The first phase of a complex land preparation project, known as the Intermediate Level Waste East Zone (ILW-EZ), has been completed on the Sellafield site paving the way for future infrastructure projects that will support the site’s decommissioning.
The ILW-EZ project has been completed nine months ahead of schedule, achieving significant savings, and with exceptional safety performance – a testament to the highly collaborative approach taken by our partnership.
Derek Roberts, senior client lead, said:
“It has been a strong collaborative effort to get us to this point. The team has delivered the project with a good safety record and schedule performance whilst remaining under budget. Everyone should be proud of what has been achieved.”
After two years of complex planning, the project has seen ground and excavation works completed to prepare land equivalent in size to seven football pitches – 50,000m2. The team, including supply partners Keltbray, Flannery, G&AM Lawson, DSD Construction, and NG Bailey, has excavated 130,000m3 of material over 18 months to enable the construction of facilities which include our Lightly Shielded Store (LSS1). This facility will store thousands of intermediate level waste packages pending the future availability of a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).
Key to the savings achieved, the excavated material hasn’t gone into landfill and will eventually be reused when the site is remediated and returned to its end state.
Paul Bettany, head of project, said:
“I’m delighted we’ve reached this major milestone which is a critical enabler and sets the stage for future facilities to be built that will play a key role in the site’s clean up.
“Delivering projects of this scale in the complex environment of a nuclear site is not easy. Together, we have completed the works safely, exceeded our ambitions, and managed to close out the project ahead of schedule and under budget.
“This is an amazing effort from so many teams and our supply chain partners.”
Click here to watch the video to learn more and to hear from those involved:
As construction of our Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) progresses at pace, work to manufacture and test its specialist glovebox lines is well underway. Once SRP is commissioned, these gloveboxes will act as the beating heart of the plant, retreating and repackaging over 30,000 special nuclear materials (SNM) packages for long-term safe storage.
There are four glovebox lines being manufactured, consisting of more than 50 gloveboxes:
Group 400 Magnox Repackaging Line.
Group 410 THORP Repackaging Line.
Group 500 Residues Retreatment Line.
Group 300 Powder Retreatment Line.
The two repackaging lines are being manufactured and tested by NIS, and the retreatment lines are being manufactured and tested by Ansaldo.
Click here to watch part 1 of the video below to learn more about the importance of the equipment:
The Group 400 line recently completed Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and is now in a period of Integrated Works Testing (IWT). This IWT phase will see the gloveboxes fully assembled, powered up and undertake close to 400 operational tests to demonstrate the functionality of the equipment. It is an opportunity to fix anything that isn’t quite right and allows the team to test the process with dummy cans, rectifying any issues and providing confidence that the equipment can be delivered and installed safely on-site next year.
Click here to watch part 2 of the video below which features our commissioning engineers, based at NIS in Chorley, are testing the glovebox lines:
Sellafield has safely and securely managed plutonium since the 1940s, developing world leading expertise in the process and being recognised as the UK’s centre of excellence for plutonium management. The UK’s inventory of civil plutonium arose from the reprocessing of spent fuel undertaken over many decades. This was the process of taking used nuclear fuel and separating it into its component parts, one of which is plutonium which will remain radioactive and toxic for a considerable period of time.
It’s a mission of national significance and requires expertise across a vast supply chain. PPP currently works with 185 live suppliers who are delivering critical contracts across PPP. 49% of this live supply chain are SMEs, like NIS and Ansaldo.
SRP is one of Sellafield’s largest infrastructure projects and once commissioned will safely receive special nuclear material packages from existing storage locations across the Sellafield site before retreating them into new 100-year packages for safe storage. The SRP facility will enable all special nuclear materials to remain safe and secure in its store into the next century and beyond, and therefore plays a key role in delivering Sellafield’s purpose to create a clean and safe environment for future generations.
