The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is a public corporation sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). ONR is responsible for the regulation of nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards, and nuclear site health and safety across the UK.
ONR’s vision is to be a modern, transparent regulator delivering trusted outcomes and value. The nuclear landscape ONR regulates is changing at pace. In February 2025, the Government announced its National Policy Statement, detailing significant changes to siting and planning procedures to allow for speedier new nuclear provision, and has since set up an independent Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce to look at all aspects of nuclear regulation to consider potential change without compromising safety. The Taskforce published its interim report and initial findings and preliminary recommendations in August and is expected to publish its final recommendations in the autumn. ONR is committed to regulating in a way that supports cost-effective and efficient nuclear deployment while maintaining nuclear safety and the protection of workers and the public as its top priority.
DWP is seeking a Non-Executive Director with a range of established skills and competences to contribute to ONR’s strategic direction to 2030 and beyond, to drive regulatory excellence and to oversee the organisation’s governance arrangements.
A Message from Dr Nicola Crauford, ONR’s Chair
Thank you for your interest in the role of Non-Executive Director on the ONR Board. This is an important role providing strong strategic leadership of the UK’s independent nuclear regulator tasked with holding the industry to account on behalf of the public.
I feel privileged to be leading ONR as its Chair, having been appointed in March this year. I cannot over-emphasise the crucial role that ONR plays in helping to keep the public safe through the robust and efficient regulation of the civil nuclear industry.
Across the nuclear sector there will be many challenges ahead as the industry undergoes significant growth, diversification and change and as ONR strives to be more ambitious, demonstrating our commitment to regulating in a way that supports cost effective and efficient nuclear operations, innovation and technological advancement, and to ensure we can fully play our part in a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear future for the UK. There has never been a more exciting time to join the organisation to help to provide the strategic direction to achieve our mission: to protect society by securing safe nuclear operations.
Since joining ONR, I have been struck by the professionalism, dedication and commitment of those I have met at every level in the organisation in ensuring that the nuclear industry is safe. I have been impressed too by the strength and breadth of experience of my fellow Board colleagues and the way the Board operates to support the organisation to achieve its goals and mission.
We are looking to recruit to the ONR Board a dynamic, enthusiastic, and committed person, with an interest in energy and nuclear matters, who will share our vision and direction for ONR and nuclear regulation. We need someone who relishes being part of the Board as we respond to an ever-changing nuclear landscape. I firmly believe that time spent as a Board member will, in turn, be thoroughly rewarding. If you think you have got what it takes to add value to the Board then please apply.
I am personally committed to promoting greater diversity within ONR and value the individual contributions that people from different backgrounds and experiences can bring and welcome applications from the widest possible field of candidates.
If you have questions about the appointment process, you can contact the DWP Public Appointments Team, on alb.publicappointmentsteam@dwp.gov.uk.
A Message from DWP Permanent Secretary, Peter Schofield
Dear candidate,
I want Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and our arm’s-length bodies to be places where everyone, whatever their background, feels encouraged to achieve their potential. I believe attracting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, including regional diversity and the full range of socio- economic groups, will allow us to be better able to provide the best possible support to those we serve.
DWP continues to support Cabinet Office in working towards 50% of all public appointees to be female and 14% of all public appointments to come from ethnic minority backgrounds. We value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone.
If you are looking for an opportunity to use your talents to make a difference to the lives of millions of your fellow citizens, we look forward to hearing from you.
The Non- Executive Director (NED) role
The successful candidate will contribute to the Board’s role in leading ONR to achieve its vision to be a modern, transparent regulator delivering trusted outcomes and value. Key responsibilities for this role include:
•Helping lead the work of ONR by operating effectively as a Board Member with particular expertise in risk management and by contributing to Board meetings and discussions;
•Participation as chair or member of one or more of the Board’s standing Committees, as required by the ONR Chair and subject to relevant skill sets. This will include the relevant expertise to Chair the ONR Remuneration and Resilience Committee;
•Maintaining effective working relationships with a broad range of networks and stakeholders;
•Representing ONR externally, acting collectively in representing its activities to stakeholders and the general public;
•Demonstrating a commitment to the Seven Principles of Public life.
About ONR
•ONR is the UK’s independent nuclear regulatory authority. Established as a statutory public corporation on 1 April 2014, under the Energy Act 2013, its mission is to protect society by securing safe nuclear operations.
•ONR independently regulates nuclear safety, nuclear security and nuclear site health and safety across 36 licensed nuclear sites and performs targeted inspection activity across their supply chains. It also regulates the transportation of nuclear materials and ensures safeguards obligations for the UK are met.
•ONR is also responsible for regulating the design and construction of new nuclear facilities, ensuring they are built and operated to the highest standards and oversees the decommissioning of nuclear sites. ONR cooperates with other UK and international regulators and agencies on safety and security issues of common concern, including associated research.
•ONR’s duty is to ensure that the nuclear industry controls its hazards effectively, has a culture of continuous improvement and maintains high standards.
•ONR’s budget for 2025/2026 is £110.7m. Approximately 95% of its running costs are from the nuclear industry it regulates and government departments to whom it provides a service. 3% of running costs are grant-funded by ONR’s sponsor body, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The remaining 2% is funded from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
•ONR employs about 665 full time equivalent (FTE) staff across three locations (Liverpool, Cheltenham, and London).
The Board consists of a Non-Executive Chair, five Non-Executive Directors and up to four Executive Directors. The Board is supported by three standing committees chaired by the non-executives:
•Audit and Risk Assurance Committee
•Remuneration and Resilience Committee
•Security Committee.
The Board delegates regulatory decisions to the Chief Nuclear Inspector.
The Board currently meets approximately eight times a year. Meetings across the year are face to face: one will normally take place at each of ONR’s offices in Liverpool, London and Cheltenham; at least one takes place close to a licensed site and is combined with a site visit; and one strategy event is held in London or Liverpool. Attendance on ONR Board business will involve occasional overnight stays.
This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the
Commissioner’s website 