Reset safety case development to eliminate duplication and embed simplicity
Reset safety case development
Reset the approach to safety case development and assessment to eliminate duplication and embed simplicity. This should aim to shorten safety cases overall and return them to their original purpose as documents for use by the dutyholder to support operation.
The defence sector should realign with the Three Lines of Defence (3LoD) model in accordance with HMG's Management of Risk – Principles and Concepts. The first line undertaking the majority of technical review, the second line providing process assurance and targeted assessment of high-risk areas, and the third independent line providing assurance that management arrangements and governance frameworks operate effectively. The regulator should exist external to the 3LoD structure.
ONR holds safety case forum with senior site operator executives
ONR convened a forum with senior executives from site operators, securing commitments to simplify safety case structures, eliminate duplication, and embed simplicity. The Proportionality Action Plan is under development with government, with strategic direction expected by summer 2026 and full method embedding by mid-2027. Oversight will be provided through the Nuclear Standards Forum and NRIP.
Government Response: Proportionality Action Plan for safety cases
The Government is implementing a Proportionality Action Plan to reset safety case development. Strategic direction will be agreed by the end of Summer 2026, with new methodologies fully embedded by Summer 2027. Oversight will be provided through the Nuclear Standards Forum and the Nuclear Regulatory Implementation Programme (NRIP). The approach aligns with the Taskforce recommendation to eliminate duplication and embed simplicity in the safety case regime.
Primary Owner
Co-owners
Key Regulators
March 2026
Notes: Govt response: Strategic direction by Summer 2026, fully embedded by Summer 2027
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