Provision of a Stategic Planner to Support ONR CNRP

With the ONR becoming a standalone Public Corporation away from HSE, it is essential to enhance the disciplines for financial management and delivery governance across the organisation. Due to the nature of the work within the Civil Nuclear Reactors Programme (CNRP), particularly the dynamic environment of the New Build area this increased control will be fundamental in the way the programme will need to operate in the future.

Consequently there is a requirement for a fit for purpose organisation within CNRP that provides an integrated approach to all the Business Management activities to be established. This will ensure appropriate Governance and Financial Controls are in-place to enable efficient and effective delivery of programme on behalf of the Programme Director, while aligning with Corporate processes.

The Business Management function will be initially populated with selection of high potential internal staff, supported by an experienced external staff to enable the step change in the infrastructure within the programme.

One of the key drivers for change is the likelihood of regulatory activities for the GDA and the New Reactor Build areas increasing significantly over the next few years. Therefore, there will be a potential increased spend in the Supply Chain through technical support contracts (TSC) as the scope of CNRP’s work increases. For example, a single typical GDA spends a third of the budget on TSC, ~£10m and this could easily multiply based on the number of concurrent assessments being undertaken, unless proactively managed by a skilled commercial contract managers. Hence, Good quality planning and estimating, coupled with appropriate cost control will be essential for CNRP to achieve maximum value for money when engaging commercial organisations in the future. ONR also needs to develop and maintain corporate norms for the work to underpin good quality estimates and identify areas for future efficiency.

In summary, the Business Management team has an essential role in driving integration across the delivery activities of CNRP. Working with the Sub Programme leads ensuring clear focus on delivery and ensure appropriate controls are in-place to demonstrate value for money and compliance with the principles of Managing Public Money to key stakeholders.