The UK Working Party on Criticality (WPC) is a non-executive national committee and sub-group of the Safety Directors’ Forum (SDF) focussing on criticality safety issues up to, but not including, experimental and in-core power reactor operations. The issues considered are relevant to fabrication, transportation, storage, and other operations relating to nuclear materials, for example, new build, enrichment, reprocessing, decommissioning and long-term waste management.
The WPC serves as a technical forum for organisations and individuals actively engaged in criticality safety in the UK. Members include nuclear site licensees, supply chain organisations and subject matter experts from across the sector. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) participates in an observer capacity, helping to ensure open dialogue and alignment with regulatory expectations, while preserving the committee’s non-executive status.
The WPC operates through a central working group and dedicated subgroups that focus on:
- Computational methods and modelling
- Professional development and training
- Development of industry good practice and guidance
- Engagement with international standards and technical bodies
Through these activities, the WPC promotes consistency, technical excellence and collaboration across the nuclear industry. Its work contributes to maintaining a high standard of criticality safety competence, supporting both operational safety and long-term strategic goals across the nuclear lifecycle.
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The WPC is a non-executive national committee
Its focus is on criticality safety issues up to, but not including, experimental and in-core power reactor operations. The issues considered are relevant to fabrication, transportation, storage and other operations relating to nuclear materials (e.g. new build, enrichment, reprocessing, decommissioning and long-term waste management). In addition to operational criticality safety issues, the current areas and items of interest include those specified below.
Nuclear Science
Maintain and update criticality safety handbooks, databases and experimental data, supporting the development and validation of safety codes.
Safety Methodology
Decommissioning
Emergency Arrangements
Professional Development
Provide training and accreditation for criticality assessors and operational staff, ensuring competence and standardisation.
Our Members
