Cumbria, UK :
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has been praised for its unwavering commitment to openness and transparency following a landmark event that saw Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), including several critical of the nuclear industry, welcomed onto nuclear sites for the first time.
Organised in collaboration with Sellafield Ltd and Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), the two-day visit (April 7–8) marked the first time members of the NDA/NGO Forum toured facilities such as the Sellafield site and the Low Level Waste Repository. The initiative aimed to encourage meaningful dialogue, scrutiny, and deeper understanding of the NDA’s mission to safely and sustainably decommission the UK’s earliest nuclear sites.
Forum members, including representatives from Nuclear-Free Local Authorities and regional NGOs such as the Ayrshire Radiation Monitoring Group and Highlands Against Nuclear Power, had the opportunity to observe decommissioning work firsthand and engage directly with senior NDA, Sellafield Ltd, and NWS leadership.
Paul Vallance, NDA Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Forum co-chair, said:
“As we celebrate the NDA’s 20th year, our commitment to openness and transparency is as important as ever. We value the scrutiny and collaboration the forum provides—it strengthens our mission and fosters trust in our work.”
Rita Holmes, NGO Forum co-chair, echoed the sentiment:
“The NDA is to be commended for its genuine commitment to transparency. For years, concerns were dismissed or ignored. The NDA’s approach has transformed that experience, setting a new standard for public engagement and corporate responsibility.”
Discussions during the forum included updates on the NDA’s upcoming decommissioning strategy, recent policy on plutonium disposition, and NGO concerns around community partnerships, waste hierarchy, and site development at Sellafield.
This visit marks a new chapter in stakeholder engagement for the NDA, reflecting its ongoing efforts to ensure inclusivity, accountability, and community trust as it undertakes the complex and critical task of managing the UK’s nuclear legacy.
