and regulatory excellence in order to help the sector to
succeed.
Dr Crauford's appointment comes as the government announces more
nuclear power plants will be approved across England and
Wales.
These reforms will clear a path for smaller, and easier to build,
nuclear reactors – known as Small Modular Reactors – to be built
for the first time ever in the UK. This will create thousands of
new highly skilled jobs while delivering clean, secure and more
affordable energy for working people.
Additional Information
- Dr Nicola Crauford takes up her five-year appointment as
ONR Chair from
1 March 2025. The current Interim Chair, Dame Judith Hackitt
stands down on 28 February 2025.
- Dr Nicola Crauford has extensive governance and senior
management experience in infrastructure and
engineering. She has a degree in chemical engineering from
the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and a doctorate in applied
science from the University of Southampton and has worked in the
oil and gas, energy and banking sectors.
- Dr Crauford's governance portfolio has spanned utilities
(particularly electricity and water), ports and logistics,
science research and development, environmental protection, fire
and emergency management, housing/urban development and
regulation.
- More on the government's plans for nuclear
power: Government rips up rules
to fire-up nuclear power - GOV.UK
