Remembering John Gallagher
It is with great sadness that we share the news of John Gallagher’s passing after a period of ill health.
John has been a part of the Altrad family and the SCP team for over three years.
Joining the Project Controls team he has made good friends and supported a range of activities during his time with us.
John’s funeral will take place at Distington Hall crematorium at 12pm on Friday 20 June with the wake being held at The Swan Inn in Cockermouth.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.
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 Powerful PPI demonstration highlights the dangers of falling objects
As part of our continued focus on the Plant People Interface (PPI) Life Saving Principle, teams gathered this week for a live safety demonstration our Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) project led by John Dunleavey, SHE advisor for Severfield, part of our supply chain.
Held on site, the demonstration was attended by around 40 members of our workforce including operatives, supervisors, and safety advisors, many of whom regularly work in close proximity to plant and machinery.
SRP teams gathered for a live safety demonstration.
The purpose of the demonstration was to show the serious risk of entering a live PPI zone.
Using a MEWP, operating at approximately 10 metres high, the session highlighted what can happen if an operative walks into an active exclusion area beneath plant or equipment.
Watermelons were used to replicate the impact of falling tools or materials. The effect was immediate and powerful, clearly showing the force a small item can generate when dropped from height.
It reinforced the risk of serious injury or fatality for anyone who enters a restricted zone without authorisation or without the correct controls in place.
Watermelons replicating the impact of falling tools.
John Dunleavey said:
“This was not about shock tactics. It was about showing the real-world effects of what happens when we do not follow basic control measures. Seeing the damage caused to a watermelon helps make that risk tangible. We need everyone to respect exclusion zones and think twice before walking into a live work area.”
Anna Henney, NG Bailey trainee safety advisor, added:
“As safety professionals, we talk about the hierarchy of controls and the importance of physical barriers, but seeing it demonstrated like this really hit the message home.
"You cannot watch that and not think about how easily someone's life could change from a single mistake. It is a behavioural safety moment that sticks with you. Everyone on this site has a role to play in keeping each other safe. At the end of the day, the goal is simple, we all go home safe.”
Mark Atkinson, SRP health & safety manager, said:
“People Plant Interface (PPI) and falling objects remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatality in construction. This demonstration forms part of a wider campaign to reinforce the importance of maintaining clear separation between people and plant.
“Whilst the focus has been on PPI, we thought it would be pertinent to refresh the falling objects risk associated to the works, because the segregation serves two purposes for this scope of work."
Feedback from those in attendance was positive, with many commenting that the demonstration made the risks more real than any poster or briefing ever could.
This session is another example of how we are putting real safety conversations into practice, bringing people together, using simple visuals to reinforce serious messages, and making sure our workforce stays Knowingly Safe.
The Life Saving Principles were launched by the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Hub to supplement our Golden Rules.
To access materials relating to the Life Saving Principles you can go to: Life Saving Principles - All Documents or here: MoC Website: Folder ‘Life Saving Principles’.
  SRP Safety Energy contractor of the month: Altrad
The SRP Altrad team.
Congratulations to Altrad, this month’s Safety Energy contractor of the month on our Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) project. The award was presented by Jon Muir, SRP construction manager.
Altrad earned this recognition for their open and honest approach to safety. The team used a section of the recent PPI Stand Down to reflect on a managerial failure elsewhere on site that led to a near miss, sharing key lessons and outlining what is now being done differently to prevent it from happening again.
This level of transparency and learning demonstrates Altrad’s commitment to safety and their proactive attitude to maintaining high standards on site.
Jon Pyne, Altrad senior project manager, said:
"I’m proud of the team for stepping up and showing leadership during the PPI Stand Down. We didn’t shy away from a difficult conversation, we used it to reinforce our commitment to learning, raising standards, and most importantly, keeping people safe.
"Everyone on our team has a role to play in driving safety forward, and this award is a credit to their efforts."
Well done to everyone involved.
Strengthening MEWP safety across major projects
MEWPs being used on our SIXEP Continuity Plant.
As part of on-going efforts to reduce the risks associated with working at height, a newly revised Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) standard has been issued across major projects at Sellafield, incorporating valuable insights and lessons learned over the past 12 months.
Originally introduced in February last year, the MEWP standard was developed by the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Hub to enhance safety measures for working at height across all our projects.
This has led to the appointment of over 40 MEWP co-ordinators and the replacement of a host of MEWPs with models that now have enhanced safety features. New MEWP management plans were also introduced across the supply chain.
This updated version builds on that foundation, ensuring our practices remain aligned with the highest safety standards and reflect our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
Within the construction industry, incidents involving MEWPs occur at three times the rate seen in other sectors. We’re determined to stay ahead of that curve and ensure that everyone working with MEWPs is Knowingly Safe.
The use of MEWPs has increased significantly across major projects, driven by the progression of several in-flight projects through various construction phases. Over the past 12 months, the Hub has reviewed our progress and incorporated lessons learned into revision two of the standard.
Key updates to the standard:
Some of the key highlights are that it is now mandatory that all scissor platforms must have electronic secondary guarding as a feature. And the MEWP hazard screening sheet has been updated following 12 months of learning.
Additional clarity has also been added with new sections on disciplined MEWP operations and emergency arrangements following Hub feedback.
There is an updated criteria for defining complex tasks and definitions introduced for two-handed controls and intelligent anchor points – the latter in response to learning from one of our projects.
This revision marks a significant step forward in our journey to make working at height safer and more efficient. By embedding these changes, we continue to lead the way in construction safety and ensure that every team member working with MEWPs is equipped with the knowledge and tools to operate safely.
MEWP co-ordinators from each organisation are set to attend an upcoming Major Projects MEWP co-ordinator session. This session will cover the revised standard in detail, provide an opportunity to raise any issues or feedback, and include a meeting with Steve Harnwell, major projects delivery director, the executive sponsor for the MEWP standard.
Mark Atkinson, health and safety manager on our Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP), said:
“We are very proud of our MEWP standard. Its focus is beyond compliance and we believe powered access safety should be a culture, not a checklist.
“Powered access equipment is widely regarded as one of the safest methods for enabling work at height but, like any equipment, there is always scope for further improvements in its safe use.
“With work at height continuing to pose one of the most significant risks across major projects and broader industries, I believe this standard will keep us ahead of the curve.
“If you are not aware of it, and are influencing MEWP work within your organisation, please review the update and its safety critical information.”
To access the new MEWP standard go to: Major Projects Mobile Elevated Work Platforms Standard (PDD-HUB-STN-0020) or MoC Website: Folder 'MEWPS'.
SIXEP at 40
Sellafield’s Site Ion Exchange Effluent Plant (SIXEP) reached a historic milestone this month as it clocked up four decades of safe, dependable operations.
Best described as the kidney of Sellafield, the plant plays a vital role in receiving and filtering contaminated water from a range of nuclear buildings and processes.
Water used to store spent nuclear fuel and effluents from legacy waste stores and clean-up operations is piped into the plant and filtered to remove radioactive ions like caesium and strontium.
As a result, SIXEP has had a huge positive impact on our environmental performance at Sellafield, removing 99.9% of the radioactive ions from the water so it can be safely discharged to sea.
Demand for SIXEP is set to continue until the 2060’s as the site’s clean-up mission and fuel storage programmes progress, so we’re constructing the SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) to ensure it can keep doing its vital work.
SCP will integrate seamlessly with the existing plant to provide new sand bed filters and ion exchange vessels, as well as additional storage and waste management capabilities.
The SCP project team recently celebrated a significant delivery milestone as they completed the manufacture of 14 bespoke pump and valve modules that will form the inner workings of the plant.
This was supported by an extensive supply chain including West Cumberland Engineering Ltd who completed the final module manufacturing, intricate connecting pipework, and welds.
Once commissioned, these key components will work together to treat effluent from legacy buildings across the site including the First-Generation Magnox Storage Pond and Magnox Swarf Storage Silo.
This will help Sellafield to maintain its high standards of environmental safety and operational efficiency for many years to come.
Read more on gov.uk.
SIXEP feature on Sellafield's gov.uk website
Could you be a part of our Wellbeing Support Forum?
 As part of our commitment to our Golden Rule: ‘Be fit for work’ and to strengthen our mental health support, we are launching a Wellbeing Support Forum - and we want you to get involved, share ideas and help shape a more supportive workplace.
We have identified that we need a more collaborative approach across Major Projects, in line with our Mental Fitness Principles and our Life Saving Principle for Occupational Health.
And to bring the development and delivery of the Wellbeing Support Forum to life, we are looking for dedicated and passionate volunteers to be a part of a Wellbeing Support Team and be Wellbeing Support Ambassadors.
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The volunteers will come from across all parts of our Major Projects and from all levels of the workforce. They will play a vital part in helping develop and deliver mental health and wellbeing support for our workforce.
If you are interested, please scan the QR code (right) or follow this link: PDD Wellbeing Support Forum and fill in the registration of interest form.
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 Passing the Baton: Tracking the critical path on SCP
 Our SCP team has introduced a new way to keep focus sharp and spirits high — by literally passing a baton to the team currently holding the critical path.
The idea was born during a lead team meeting, where the importance of understanding and managing the critical path was front and centre. Each area senior project manager (SPM) was encouraged to identify the driving activities in their area and do everything possible to move off the critical path — ideally passing it on to someone else.
To bring this concept to life, Matt Barnett, senior project manager for SCP's services building, took the initiative to purchase actual batons. These serve as a fun, visual reminder of which team is currently in the hot seat.
Matt Barnett said:
“As it stands, the services building is on the critical path, so, we’ve received the critical path baton. My ask to the team is simple — when you get out of bed in the morning, your first thought should be: ‘How do I get rid of the critical path baton?’”
For those unfamiliar with the term, the critical path refers to the sequence of tasks that directly impacts the project’s timeline. Any delay in these activities can push back key milestones or even the entire project. That’s why it’s crucial to stay on top of it.
So, what does it take to pass the baton? Matt added:
“Work the plan, maximise opportunities, reduce risk — and get a bit of luck."
The project control team conducts regular schedule analysis to identify the current critical path, understand what’s driving it, and explore ways to influence it.
For now, Matt Barnett holds the baton — but the race is on. Who will be next?
 International Women in Engineering Day
 International Women in Engineering Day is taking place on Monday 23 June. It’s a world-wide opportunity to raise the profile of women in engineering and encourage more people to consider engineering as a career option.
This year’s theme is #TogetherWeEngineer. Throughout next week we’ll be proudly featuring some of our very own women in engineering, highlighting their roles in delivering major projects at Sellafield, and sharing what sparked their passion for pursuing a career in STEM.
We hope to encourage more young women and girls to take up careers in engineering.
Make sure to keep an eye on our LinkedIn page throughout the week.
Congratulations to Laura
Laura Wood, assistant quantity surveyor on our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) project.
We’re delighted to share that Laura Wood, assistant quantity surveyor on our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) project, has achieved a first-class honours degree in quantity surveying from the University of Salford.
Laura joined PPP from the Box Encapsulation Plant (BEP) project in March this year and has quickly become a valued member of the team. This academic milestone marks a significant step in her professional journey, and she is now focused on completing her route to becoming a chartered surveyor as part of her apprenticeship.
Congratulations Laura, on this fantastic achievement!
Congratulations to Taylor
 Taylor Hoskins, PPP senior health & safety advisor, has been admitted as a chartered member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
Taylor began the journey to Chartership last year after successfully completing the NEBOSH Diploma. Since then, Taylor has shown outstanding dedication to professional development and a strong commitment to raising health and safety standards across our projects.
This is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of Taylor’s hard work, and passion.
Well done Taylor – very well deserved!
 Upcoming Share & Learn webinars
 Our Share & Learn series, part of PPP's Development Hub offering, creates a regular drumbeat of engaging sessions delivered by internal and external subject matter experts covering a wide range of topics.
See what's coming up below:
Tuesday 24 June - Introduction to PPP's key performance indicators (KPIs)
Join colleagues from our commercial team who will provide you with an overview of the:
- PPP incentivisation model.
- The role and importance of KPIs.
- A summary of this year's KPIs.
Thursday 10 July - BEPPS2 spotlight
Join our BEPPS2 Team who will share more details about the major project:
- BEPPS2 project overview.
- What has been achieved to date.
- New approaches adopted.
- Next steps in the project.
For all previous Share & Learn sessions delivered this year, head over to the PPP SharePoint -
Past sessions include:
- An Introduction to Mindfulness.
- Neurodiversity - Panel Discussion.
- Cyber Security, Be Cyber Smart - Part 1.
- Cyber Security, Be Cyber Smart - Part 2.
- Investing in Inclusion and Diversity - why it matters.
- Dementia Awareness – Panel Discussion.
If you would like any further information on the Share & Learn series, or you have an idea for a future webinar, please reach out to .
Apprenticeship update: Important changes ahead
Are you considering a Level 7 apprenticeship as part of your career development?
An apprenticeship is a great way to learn while you work. You’ll gain hands-on experience and study towards a recognised qualification - all while earning a wage.
From 1 January 2026, government funding for Level 7 Apprenticeships will only be available to:
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Young people aged 16–21.
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Care leavers and those with an EHCP under 25.
If this pathway is right for you, now’s the time to act - you’ll need to apply and start before the end of 2025 to access current funding.
Things to consider:
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Have a discussion with your line manager and seek their support, you will need to apply and be ready to start this year.
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At least 8 hours/week during work hours for study.
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Balancing work, study, and personal life.
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Apprenticeships can last 15 months to 5 years.
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Self-discipline and motivation are key.
Learn more:
Visit the PPP Intranet Apprenticeship pages, or reach out to the relevant contact below:
 Open invite: Take part in charity football tournament
Apprentices for the Infrastructure Strategic Alliance (ISA) have organised a charity football tournament, open to all in the Sellafield environment, to raise funds for Calderwood House, Egremont - an emergency homeless hostel.
If you're interested in taking part, contact Ellie.Telford@morgansindall.com
Key information:
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Wednesday 16 July 2025 at 6pm.
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Westcroft Terrace, Whitehaven, CA28 6QA (Lowca Rugby Club).
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£5 entry fee.
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Refreshments and drinks are available.
Useful PPP links
Join over 8,900 followers on PPP's LinkedIn page
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