On the 28 September 2011 the CQI Nuclear Special Interest Group launched its’ Nuclear Quality Knowledge (NQK) publication in central London. The publication is intended to address the quality skills gap in the nuclear sector by providing incoming quality professionals with a sufficient competence level required in the nuclear industry. Delegates attending from across the industry included, representatives of the Nuclear Skills Academy, Nuclear Industry Association, Nuclear Institute, EDF, AWE, Sellafield Ltd, Magnox North and many more.
CQI Chief Executive, Simon Feary, opened the event. His introduction centred on the importance of quality management in the nuclear industry, the challenge of creating competence in nuclear quality management and how the CQI supports quality professionals in this area; not only by providing a seal of approval of competence but through the provision of information and numerous forums in which to network and share ideas.
Simon Feary also noted that nuclear power was the only ‘realistic, viable alternative to fossil fuel’ and welcomed the Government’s support for the industry.
Watch Simon Feary’s introduction
Geoff Edmondson, Chair of the CQI’s Nuclear Special Interest Group (NucSIG) then took to the floor to explain to delegates how NucSIG was set up; its aims, vision and the numerous events that have been held by NucSIG across the country.
Watch Geoff Edmondson’s presentation
Iain McNair, chair of the NQK publication steering group provided more detail about NQK. Iain McNair established why the need for NQK has arisen, pointing towards the ‘specific cultural, legal, practical differences’ in the nuclear industry and the recognition of a growing need for a large number of new quality professionals in the industry. He then went on to discuss the chapters of the publication and the importance of each in insuring competence.
Read the full NQK report
Watch Iain McNair’s presentation
After a short networking break, delegates heard from Chris Savage, Industrial Advisor for the Nuclear Industry Association and John Earp, Trustee at the Nuclear Institute. Chris Savage’s presentation (Link) focused on the implications of the new build programme for supply chains and what this means for the role of quality professionals. John Earp took delegates through the aims, goals and vision of the Nuclear Institute before focusing more on the impact of quality management on safety, compliance and regulation in the industry.
View Chris Savage’s presentation or watch Chris Savage’s speech
View John Earp’s presentation or watch John Earp’s speech
After returning from lunch an interactive afternoon workshop session awaited delegates, where ideas were shared about the practical implementation of NQK as decommissioning and new builds simultaneously ramp up over the next few years.
There was support for the NucSIG to develop NQK into a formal training module.
With regard to the development of nuclear specific qualifications, delegates supported the development of a CQI Nuclear Quality Certificate and possibly an IRCA Nuclear Lead Auditor qualification. There was also support in principle for a nuclear supply standard to strengthen the requirements of ISO 9001, and NucSIG could play an important role in the review and promulgation of such a standard if it emerges from within the industry. Subsequently, the steering group has started to explore the outcomes of the workshop.
Read the NQK
Read more about NucSIG