ONR launches consultation on updated Safety Assessment Principles

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (“ONR”) has launched a public consultation on proposed revisions to its Safety Assessment Principles (“SAPs”).

The SAPs provide the ONR’s inspectors with a framework for making consistent regulatory judgements on nuclear safety cases submitted by dutyholders and requesting parties. 

Open from 27 July to 18 September 2026, the consultation invites input from nuclear operators, developers, industry bodies, stakeholders and the public. Feedback will help shape the final version of the revised SAPs, which the ONR expects to publish in December 2026.

The updated SAPs aim to strengthen the UK’s nuclear regulatory framework by aligning it with current legislation, international standards and recent technological and industry developments. The ONR says the changes will support more consistent, timely and proportionate regulatory decision-making across the sector.

The consultation forms an important part of the ONR’s response to recommendations made by the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce, which called for a review of guidance with revised tolerability of risk. 

If you would like to discuss the consultation further, or would welcome support in considering its potential implications and preparing a response, please do get in touch with a member of our nuclear team.

This article was written by Laura Tobin.