It is essential that the licensees retain core nuclear competencies and sufficient in-house knowledge to be able to act as intelligent customers for technical support provided by contractors. Resources, notably technical expertise, should not be released until it can be demonstrated clearly that there is no longer a need for that resource. The audit findings have already been discussed with both licensees, who have responded positively and are in the process of addressing the recommendations. They have been asked to provide action plans, setting out their proposals and timescales, within four weeks. NII is the part of HSE responsible for regulating the UK's nuclear installations, including the British Energy nuclear power stations.
Regulation is directed towards reducing risks and the potential for harm.
The audit was undertaken by a multidisciplinary team of HSE inspectors, most from NII, during 1999. Team members also visited some of the licensees' key contractors. In England, BEGL operates the AGR stations at Hinkley Point, Dungeness, Heysham and Hartlepool plus the PWR at Sizewell. Staff numbers in the two companies were reduced in the run up to privatisation in 1996 and, shortly afterwards, both instigated a systematic programme of further reductions. Although NII had raised a number of questions about both licensees' organisational changes and downsizing programmes prior to this audit, NII nevertheless remained satisfied that the companies were able to fulfil their duties as licensees and to operate the stations safely.