The Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), which is part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), is the security regulator for the UK’s civil nuclear industry. It is responsible for approving security arrangements within the industry and enforcing compliance. OCNS also vets nuclear industry personnel with access to sensitive nuclear material or information. It works in close conjunction with policy officials in DECC’s Office of Nuclear Development, with other Government Departments and agencies, and with overseas counterparts.
Through the Standing Committee on Police Establishments (SCOPE), OCNS reviews police numbers and activities at licensed nuclear sites policed by the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.
In the UK, civil nuclear operators must have site security plans in place to protect nuclear sites and nuclear material. These arrangements need to cover, for example, physical protection features such as fencing, CCTV and turnstile access, the roles of security guards and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, protecting proliferation-sensitive data, and the trustworthiness of the individuals with access to them. Transporters of nuclear material also have to be approved by OCNS.
The Director of Civil Nuclear Security publishes an annual report on the state of security within the civil nuclear industry, and the effectiveness of security regulation. You can read these reports, and more information, on the Health and Safety Executive: Office for Civil Nuclear Security web page. Or you can contact the OCNS at OCNS.enquiries@hse.gsi.gov.uk