Women in Nuclear UK (WiN UK) has today appointed Adrienne Kelbie, Chief Executive of the Office for Nuclear Regulation as its first patron.
WiN UK’s mission is to address the industry’s gender balance, to improve the representation of women in leadership, and to engage with the public on nuclear issues.
Jack Gritt, President of Women in Nuclear UK said:
'Adrienne has been a great supporter of our work and has spoken passionately in support of our cause and incentivised industry to support gender balance in their activities.
'Her role as Chief Executive of the ONR makes her an existing figurehead leading industry standards and will cement the view that diversity should be the accepted standard we all drive towards.'
The role of Patron will involve helping to gain Government and industry support on specific subjects to raise the profile of WiN UK, as well as to be an advocate for WiN UK’s activities at conferences and with the media.
Commenting on her appointment, Adrienne Kelbie, Chief Executive of the Office for Nuclear Regulation, said:
'As a leader, I focus most of my time in helping get the best out of excellent people and teams. I feel passionately that the best teams bring diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experience. So it is a great pity that, in the nuclear sector, women make up only 22% of the workforce. And it’s even fewer at board and senior levels.
'This is a great waste of talent in a sector facing growth and severe skills shortages, which a more diverse workforce could tangibly address. So I’m pleased to be able to work with WiN to increase the profile of this important matter.'
The announcement was made at the ONR’s annual conference, held in London on 1 November.