Safety is at the heart of everything we do across our Major Projects at Sellafield. It drives our decisions, actions and culture. The inaugural Knowingly Safe 24/7 Awards shone a light on those who truly embody championing safety across our projects and supply chain.
Programme and Project Partners (PPP) head of EHSSQ and assurance, James Lewis, said: “Every step we take towards our goal of Knowingly Safe is made possible by operatives and teams who are visible, but equally those who quietly lead by example.
“These awards are a way of shining a light on their individual and team contributions – which are the backbone of our safety culture.
“Safety is a team effort across major projects and no contribution should go unseen.
“We received so many nominations, showcasing the incredible efforts being made to keep everyone safe every day.
“The standard was exceptionally high, which made for some tough decisions, and this is a true reflection of the collaboration and commitment to safety across Major Projects.
“This year’s winners have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and care – going above and beyond to ensure the wellbeing of those around them.
“A sincere thank you goes out to everyone who took the time to submit nominations and congratulations to all our shortlisted nominees and our winners – you all help us on our journey to Knowingly Safe.”
Boots On Switch On PPI Award
The Boots On, Switch On, People Plant Interface award recognised a team or organisation that really stepped up during our recent PPI campaign – showing leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to improving safety around people and plant interactions.
We asked our projects and supply chains to lead and support us, and the response was fantastic.
Our winner was the Severfield PPI Improvements Team who embraced the PPI campaign from the start – reviewing work methods, identifying improvements, and even helping shape practical demonstrations for the wider site. Their enthusiasm and ideas helped bring the campaign to life.
The Severfield PPI Improvements team with their award, flanked by James Lewis, head of EHSSQ, left, and delivery director Steve Harnwell, right.
Our two shortlisted finalists also deserve recognition for their outstanding efforts:
The Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) Permit Improvements Team – This team introduced the Site Assist digital permit system, transforming how PPI is managed on-site. It’s improved communication, streamlined processes, and strengthened compliance across multiple contractors. A great example of innovation driving safer, more efficient working.
The SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) Aligned Delivery Team & Careys PPI Team – The SCP team, in partnership with Careys, delivered a powerful and practical safety stand down. From live demonstrations to bold visual aids and empowering plant operators, they created an experience that left a lasting impression and sparked real conversations about safer ways of working.
Knowingly Safe Champion
Our Knowingly Safe Champion Award is all about recognising individuals who go the extra mile to make sure their work is carried out in a Knowingly Safe way.
We had a lot of fantastic nominations for this category, which made narrowing it down no easy task. We short-listed five stand-out individuals – and from that group, we’re proud to say we selected not just one – but two winners!
Our winners were Steve Mitchell from March and Ian Reid from Altrad.
Knowingly Safe Champion Award – From left to right, James Lewis, head of EHSSQ, Knowingly Safe Champion award winners Ian Reid and Steve Mitchell, with Laura Doughty, head of strategy and stakeholders.
Steve Mitchell has set the gold standard for proactive safety engagement. With over 80 safety observations submitted this year, Steve consistently identifies and addresses potential hazards before they escalate.
He ensures compliance with Sellafield Ltd and Project Delivery Directorate (PDD) safety standards and never hesitates to reach out to the safety team when clarity is needed. Steve’s dedication is a shining example of what it means to lead by example.
Ian Reid joined the SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) project just eight weeks ago, but his impact has been immediate and profound. Drawing on years of experience across the Sellafield site, Ian has brought leadership, pride, and high standards to his team.
He’s known for his strong presence during POWRA and housekeeping discussions, and his exceptional three-way communication skills have earned praise from supervisors and scaffold engineers alike.
Special recognition also goes to our three shortlisted nominees who made this a tough category to call:
Pete Turner from Careys – Pete is a model of conscientious work and communication. He regularly exercises his stop work authority to ensure clarity and safety, and he’s always aware of how his tasks affect others. Pete’s attention to housekeeping and his commitment to leaving work areas clean and safe set him apart. His enthusiasm and strong communication make him a valued member of the team.
