NWS Chair receives CBE from HRH Anne, The Princess Royal
Nuclear Waste Services’ Adrienne Kelbie has been honoured with a CBE for services to nuclear and inclusion
Adriènne Kelbie CBE with HRH Princess Anne
Adrienne, who has been independent non-executive Chair of Nuclear Waste Services since January 2022, has been honoured for her services to the nuclear industry and inclusion at a ceremony in Windsor Castle last week.
Adrienne, who appeared before HRH Anne, The Princess Royal, has been an influential figure in the nuclear industry for over seven years, initially at the helm of the UK’s nuclear safety regulator, the Office of Nuclear Regulation (ONR), where she led its transformation into a more transparent, modern, and multiple award-winning organisation. She was also the first Patron of Women in Nuclear UK, championing the benefits of inclusivity, and challenging the sector to do better in attracting, retaining and promoting women to help meet the growing demand for talent.
Today, as well as her work for NWS, she is focussed on improving performance through inclusive cultures, working with a portfolio of clients as a Non-Executive Director, and being an advisor, an executive coach and an inspirational speaker.
Speaking of the ceremony, Adrienne Kelbie, said:
I never imagined this when I joined the Office for Nuclear Regulation in 2016! It’s such an honour to be recognised for work with and on behalf of all the people who work tirelessly for a safe and inclusive nuclear industry.
I am extremely passionate about the nuclear industry and the role nuclear energy has to play in supporting the delivery of the energy security strategy. The UK Government’s commitment to new nuclear highlights the importance of the safe stewardship of nuclear waste from generation to final disposal. I’m proud that my role as Chair can support this important work and that my portfolio enables me to support leadership excellence.
CEO of the NDA, David Peattie, said:
On behalf of the NDA, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Adrienne on this well-deserved recognition.
Adrienne brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to her role at NWS, providing inspirational leadership, and is admired by many in this sector for her dedication and hard work.
Adrienne’s passion for championing women and inclusivity in the workplace is helping us to continue to make the NDA group a great place to work.
CEO of NWS, Corhyn Parr, said:
Our whole team congratulates Adrienne for this momentous recognition. Her expertise, knowledge and infectious enthusiasm shapes our direction, bringing imaginative thinking to help us realise our vision of making nuclear waste permanently safe, sooner.
We are grateful for the energy and ambition Adrienne has brought to NWS in setting our new strategy and in establishing a sector-leading inclusive organisation, especially in achieving gender balance of 40 % female at all levels including the Board.
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) was created with the vision and purpose to make nuclear waste permanently safe, sooner. NWS brings together the UK’s leading nuclear waste management capabilities and is part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority group, which has a collective long-term mission to clean up nuclear sites safely, securely, and cost-effectively.
At NWS, diversity and inclusion is promoted through initiatives such as school workshops, work experience opportunities and mentoring, agile and flexible working and targeted leadership programmes for staff.
40% of the executive team and board members at NWS are women, and nearly half of all NWS staff are female with many operating at a nuclear licenced site. Four colleagues have already featured in the Northern Power Women, which celebrates inspirational women in nuclear, including Adrienne Kelbie CBE who has been awarded Transformational Leader of the Year and is named on the Power List.