An Effective Approach to Assessing the Capability for Nuclear Safety at the CNSC

Abstract of the technical paper/presentation presented at:
IAEA International Conference on Challenges Faced by Technical and Scientific Support Organizations in Enhancing Nuclear Safety and Security: Ensuring Effective and Sustainable Expertise
October 15–18, 2018

Prepared by:
Sophie Yao and Melanie Rickard
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Abstract:

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has undertaken several initiatives to maintain core capabilities and organizational competencies that are essential to carrying out our important mandate over the long term. One such initiative is to rigorously evaluate our access to required scientific and technical expertise and infrastructure, both internally and externally. A self-assessment method of comprehensively collecting required capability information from CNSC operational staff will be described and the catalogue that was created from the capability information will be explained. Further, the approach used to evaluate the CNSC’s existing and future technical needs, based on a changing environment, will be discussed. Some potential capability needs and remedial steps will be presented.

Complementary to this work, the CNSC is investing effort to identify critical regulatory and technical competencies and articulate development and succession plans as a part of its strategic workforce planning activities. The implementation of our knowledge management strategy will ensure that both tacit and explicit knowledge, particularly at-risk knowledge, is safeguarded, accessible and shared. The differences and similarities between these initiatives were discussed as continuous improvements for the organization to maintain a healthy regulatory safety oversight culture.

To obtain a copy of the abstract’s document, please contact us at cnsc.info.ccsn@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or call 613-995-5894 or 1-800-668-5284 (in Canada). When contacting us, please provide the title and date of the abstract.