Steve Murdock from Cumbria Nuclear Solutions Ltd – As the project waste coordinator for the Civil Nuclear Constabulary Operations Unit (CNC OU) project, Steve plays a critical role in environmental protection and compliance. His meticulous management of waste segregation, skip logistics, and COSHH inventories has earned praise from Sellafield Ltd Intelligent
Client teams. Steve’s dedication extends beyond his role – he personally took on
improvements to quarantine arrangements following an incident, demonstrating his commitment to continuous improvement and safety excellence.
Darren Miles from Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick – Darren’s journey from operative to compound supervisor is a testament to his professionalism and drive. He has transformed the project’s waste management practices, eliminating non-compliances and introducing innovative solutions like a paint tin crusher and PPE
recycling. Darren’s initiative to donate reusable timber to local schools has created a lasting social impact. His work not only improves safety and sustainability but also strengthens community ties.
Knowingly Safe Supervisor Award
For the Knowingly Safe Supervisor Award, we looked for a supervisor who puts safety at the heart of everything they do. Whether it’s setting the tone for the day, leading by example, or supporting their team, these individuals make safety a priority every step of the way.
From left to right, James Lewis, head of EHSSQ, Robert Mellon of Design Grid and Brian Reid, of NG Bailey.
Our winner was Robert Mellon from Design Grid. Since stepping into a supervisor role over eight months ago, Robert has earned the full respect of his team and peers. He puts health and safety first in everything he does and was recently recognised with the Lindner Interiors’ Supervisor of the Year award for his commitment and leadership.
We had two more deserving finalists who deserve plaudits for their nominations:
Nigel Blacklock from Sir Robert McAlpine – Nigel is a long-standing and highly respected supervisor at SRM. Known for his calm leadership and deep site knowledge, he mentors others, leads by example, and brings a steady hand to every challenge. His return to work after a heart attack has only deepened the admiration and respect he commands across the site.
Ryan Martin from Severfield – Ryan is known for his openness, honesty, and high standards. He’s a strong advocate for the Knowingly Safe culture and has played a key role in improving Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) safety standards, even contributing to training content and video resources used across PDD.
Knowingly Safe Team Award
The Knowingly Safe Team Award recognises a group of individuals who consistently demonstrate safe behaviours and a strong safety culture in how they work together and deliver their tasks. Our winner’s dedication to building a strong, people-first safety culture is truly inspiring, and set them apart from the other very deserving finalists.
The Sir Robert McAlpine Site Establishment Team from BEPPS2 with James Lewis, head of EHSSQ, far left and Danielle Slattery, PPP head of lot 1, front right.
Our winner was the Sir Robert McAlpine Site Establishment Team from our Box Encapsulation Plant Product Store Two (BEPPS2). This team has set the tone for safety from day one. They lead by example – using Stop Work Authority confidently, maintaining tidy work areas, and creating a supportive, people-focused safety culture. Their approach is proactive, inclusive, and built on mutual respect.
Our congratulations also go to our shortlisted finalists:
SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) Construction Team including Altrad, Mammoet and their supply chain – The SCP team showed what great planning and teamwork look like during the delivery of the Bulk Storage Tank. From daily readiness reviews to post-job learning, they demonstrated strong communication, collaboration, and a clear commitment to doing the job safely – even when it meant pausing to rest and reset.
Dale Barcock, Barry Boyd & Martin Kellett – This trio has played a key role in raising safety standards around trench support and temporary works. Their leadership has not only improved safety but also boosted efficiency across the project – proving that safety and productivity go hand in hand.
Knowingly Safe Rising Star Award
The Knowingly Safe Rising Star Award recognises someone early in their career who’s made an immediate and meaningful impact. These are the individuals who bring energy, fresh ideas, and a real passion for safety – people who don’t just follow the rules, but actively shape the culture around them.
