‘Our People’ is a regular feature, focusing on the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s staff and the work we do every day to help keep the nuclear industry safe and secure.
It aims to bring our jobs to life while increasing understanding of our role among our different stakeholders.
Today, we learn more about Jerome Allison, a Nuclear Safety Equivalent Inspector, who works in ONR’s Transport Team and New Reactors Division.
Jerome joined us in 2019 as part of the two-year nuclear graduate scheme after completing a five-year integrated Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Aberdeen.
During his time on the scheme he also achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Nuclear Technology at the University of Manchester.
During the last four years, Jerome has worked across several different ONR divisions to gain experience and to develop his regulatory knowledge and skills.
He is currently working in our transport team, who are responsible for regulating the transport of radioactive materials (Class 7 goods) by road, rail and inland waterways within Great Britain.
It’s a busy role that requires travel around the country inspecting premises and meeting dutyholders who transport radioactive materials.
Jerome said: “Transport dutyholders come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are large organisations employing hundreds of staff and others may have just a couple of employees, so it’s certainly varied.
“Many of the dutyholders we regulate are carrying out important work and may, for example, be transporting radioactive materials to hospitals, like X-ray equipment, radiopharmaceuticals and sterilisation equipment, so it’s vital they do this safely.
“I particularly enjoy going out and meeting dutyholders to carry out inspections at premises. Being able to give advice as well as pose constructive challenges when necessary, to influence and bring about improvements, is one of the most rewarding parts of this job.”
During his time at ONR, Jerome has also completed a 12-month secondment at Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR) to develop his knowledge and understanding of SMRs and Advanced Nuclear Technologies, which he is now applying to regulatory work in our New Reactors Division.
Jerome’s next goal is to become a fully warranted nuclear safety inspector. He is currently completing his training, and subject to achieving the standards required, hopes to qualify in the next six months.
He added: “ONR is a very supportive organisation and I’m receiving excellent support as I work towards becoming a fully warranted inspector.
“The organisation has a lot of very experienced inspectors, who are a great source of knowledge, so it’s great to be able to tap into that.”
Outside of work, Jerome is a keen sportsman and plays in his local basketball league, and also enjoys to snowboard.
His other hobbies are travelling and running, with Jerome set to complete his third half marathon later this year.
He’s also learning to DJ which he finds is a great way to unwind after a busy day, although Jerome adds that he’s not quite ready to play to an audience just yet!