Office for Nuclear Regulation

Dear candidate,

I would like to thank you for your interest in joining the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) as our Deputy Chief Nuclear Inspector (DCNI).

ONR is the UK’s independent regulator for nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and conventional health and safety across 36 licensed nuclear sites. It ensures that the nuclear industry effectively controls hazards, maintains high standards, and continuously improves. ONR’s work spans operating reactors, fuel cycle facilities, waste management, decommissioning, and new nuclear construction. It also regulates the transport of nuclear materials and oversees compliance with international safeguards. Transparency, accountability, and public confidence are central to ONR’s regulatory approach.

The DCNI is a senior executive role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive/Chief Nuclear Inspector and deputising for him when required. The DCNI collaborates with the Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs to engage with senior stakeholders domestically and internationally, supporting ONR’s strategic goals. They contribute to strategy development, change management, and performance reporting, including the Annual Report and Accounts, the Chief Nuclear Inspector’s report and Review of Regulation reports.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading ONR’s Regulatory Directorates, setting strategic regulatory objectives and ensuring effective delivery and enforcement
• Oversight of ONR’s regulatory approach, particularly in response to changes in the nuclear landscape.
• Undertaking resource planning, governance, risk management, and assurance across regulatory divisions
• Act as line manager to the Directors of Regulation.

We are looking for an exceptional individual who has gained substantial experience in the UK nuclear, related or regulatory industries, strategic leadership, change management, and stakeholder engagement. Strong communication, integrity, and decision-making abilities are critical, as is a commitment to ONR’s values: supportive, open-minded, fair, and accountable.

ONR has just over 650 employees, working together as one team to protect the public by securing safe nuclear operations.  We value and respect everyone’s contribution to this, no matter what role they play.

Our culture is one of continuous improvement, supportive engagement and personal accountability.

I look forward to receiving your application for this exciting opportunity.

Mike Finnerty
Chief Executive and Chief Nuclear Inspector
Office for Nuclear Regulation
November 2025