Office for Nuclear Regulation

Office_for_Nuclear_Regulation_logo

Office for Nuclear Regulation

Agency overview
Formed	1 April 2011
Jurisdiction	United Kingdom
Headquarters	Bootle, Merseyside, England
Parent department	Department for Work and Pensions

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is the UK government body responsible for the regulation of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards at nuclear facilities in the UK. It was established on 1 April 2011, following the restructuring of the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Directorate.

Responsibilities

The ONR's primary responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the safety of nuclear installations.
• Regulating the security of nuclear materials and facilities.
• Overseeing the transport of radioactive materials.
• Implementing safeguards to prevent the proliferation of nuclear materials.

Structure

The ONR operates under the auspices of the Department for Work and Pensions but functions independently in its regulatory role. It is headquartered in Bootle, Merseyside, and has several regional offices across the UK.

Key Functions

The ONR's key functions include:

• Licensing and inspecting nuclear sites.
• Assessing safety cases and security plans.
• Enforcing compliance with nuclear safety and security regulations.
• Providing advice and guidance on nuclear safety and security matters.

History

The ONR was formed as part of the UK government's efforts to enhance the regulation of nuclear safety and security. It took over the responsibilities previously held by the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Directorate and has since played a crucial role in maintaining high standards of nuclear safety and security in the UK.

Related Pages

• Nuclear safety
• Nuclear security
• Health and Safety Executive
• Department for Work and Pensions
• Nuclear facilities
• Radioactive materials

See Also

• Nuclear power in the United Kingdom
• Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
• International Atomic Energy Agency