PRESS RELEASE : DWP appoints new interim Chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 5 December 2023.

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the appointment of Dame Judith Hackitt as the new interim Chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), effective from 1 January 2024.

In her capacity as interim Chair, Dame Judith assumes the responsibility for ensuring that the ONR continues to regulate the nuclear industry efficiently and effectively on behalf of the public.

Minister for Pensions Paul Maynard said:

I am delighted to welcome Dame Judith Hackitt to the role of interim ONR chair.

I would also like to pay tribute to the ONR’s current Chair, Mark McAllister, for his contribution to nuclear safety and security for more than four years.

Dame Judith Hackitt said:

I am very pleased to take on the role of interim Chair of the ONR at this important time for both the regulator itself and for the UK’s energy strategy.

Nuclear is part of the Government’s strategy for meeting our country’s energy needs and to deliver at pace we need a strong and efficient regulatory regime in place to enable industry and provide public assurance.

With a wealth of experience and expertise from her various roles including Chair of HSE, directorship at Ingeniators, and advisory positions for Building Standards in the UK and Victorian Government in Australia, Dame Judith brings valuable insight to this important role.

Dame Judith will succeed Mark McAllister, who has served as Chair of the ONR since April 2019 before his recent appointment as Chair of Ofgem. Her appointment is for an interim period during which a recruitment campaign will be conducted to select the next permanent Chair for the ONR.

In her capacity as interim Chair, Dame Judith is entitled to an annual remuneration of £52,800, reflecting a time commitment of approximately 96 days per year.