Consultations SRP ( led by the Qualifications and Professional Standards Committee ( QPSC ), which keeps under review the Society ' s policy on qualifications , professional standards and professional development ) has recently responded to the survey by the Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) on the revised Radiation Protection Adviser ( RPA ) Statement , which specifies the criteria of core competence for RPAs . SRP ’ s comments can be found on the SRP website . A number of members also responded individually , or on behalf of their organisations . An update on the HSE ’ s progress on this can be found in the article written by James Taylor of HSE ( see p 32 ).
Brexit As a result of leaving the EU , the UK had to implement domestic arrangements for nuclear safeguards and negotiate international agreements including for the import and export of radioactive materials and wastes , sharing of information and continued involvement in international nuclear and radiological research programmes .
Consequently , a number of changes to the legislation and regulations came into force on 1 January 2021 . The principal changes include :
• withdrawal from EURATOM ;
• new arrangements for Nuclear safeguards and security
• changes to the treatment of transboundary issues relating to radioactive contamination , radioactive waste and spent fuel
• increasing dependence on international Standards and Guidance
• other general business and personal implications
The nuclear cooperation agreement between the EU and UK was ratified by the EU on 1 May 2021 .
Radiation Protection Today Summer 2021
Review of how we regulate radiological and civil nuclear safety in the UK
Background An Integrated Regulatory Review Service ( IRRS ) mission took place between 14 – 25 October 2019 . A team of 18 independent experts from across the globe , drawn together by the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ), scrutinised the regulation of nuclear and radiological safety in the UK to identify areas of good practice and improvement .
Who requested the mission ? The mission was requested by the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) and hosted by the Office for Nuclear Regulation ( ONR ). It was the culmination of months of preparation and collaboration between 15 regulatory bodies , five Government Departments and their equivalents in the Devolved Administrations .
What were the findings ? Amongst its findings , the mission highlighted the complexity of UK legislation and the diversity of industries in the UK to which it applied . It recommended that the UK Government should publish a clear summary of the policy and regulatory regime for radiological and civil nuclear safety in all parts of the UK .
Who led the work from the UK ? The Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) with input from the regulators and Devolved Administrations .
What is the output of the IRRS ? A comprehensive review of the fundamentals of the UK regulatory framework for radiological and civil nuclear safety , policies and the relevant regulators / legislation .
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