Submission from Serco Assurance to the DEFRA consultation on radioactive waste management

Serco Assurance is a major UK supplier to the nuclear and other safety critical industries involved in safety managment, environmental addesments and plant perfomrnace and integrity. In the context of radioactive waste management, we have an extensive track record in evaluating option, the management of the risks involved, asset and liabilities management, conducting research and safety assessments intow aste disposal, and the safety of operating plants. Serco Assurance is therefore well-placed to contribute constructively to the discussion of issues identified in the current Consultation Paper from DEFRA. We have responded to all the issues on which views are sought in the Consultation Paper, with the main focus being on matters concerned with organisational arrangements for considering policy and the process to be used to bonduct the associated research programme. The main points stemming from our analysis are as follows: Two new bodies should be set up, both independent, with one advising ministers on policy matters, and the other managing the associated research programme. Achieving fairness (in assessing options and giving policy advice) and practicality (in the methods used) are important themes in establishing trust in the new organisations. The extent of consultation required by the public is, from current evidence, unclear. Resolution of this issue will be a high priority at the start of the policy-making programme. About four years could be required to execute effectively a process that involves consultation with the public at each stage. The techniques employed for consulting the public should be well-established to minimise the risk of late delivery. The pacing of the research programme and developing momentum during its course will be important to maintaining an appropriate resource base during the research stage and having it available to the implementation phase.