From left to right, James Lewis, head of EHSSQ, Lauren Johnston, of Amentum, and Thomas Hyland, of Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick.
Congratulations to our winner, Lauren Johnston, from Amentum, who works on our Civil Nuclear Constabulary Operations Unit (CNC OU) project. Lauren joined the CNC project just over a year ago and has quickly become a key figure in driving health and safety across the consortium. From rolling out new site-wide procedures to leading fire safety planning and training, Lauren has shown leadership well beyond her years.
Her work has helped raise compliance standards across the board – and her commitment has been recognised with a RoSPA Gold Award for the project. She’s seen as a go-to person by everyone on site.
There are a lot of talented rising stars across major projects and recognition is definitely deserved by our two shortlisted finalists:
George Tyson from Sir Robert McAlpine – Box Encapsulation Plant Product Store Two (BEPPS2) – George is a working supervisor and safety rep at SRM who leads from the front. He’s approachable, proactive, and always ready to raise concerns or share ideas to improve safety. Whether it’s through toolbox talks or informal chats, George promotes a culture of openness and responsibility. His influence on the ground is clear – and his passion for safety is contagious.
Stacie Davies from Altrad – Since joining the SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP), Stacie has taken the lead on mental health in a way we’ve never seen before on PPP. She organised an off-site event with three specialist speakers, tailored to different learning styles and focused especially on site operatives – who often miss out on this kind of engagement. It’s a fresh, inclusive approach that’s already making a difference, and it’s just one of several initiatives Stacie is driving forward.
Knowingly Safe Innovation Award
Innovation and learning is a key part of building a safer future – and that’s exactly what our Knowingly Safe Innovation Award is about. It recognises an individual, team, or organisation that has gone above and beyond to bring new thinking, smarter solutions, and meaningful improvements to safety – whether that’s through technology, process changes, or lessons learned that benefit the wider industry.
We received some truly impressive nominations for this category, and it’s clear that innovation is happening all the time across our projects.
The i3 Coatings Team from SRP receive their award from James Lewis, head of EHSSQ, far left and Kim Chester, PPP head of lot 2, far right.
Our winners of the Innovation Award were the i3 Coatings Team on our Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP). The i3 team has taken a proactive, data-driven approach to health and safety on the SRP project. They’ve introduced real-time monitoring for vibration and dust exposure, using wearable tech and integrated analytics platforms – giving supervisors live alerts and enabling immediate action. They’ve also trialled slip-resistance testing and upgraded respiratory protection, all with the goal of protecting workers and improving long-term health outcomes. It’s a brilliant example of how technology and evidence-based thinking can drive real change.
Innovation doesn’t just mean new gadgets – it means thinking differently, challenging the norm both on Sellafield and within the industry, and finding better ways to keep people safe, so congratulations to all our shortlisted finalists:
The Sunbelt Powered Access Team – Sunbelt has made a major impact on safety at height – investing in new technologies like the EQSS Over Watch system for scissor lifts and supporting its roll-out across over 100 MEWPs on Sellafield projects. They’ve also led the way in digital planning tools, using building information modelling (BIM) and augmented reality to help teams choose the right equipment and reduce risk before work even begins. Their commitment to innovation and collaboration is helping raise the bar across the industry.
The Architectural Fit Out Team on Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) – Faced with the challenges of traditional decontamination paint methods, this team took a step back and re-imagined the process. They explored alternative materials, collaborated with suppliers, and developed a brand-new panel system specifically designed for Sellafield. The result? A safer, faster, and more efficient solution that reduces dust, noise, and hand, arm, vibration syndrome risks – and has the potential to be adopted across the wider nuclear sector. It’s a fantastic example of innovation driven by both safety and practicality.
Courage to Care 24/7 Award
This award is something truly special – the Courage to Care 24/7 Award. This award recognises someone who lives our Knowingly Safe values not just at work, but out in the wider community.
