Lindsay Sedwards CFIOSH CSci MNucI
ABOUT YOUR CAREER
Describe briefly how your career has progressed to date?
Following my BSc degree in Environmental Science and Technology I moved from Yorkshire to Oxfordshire to work as a Nuclear Safety Consultant for AEAT. I then transferred to UKAEA and got more involved in conventional health and safety as well as writing lower category safety cases. I did a national diploma in health and safety and eventually became a Chartered Safety professional with IOSH.
My role developed further into the management of environmental issues which is when I achieved a diploma with IEMA. This meant I spent a lot of time out on site working alongside project managers on decommissioning projects.
After a couple of years working part time following the birth of my 2 children, I wanted a new challenge and took on the role of Decommissioning Project Manager with RSRL (formerly UKAEA). My SHE knowledge and experience really helped me in this role and I quickly became involved in the management of low level and very low-level radioactive waste and the transport of radioactive material. During this time I also studied part time for a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Science and Technology with a focus on decommissioning.
After many years of decommissioning project management, I joined the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Radioactive Waste Team as a Project Manager. Here I was responsible for managing the processing disposal of large quantities of legacy radioactive metals from the Nimrod synchrotron.
I now work for NUVIA as a bid manager, responsible for the delivery of the company’s bids to a range of clients across different industries. My work tends to focus on decommissioning and waste management projects. I have also recently become a Chartered Scientist through the Nuclear Institute and the Science Council.
Who or what inspired you to work in nuclear?
My love of the industry started when I spent a 12-month placement working for British Energy as part of my 4-year BSc degree. I was given the opportunity to travel around the UK to different power stations and met so many great people. I realised that there are endless opportunities and I knew that this is where I wanted to spend my career.
If you met someone new at a dinner party, how would you best explain your job and what it involves day-to-day?
My job is different from one day to the next. It includes managing/coordinating the temporary bid teams that develop the bids, bid authorship, reporting to associated stakeholders, client liaison and final delivery. I spend lots of time talking to people and in meetings. I work with people across the entire organization and particularly enjoy site visits.
What are the frustrations you encounter in your work?
Mainly the tight deadlines I work to and having to produce tenders over the holidays when there are limited resources.
How do you see your field developing over the next 10-15 years?
I think that there will be greater emphasis on companies being able to demonstrate sustainable practices and a diverse and inclusive workforce.
What are the biggest implications your work will/could have in the future?
As client budgets are squeezed and competition becomes fiercer, the bid team have to drive quality and innovation as well as driving costs down. In a world were everything is becoming more expensive this is a huge challenge for any bid manager.
Why did you choose to become a member of the Nuclear Institute and what do you value most about being a member?
The YGN first attracted me to the Nuclear Institute over 20 years ago and I made the most of all the great presentations and site visits available to me. This naturally led me to becoming a Nuclear Institute member and I am now Events Lead for the local branch of WiN (Women in Nuclear). I make the effort to attend NI events whenever I can as there are such a variety of events available and they give me opportunities to network with other members from across the industry. I get so much benefit out of my membership.
What motivates you to get involved in volunteering opportunities and would you recommend volunteering to others?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my career in the industry to date and feel passionate about encouraging young people (especially girls and young women) to pursue a career in nuclear. It is immensely rewarding and has helped me to develop my own skills, confidence and career. I particularly enjoy Outreach events where I can engage with the general public to try and change people’s perceptions of the industry and what it is like to work within it.
How important is nuclear professionalism and the Nuclear Delta definition?
The nuclear delta and nuclear professionalism is vital in ensuring there is a standard set of standards and behaviours to follow in a highly regulated industry. It sets a baseline for everyone to adhere to.
What would you say to encourage a young person to enter a career in nuclear?
Go for it. The industry is bursting with amazing opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines (new build, robotics, SMRs, fusion etc.). The industry has world class quality training and development programmes. Whatever point you are at in your career (Graduate, Apprentice or returner to work) there will be something for you.
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