Adriènne Kelbie, Chief Executive of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), has been appointed as the Patron of Women in Nuclear (WiN) UK for a third term.
WiN UK’s mission is to address the industry’s gender balance, to improve the representation of women in leadership, and to engage with the public on nuclear issues.
Ms Kelbie is the ONR’s first female Chief Executive and is an influential ambassador when it comes to leadership, diversity and inclusion issues.
Jack Gritt, President of WiN UK said:
“We are delighted to have Adriènne’s continued support as Patron of WiN UK.
“The Government’s ambitious vision for gender diversity laid out in its Nuclear Sector Deal means that the work of WiN UK has never been more important. We thank Adriènne for her influential work with the NIC in securing these targets.
“Adriènne’s passion, energy and influence will help us to reach the challenging yet achievable target – to move of from the current 22% female workforce to 40% by 2030.
The role of Patron involves helping to gain Government and industry support on specific subjects to raise the profile of WiN UK, as well as to be an advocate for WiN UK’s activities at conferences and with the media.
Jack added; “Since WiN UK was established, the number of women in the industry has risen from 17% to 22%, so we are already making good progress.
“WiN UK has had over 60 companies signed up to our Industry Charter, which sets out commitments and actions in support of addressing gender diversity.
“We hope that many more will work with us to build a diverse workforce will provide the innovation, energy, and ideas the industry needs to fuel the ambitious growth plans laid out in the Nuclear Sector Deal.
Commenting on her appointment, Adriènne Kelbie said
“When I joined ONR 3 years ago, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to promote inclusion as I have. I was afraid of this being perceived as political correctness rather than passion, and yet I felt if people like me, who can influence, choose not to, then who would? But I support WiN because it’s the right thing to do, and because GB nuclear needs as many talented and committed people as possible to stay safe and secure. And that means more women, too.
“So it’s with great pride and humility that I thank WiN UK for the opportunities it has afforded to me, to press for change across the nuclear sector at home and abroad. We’ve taken many positive steps, but we need great strides if more women are to achieve their potential in our field.
“A further year as Patron brings more time to influence change that will stand the test of time. To continue to inspire others to raise their game: employers, by creating truly inclusive workplaces that benefit everyone; and women, to have the courage to seek and take new opportunities, the persistence to keep trying, and the generosity to support each other.
“I thank government for having the vision to write this agenda large in the Nuclear Sector Deal. Now we must ask them to translate their target into reality by helping us hold industry to account for this.
“And I thank the extraordinary staff at ONR without whom, I could not support Women in Nuclear UK as I do.
“2019 is going to bring additional focus on the whole sector, and I am determined to see through the kind of change that will make a difference, not just for this nuclear generation, but for many more to come.”
ONR is responsible for regulation of nuclear safety and security across the UK. Its mission is to provide efficient and effective regulation of the nuclear industry, holding it to account on behalf of the public