It’s for those who go above and beyond to make a difference in people’s lives – showing care, compassion, and leadership when no one’s watching and there’s no spotlight.
From left to right, James Lewis, head of EHSSQ, Danielle Bailey and Craig Peggie, of Sir Robert McAlpine.
The award went to Danielle Bailey from Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, who works on our Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) – Danielle has made a huge difference through her work on mental health – both inside and outside of work. As co-chair of the SRP Mental Health First Aiders Forum, she’s led initiatives like Wellbeing Wednesdays, which include on-site support and off-site group walks to encourage open conversations. Her leadership has helped create a culture of care and connection across the team.
The actions of all our nominees remind us that safety and wellbeing don’t stop at the site gate – they’re part of who we are, every day. Special recognition goes to the shortlisted finalists:
Tom Maguire from KBR – Tom has dedicated over 500 hours of voluntary service as a Special Constable with Cumbria Police – on top of his full-time role in PPP/KBR. He works weekends, takes on the same risks as regular officers, and is even training for blue light response. Tom’s commit-ment to public safety is a powerful example of courage and care in action.
Sebastian Zurek from Careys – Sebastian is a true community champion. From charity walks and local projects to helping elderly neighbours and restoring a memorial bench – he’s always looking for ways to give back. He brings the same care and professionalism to his day job, making his impact even more inspiring.
Knowingly Safe Leader Award
The Knowingly Safe Leader Award recognises one of our many outstanding leaders who consistently champions the Knowingly Safe culture. This award is about more than just job titles. It’s about the individuals who lead by example, who empower others to speak up, and who create an environment where safety isn’t just a priority – it’s a shared value, embedded in everything we do.
Our Knowingly Safe Leader Award winner John Leslie, centre, with James Lewis, head of EHSSQ, and Susan Mackenzie, corporate head of safety, safeguards and quality.
Across the programme, we’re fortunate to have many brilliant leaders who fit that description but our winner truly embodies what it means to be a leader on a major project.
Congratulations goes to John Leslie, from Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and project director of our Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP). John’s leadership is consistent, visible, and grounded in genuine engagement with his team.
He always makes time – whether it’s to support a colleague, reinforce safety expectations, or simply listen. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the safety culture at SRP.
Under his leadership, the team has created an environment where people feel confident to report concerns, near misses, and incidents without hesitation.
In fact, earlier this year, there was a noticeable shift in reporting behaviours – driven by his encouragement and example – which has had a lasting positive impact on the project’s safety performance.
Knowingly Safe Supply Chain Award
The Knowingly Safe Supply Chain Award recognises our many brilliant supply chain partners, who all contribute to making our projects and our site Knowingly Safe.
The award went to a partner who really excels in their commitment to being Knowingly Safe and consistently contributes to the wider programme through sharing learning, bringing new innovations and just demonstrating excellence in everything they do.
Knowingly Safe Supply Chain award – Representatives from NG Bailey celebrate their award win with James Lewis, head of EHSSQ, far left and John Rossiter, PPP’s head of supply chain and commercial, far right.
After much deliberation, the winner was NG Bailey, who continues to raise the bar when it comes to safety performance and innovation.
They’ve brought fresh ideas and technologies into the Safety Hub, consistently delivering high standards in Safety Energy and compliance. Their leadership team is highly visible and engaged, and their focus on SQEP has helped drive a culture of competence and accountability.
Operatives and supervisors from NG Bailey are regularly recognised for their positive contributions to project safety and for supporting wider programme initiatives. They are a strong, consistent presence in the Safety Hub and a valued partner.
This award proved tough to narrow down to just three nominees, given the excellent partners we have within our supply chain, but praise also goes to our shortlisted finalists:
Keltbray – Keltbray has shown a clear commitment to improving safety culture and workforce engagement across the programme. What really sets them apart is their proactive involvement in the Safety Hub – despite not being required to participate, they’ve actively sought out opportunities to contribute and be part of the solution.
