Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Sellafield security improvements recognised by ONR

Defence Security

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.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

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."

Advertisement
ODU RT

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.

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
Investment in student skills to boost UK defence industry

Defence

Investment in student skills to boost UK defence industry

5 February 2026

Britain’s defence industry will benefit from an £80 million skills boost to increase places on key strategically-relevant courses.

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

4 February 2026

Returning to STEM industries after a career break is now harder than ever, according to new research by STEM Returners, with bias against gender, age, ethnicity and a lack of recent experience penalising highly qualified people from getting a job.

HENSOLDT receives KNDS orders for digital armoured vehicle optronics

Defence

HENSOLDT receives KNDS orders for digital armoured vehicle optronics

4 February 2026

HENSOLDT has received several major orders from KNDS to equip combat and armoured personnel carriers with digital optronics.

IFS chosen by SkyAlyne to support RCAF’s FAcT

Defence

IFS chosen by SkyAlyne to support RCAF’s FAcT

4 February 2026

IFS today announced that it has been selected by SkyAlyne the prime contractor for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), to provide a fully digital aviation maintenance and asset management platform in support of the Canadian Department of National Defence’s new training initiative.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
BAE Systems receives US Marine Corps ACVs contract

Defence

BAE Systems receives US Marine Corps ACVs contract

4 February 2026

BAE Systems has received a $195 million for the production of additional Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) for the US Marine Corps.

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

4 February 2026

Joint investments will advance quantum technology, boost digital connectivity and strengthen network resilience against cyber threats.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB