Terms of Reference

Nuclear Skills Strategy Group – terms of reference

Purpose

The Group is the lead strategic skills forum representing the nuclear industry’s skills demands in the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to secure the required supply of suitably qualified and competent personnel for the current and future needs of the UK’s nuclear sector by providing the strategic direction on skills infrastructure, processes and training provision.

Responsibilities

1. Develop a long-term Skills Strategic Plan for the nuclear sector, with reference to the Government’s Nuclear Industrial Strategy
2. Advise and influence UK Government departments and Devolved Administrations on nuclear-related skills policies and interventions such as the Nuclear Sector Deal
3. Oversee the development and maintenance of skills-related standards for the industry, aligned to international standards set by the World Association of Nuclear Operators & the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations
4. Review performance and effectiveness of the agreed implementation activities
5. Direct skills solutions from relevant support bodies as appropriate
6. Encourage collaboration and learning within the sector and the adoption of best practice in developing the workforce
7. Secure commitment for employer investment (in combination with public funds) in skills development, education and R&D
8. Provide leadership, direction, focus and priorities to bodies and associations in the skills system
9. Ensure the capability and capacity of the skills delivery system is meeting the needs of the industry, including schools, colleges, universities and other training providers

Key Deliverables/Outputs

• Nuclear Skills Strategic Plan document
• Skill solution definitions / requirements
• Policy review reports and recommendations
• Stakeholder Engagement Plan
• Reports to Nuclear Industry Council as necessary
• Communication Strategy
• Nuclear Strategic Curriculum Review
• Nuclear Apprenticeship Survey

Governance

• The Group will report to the Nuclear Industry Council, taking responsibility for the "People" workstream of the Nuclear Sector Deal 
• The Group may decide to create other sub-groups as necessary
• The Group will be facilitated by Cogent Skills who will provide strategic support services

Chair

The Group will be chaired by a senior executive from a nuclear industry employer. The chair will be elected by the Group from among its membership for a two-year period.

Membership

The Group’s membership comprises major employers in the civil and defence segments of the UK nuclear industry including power generation, new nuclear build, defence, decommissioning, waste management, research & development. The membership selected are those organisations who are currently responsible for the major expenditure and timescales that define the sector skills requirements, so they provide the industry insight into the current and future skill demands and priorities.