They’ve also been pioneers in People Plant Interface (PPI) safety, leading the way with proximity warning systems and playing a key role in shaping the early development of the PPI standard. Their forward-thinking approach and willingness to collaborate have made a real impact and paved the way for the standard to take shape.
Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick – Firstly, BBK have been a truly proactive and committed member of the Safety Hub since its formation, supporting a range of initiatives and always bringing a collaborative mindset. One stand-out contribution has been their work on fatigue management, including a trial with a leading third-party provider to explore new ways of managing this critical risk which has typically been difficult to control across the industry. In addition, their leadership has shown strong commitment to safety, and their workforce continues to deliver high standards across the programme. BBK’s willingness to engage, share learning, and support innovation makes them a key player in our collective journey towards Knowingly Safe.
Delivery Director, Steve Harnwell, who attended the event, said: “What’s important is that we do recognise good safety behaviours and where people, most of the time, will do everything right and keep people safe.
“Sometimes we get too focused on the negative side of safety where somebody is hurt, or something hasn’t gone to plan.
“It’s really important to look and learn, but what we shouldn’t lose sight of is when people are doing it well, and we should thank people for it because that’s how we get a better culture, a better attitude and ultimately a better form of safety.”
PPP brings together industry leaders to help Sellafield Ltd deliver one of the country’s largest portfolios of complex major projects, creating facilities that support the site’s decommissioning activities.
Since mobilising in 2019, the Programme and Project Partners (PPP) has awarded more than £3 billion in contracts – and are now working with around 200 suppliers from across the UK, with 40% based in the North-West region, and 49% of its suppliers are SMEs.
Our latest Supplier Spotlight features our supply partner, Bendalls Engineering, who has a long and proud history with Sellafield Ltd.
Bendalls are based in Carlisle, just 50 miles from the Sellafield site, and are producing tanks, vessels and instrumentation that will be vital components for our major projects, including the SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP).
They are also playing their part in leaving a lasting legacy in the community by developing their Skills Academy.
In partnership with Lakes College, the Skills Academy aims to strengthen and retain key skills through bespoke apprenticeships to grow and retain Cumbria’s manufacturing workforce and capability.
Watch the video, by clicking here, to learn more about Bendalls Engineering, their work, and how their Skills Academy is building critical skills in the West Cumbrian area.
Networking can be a daunting prospect to some smaller businesses or voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations – so Sir Robert McAlpine is trying to help them bridge the gap.
Over the past year Sir Robert McAlpine has promoted guest invitations to business networking events, offering introduction and access to potential supporters and customers to support growth and resilience of small and VCSE organisations.
These have been offered through Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership, Phoenix Enterprise Centre and TEG Retail.
And most recently, Emma Wells, from VCSE organisation Unseen Victims, was extended an invite to a Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) Networx event.
Micro organisations, start-ups and VCSEs frequently do not have the connections and finance to access business networking. Networking can also be intimidating, particularly with larger organisations yet it is invaluable in terms of business growth and sustainability.
Claire Louise Chapman, SRM Social Impact Lead, said: “So many of our business network events offer the opportunity for guest attendance, and it’s a simple, yet really impactful thing for Sir Robert McAlpine to offer for small enterprises and local charities.
“It’s nice making connections with local organisations, demonstrating our commitment to West Cumbria.”
Emma Wells, of The Unseen Victims Project, added: “I really enjoyed the event and found the speakers very interesting. I met with some lovely individuals from organisations who seemed engaged with The Unseen Victims Project, and invited me to expand on our discussions further, in the future.
“Thank you once again for affording me this opportunity. I am sure that any others who are offered this chance in the future will come away from the event feeling how I have done.”
The seventh PPP Quality Hub was plenty of collaboration and information gathering.
Representatives from PPP, the client, Key Delivery Partners and the wider supply chain came together to share learning and knowledge across the quality spectrum.
The theme for the morning was Counterfeit Fraudulent and Suspect Items (CFSI) and how it underpins Nuclear Safety.
