General Atomics

Sellafield security improvements recognised by ONR

The UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has returned the Sellafield site to a routine regulatory regime for physical security after a period of enhanced oversight.



Image courtesy Sellafield

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.

Related

Sigma Advanced Systems to acquire Bromford Precision Solutions
Bromford Precision Solutions workers
Sigma Advanced Systems to acquire Bromford Precision Solutions
Sigma Advanced Systems, parent company of Nasmyth, is set to acquire Bromford Precision Solutions in a move that will strengthen UK aerospace manufacturing capability.
Aerospace Member News

15 Jul 2026

ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS at Farnborough International Airshow
ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS has passed 2,000 member organisations for the first time, following a record year of membership growth across aerospace, defence, security and space.
Menzies Aviation launches fuel operations at Aberdeen International Airport
Menzies aviation refuelling at aberdeen
Menzies Aviation launches fuel operations at Aberdeen International Airport
Menzies Aviation has commenced into-plane fuelling and fuel farm operations at Aberdeen International Airport.
Aerospace Member News

15 Jul 2026

QinetiQ enhances EW test and training capability for British MoD
Illustration of an electronic warfare emitter transmitting radio-frequency signals across a maritime environment, with signals interacting between a naval vessel, aircraft, missile and radar system.
QinetiQ enhances EW test and training capability for British MoD
QinetiQ has invested in an advanced electronic warfare (EW) emitter system, designed to better train and prepare military personnel for real life scenarios in increasingly complex threat environments.
Defence Member News

15 Jul 2026

GE Aerospace to power UK’s AW149 New Medium Helicopter fleet
Leonardo AW149 for UK New Medium Helicopter
GE Aerospace to power UK’s AW149 New Medium Helicopter fleet
Leonardo has selected GE Aerospace’s CT7-2E1 engine for the UK’s 23 AW149 helicopters, completing another milestone in the NMH programme.
Defence Member News

15 Jul 2026

Scotland to receive major share of UK’s £26 billion naval base investment
HMS Clyde Royal Naval Base
Scotland to receive major share of UK’s £26 billion naval base investment
Why UK is investing £26 billion in infrastructure upgrades to address the Royal Navy's poor readiness and strengthen resilience.
Defence

15 Jul 2026

ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS at Farnborough International Airshow
ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS has passed 2,000 member organisations for the first time, following a record year of membership growth across aerospace, defence, security and space.
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Aerospace Global News Theatre at Farnborough International Airshow
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Farnborough International Airshow will bring together more than 600 finance and investment leaders for its first dedicated summit connecting capital with aerospace, defence, space and security.
York completes $300m acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York Space Systems completes acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York completes $300m acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York Space Systems has completed its acquisition of ALL.SPACE, bringing multi-orbit terminal technology together with space infrastructure and mission operations capability.
Member News Space

11 Jul 2026

ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS at Farnborough International Airshow
ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS has passed 2,000 member organisations for the first time, following a record year of membership growth across aerospace, defence, security and space.
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Aerospace Global News Theatre at Farnborough International Airshow
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Farnborough International Airshow will bring together more than 600 finance and investment leaders for its first dedicated summit connecting capital with aerospace, defence, space and security.
£251m policing package to strengthen protection for Jewish communities
Police on patrol to protect Jewish citizens
£251m policing package to strengthen protection for Jewish communities
The government has announced more than £250 million over three years to increase policing, counter-terrorism capability and specialist protection for Jewish communities across England and Wales.
Security

13 Jul 2026