Destination Nuclear
Safety Case Manager
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Embracing reinvention: it’s never too late for a career in nuclear.
After years as an NHS administrator, Dianne Roberts was eager for a new challenge, but worried that her age and lack of nuclear sector experience would be a barrier to entry.
Does your age dictate your ability to change careers in the later stages of your professional life? Dianne would challenge that notion.
The prospect of changing careers after 30 successful years in the NHS was daunting. While Dianne had held positions in different roles, including medical records and child protection, she lacked experience in nuclear.
"The NHS was a second home, but I needed a change," Dianne recalls. "At first, I was anxious about my lack of experience, but the many years I’d spent working in patient care and as a child protection secretary proved to be advantageous in nuclear safety.”
The A safety case advisor role at Sellafield caught Dianne's eye, and she wasted no time in applying. Despite having little experience in the sector, she was chosen for the role, launching a second career in nuclear safety. Sellafield, part of the NDA group, is home to more than 11,000 people setting standards in high hazard reduction as part of a 100-year project to transform the site for generations that follow.
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Diving into complexity.
The absence of a technical background made for a steep learning curve. Mastering nuclear safety cases meant learning about entirely foreign concepts and protocols. But her ambition and flexibility in fast-paced environments were key factors in her progression from safety case advisor to manager, where she led vital safety evaluations.
Within years, Dianne's diligence and collaborative approach earned her a reputation as a reliable and trusted member of the team, and she rapidly progressed to the safety case process methods team. Currently, Dianne shapes Sellafield's entire safety framework and works as a PMP manager, SME for safety case, DAP assessor, and committee secretary.
"Being entrusted with such an important role is a wonderful feeling, but it’s also a huge responsibility. You have to be so meticulous because there’s zero margin for error,” she says.
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Shaping the next generation of nuclear talent.
Dianne's contributions extend far beyond her existing roles. These days she is creating a lasting legacy as she works on training up the next generation of nuclear industry recruits.
For Dianne, true success is best when shared. She finds mentoring junior members of staff and being a facilitator for professional development programmes to be the most gratifying thing of all.
“There’s something so rewarding about mentoring others because not only am I helping them develop their skills, but I’m also developing my communication and mentorship skills,” she explains.
Dianne’s journey in nuclear safety has been truly inspiring. Her advice to anyone considering a late-stage career change? Do it. "I’m living proof that you are never too old to reinvent yourself. There’s so much opportunity and job security in this sector, my only regret is that I wish I’d made the change sooner," she says.
Are you open for new challenges like Dianne?
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