The afternoon slot focussed on PPP’s right first-time philosophy, inspection data and improvements to Quality Control ‘Special Processes’.
PPP Head of Quality, Dave Parkinson, said: “Once again our Quality Hub was well attended by our supply chain partners, PPP ADT and PDD representatives and project services functions.
“The themes both provided opportunities to reduce time and cost and address some frustrations.”
Quality Hub is informative event
Tom Dillon, Client Quality Lead, added: “The collaboration between the wider PPP project, ADT and supply chain is what makes this hub special.
“It allows us to share learning and knowledge and gives suppliers the chance to ask questions and gain a better understanding.”
John Griffin, SWMRF Project Director, said it was a really useful and informative event.
He said: “I would recommend any project director or SLT member to come along once a quarter and find out the key issues that are facing the programme, and the wider quality sector.
“It is really useful to keep abreast of what is happening, and bring that knowledge back to your project, so you can put things in place early. This ensures that we have quality products from day one and we are right, first time.”
Stephen Parks, Quality Manager for the Nuclear Division of Hyde Group Ltd, has been at all seven of the Supply Chain Quality Hub events.
He added: “I think it is making a real difference. It gives us an awareness of what our clients are looking for.”
Programme and Project Partners (PPP) at Sellafield has awarded its final Key Delivery Partners (KDPs) to complete pioneering Tier 2 enterprise.
Altrad Support Services and KAEFER UK & Ireland have signed a multi-million-pound-a-year contract to deliver access solutions, insulation and painting services on PPP and help deliver major projects at Sellafield.
The framework agreement totals approximately £180m over the life of the partnership and sees Altrad Support Services and KAEFER become the final of 10 KDPs to join the PPP enterprise.
As the partnership celebrates its fifth anniversary, the completion of the KDP procurements marks a major milestone for PPP and will strengthen its capability to transform major project delivery at the Sellafield site, the birthplace of the UK’s nuclear industry. The announcement also comes in the same week that PPP Lot Partner KBR opened a new office in West Cumbria, further future-proofing relationships between PPP, its supply chain and the local community.
The last of the KDP frameworks are part of the partnership’s multi-project procurement model, which encourages long-term collaboration throughout the supply chain, enhancing project delivery and maximising economic and social impact in the West Cumbria region.
PPP has built on Sellafield Ltd’s radical approach to follow a collaborative ‘Project 13’ model when engaging the four PPP Lot Partners for its 20-year major project delivery programme to support the site’s decommissioning. It has taken it an unprecedented two further layers down the supply chain by engaging the main construction contractors through the KDP frameworks, but also with their suppliers on a similar collaborative basis, with the focus now being on developing Tier 3 enterprise partners.
The PPP approach is a first of its kind, developed to draw on the unique expertise brought from each partnering organisation. It is already helping to achieve significant firsts for the nuclear industry and is seeing benefits from quicker engagement and reduced overheads through early contractor involvement. This is helping the partnership realise significant business case benefits and its Critical Success Factors, such as leading the way in safety initiatives and improvements in project delivery excellence through an integrated approach to pipeline management, resourcing, design and governance.
With more than 100 years of work ahead at the site, Sellafield is becoming one of the largest infrastructure projects in the North, generating growth and employment in Cumbria, the North-West of England and beyond.
John Rossiter, PPP’s Head of Supply Chain, said:
“To award the final KDP frameworks and complete the PPP enterprise is a proud moment for everyone involved in the partnership. PPP is changing the dial, creating an enterprise based on commercially aligned, incentivised, long-term contracts, which give surety of work, confidence to invest in the region and puts small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) innovation into the earliest stages of project delivery. The KDPs’ key suppliers are often SMEs that will benefit after PPP from the long-term engagement.
