Speaker
Description
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the UK’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, made a commitment in the 2019 publication of the Integrated Waste Management Radioactive Waste (IWM) Strategy to:
“ensure that wastes are managed in a manner that protects people and the environment, now and in the future, and in ways that comply with government policies and provide value for money”
The IWM Strategy promotes cross-category waste management optimisation within the NDA estate, with greater emphasis placed on the nature of the waste rather than classification, to aid in identifying the most appropriate management route.
In this submission, an overview of how to successfully adopt and implement this strategy will be provided. This being fundamental in involving the next generation of young professionals, equipping them with the appropriate skills and knowledge to provide capability across the waste management lifecycle. By its very nature, radioactive waste management is a long-term venture with inter-generational issues, including skills retention, that need to be addressed.
To attract and retain young professionals in the remediation of the UK’s nuclear legacy, the IWM strategy could offer opportunities for young professionals. Industrial placements or secondments within the IWM Programme will ensure key messaging about radioactive waste will remain resilient (due to the rapidly changing technological landscape), clearly understood (due to social and organisational change) and taken seriously whilst supporting career growth. The IWM Programme is committed to working closely with Site Licence Companies across the nuclear industry, to identify key skills and knowledge requirements to develop plans to maintain capability and manage any skill gaps. The timing and availability of the required skill sets is vital to the success of the strategy and succession planning.
Young professionals should be encouraged to seek and deliver innovative solutions to help shape the future of the industry and the IWM vision. In promoting the best use of our existing infrastructure and the development of new solutions, within the Nuclear Sector Deal, UK Government is committed to work with this sector to explore options for increasing the number of nuclear related PhD’s.
As a young professional I believe strengthening collaborative working relationships and learning from experience, the benefits of the IWM Strategy can be maximised so leading to a sustainable future.
| Speaker's title | Ms |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Radioactive Waste Management Ltd |
| Do you wish to participate as a Young Professional? | Yes |
| Do you wish to be considered for a Young Professional grant? | No |
