Improvements in physical security arrangements at Sellafield have been recognised by the UK's nuclear regulator.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has returned the Sellafield site to a routine regulatory regime for physical security after a period of enhanced oversight.
Inspectors cited a sustained period of improved performance, highlighting the close working relationship between ONR inspectors and Sellafield Ltd in achieving this outcome.
Physical security at Sellafield is delivered using a wide range of assets and capabilities and through an approach that includes defence in depth and armed response. A number of physical security assets and capabilities have been improved as part of the return to routine regulatory attention.
Regulatory attention levels are set by ONR and are assigned based on the regulator's assessment of overall performance, considering a broad range of safety and security considerations and operational issues that a site is addressing.
Gary Wilkinson, head of security and resilience at Sellafield Ltd, said:
Following an action plan over many months, we have successfully met all the requirements set by ONR.
This is a significant achievement and has been a big team effort from across the company - thank you to everyone involved in this important achievement.
Paul Dicks, ONR's director of regulation for Sellafield, decommissioning fuel and waste, said:
We have worked closely with Sellafield Ltd through our enabling approach to ensure that the required improvements are delivered.
I'm satisfied that Sellafield Ltd has demonstrated significant and sustained security improvements which has allowed us to return them to routine regulatory attention.
Sellafield Ltd currently remains in significantly enhanced attention for cyber security and collaborative work is ongoing to achieve the required improvements in this area.