“We’re delighted to welcome Altrad Support Services and KAEFER on board to deliver the access solutions, insulation and painting services framework over the course of the partnership. Now we have completed our core structure, we’re looking forward to building a deeper collaborative ecosystem through multiple supply chain tiers so we can meet our collective commitments and continue to improve major project delivery.”
Paul Raper, Altrad’s Nuclear Decommissioning Director, said:
“We are privileged to be part of this award-winning, collaborative partnership, which reflects the finalisation of the KDP framework delivery model. We look forward to working with the Programme and Project Partner teams and the partner companies to collectively enhance the delivery of major projects at the Sellafield site.
“The 15-year framework enables us to build on our 35-year relationship with Sellafield Ltd, while delivering long-term, sustainable projects which provide local employment opportunities and social value to the West Cumbria community.”
Nick Walters, KAEFER UK & Ireland’s Director for Nuclear and Defence, said:
“We are delighted to join PPP at Sellafield. KAEFER has supported the Sellafield site and local supply chain for over 20 years, with reliable, efficient, and technical industrial services. This award helps secure long-term career paths and development for our existing employees, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for new recruits to enter the nuclear industry with KAEFER. We look forward to getting started on delivering some exciting projects in collaboration with our partners.”
To view the full list of KDPs and frameworks, visit our new CompeteFor page.
Two NG Bailey electricians have been hailed for a critical safety intervention that potentially halted a serious incident.
Greg Henderson and Daniel Dickinson were working for NG Bailey on the Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) when they had a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) delivered to the site.
During the initial pre-use checks of the Skyjack Scissor MEWP, they discovered that the protective handrail around the basket had become detached, due to a fault with the securing bolt that holds the two handrail sections together.
This quick identification and action prevented a potentially serious incident to keep everyone on PPP Knowingly Safe.
In recognition of their diligence and commitment to safety, Greg and Daniel were presented with Value Awards by Kent Fearon, NG Bailey – SRP Safety Manager.
He said: “This incident highlights the critical importance of the pre-use checks on equipment.
“These awards celebrate individuals who go above and beyond, clearly demonstrating our core values, particularly regarding safety. Well done, Greg and Daniel, on your outstanding contribution.”
Colleagues on BEPPS2 took time out last week to focus on World Environment Day and how what we do today can affect future generations.
Sarah Dickie, SHE Advisor, created a presentation shown to all site-based personnel, focussing on UN sustainability goals, the impact on the environment globally and locally due to environmental changes.
A short session on the BEPPS2 spills procedure and basic spills training such as source, pathway and receptor, was conducted. This culminated in an on-site spills kit exercise with the on-site team.
Christopher Clark, SHE Manager for BEPPS2, said:
“We reflected on how we can influence future generations to improve and protect the environment and how we can make personal environmental pledges to do our bit for our world and the environment, this included some practical examples.
“Overall the session was really well received by our teams and we have had some really positive feedback through observation cards and the QR code.”
In our new series, we promote and highlight the incredible work being carried out by our supply chain partners – meet local SME William King Construction.
Our ‘Supplier Spotlight’ series will get behind the scenes with our supply partners through insightful interviews with key players and provide a glimpse into the expertise they bring to PPP, their work in the local community, and much more.
Since mobilising in 2019, our partnership has awarded contracts with a potential value of £3 billion to support the delivery of our long-term infrastructure programme.
What’s more, we are now working with around 200 suppliers from across the UK, with 40% based in the north-west and almost 70% being small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
One of these SMEs is William King Construction, founded by William and Lisa King, and based less than 10 miles away from the Sellafield site in Cleator Moor.
Watch the video here to hear from managing director Will and commercial manager Shawn Ackerlay who explain the firm’s history from humble beginnings to winning multi-million-pound contracts to carry out work on our major projects at Sellafield, plus the team’s passion for hiring local apprentices, the innovative ways they are engaging school children to promote rewarding careers in bricklaying, how they are working collaboratively on PPP, as well as giving advice to others wanting to join our supply chain.
