• Dr Nicola Crauford has been appointed as the new Chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)
• As part of her role, she will ensure ONR continues to regulate the nuclear industry efficiently and effectively on behalf of the public

ONR is the UK’s independent nuclear regulator for the 36 nuclear sites in Great Britain, including the existing fleet of operating reactors, fuel cycle facilities and waste management and decommissioning sites. It also regulates the design and construction of new nuclear facilities including the supply chain as well as the transport of civil nuclear and radioactive materials.

ONR also plays a crucial role in delivering the government’s energy security and growth missions 

This is done principally through their approach to regulation, being open to innovation and new, efficient cost-effective ways of working, being ready to regulate new projects and providing trusted, timely, independent advice and guidance to Government.

Minister for Transformation, Andrew Western, said:

I am pleased to confirm Dr Nicola Crauford as the next chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation. She brings a wealth of experience to this challenging but rewarding role.

I would also like to thank Dame Judith Hackitt for all she has done as interim chair and her valuable contribution to nuclear safety and security.

Dr Nicola Crauford said:

I am delighted to join ONR at a time when the nuclear sector embarks upon significant growth, diversification and change.

As the UK’s independent nuclear regulator, ONR has a vital role in holding the industry to account on behalf of the public, but it also needs to continue to strive for the most effective ways of working and regulatory excellence in order to help the sector to succeed.

Dr Crauford’s appointment comes as the government announces more nuclear power plants will be approved across England and Wales. 

These reforms will clear a path for smaller, and easier to build, nuclear reactors – known as Small Modular Reactors – to be built for the first time ever in the UK. This will create thousands of new highly skilled jobs while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people.

Additional Information

• Dr Nicola Crauford takes up her five-year appointment as ONR Chair from 1 March 2025. The current Interim Chair, Dame Judith Hackitt stands down on 28 February 2025.
• Dr Nicola Crauford has extensive governance and senior management experience in infrastructure and engineering. She has a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and a doctorate in applied science from the University of Southampton and has worked in the oil and gas, energy and banking sectors.
• Dr Crauford’s governance portfolio has spanned utilities (particularly electricity and water), ports and logistics, science research and development, environmental protection, fire and emergency management, housing/urban development and regulation.
• More on the government’s plans for nuclear power: Government rips up rules to fire-up nuclear power – GOV.UK