1. Most of us want a satellite view into how to become an approved
Supplier in the nuclear supply chain………………………………
For those who have already worked in the nuclear supply chain – they will know that, unfortunately, it is not as simple as putting a satellite into space!
However, what we can say, from our experiences to date, is that there are a range of core competencies that are desired

2. DEMYSTIFICATION OF THE PROCESS
To become a supplier to the nuclear sector will require your organisation to follow a wide-ranging and sometimes extensive audit process.
Most supply chain opportunities will be with the Tier One contract holders such as Balfour, Kier, etc
Each Tier One contract holder has very different requirements
Getting through the due diligence process and audit is tough and you may not yet be ready.
However the scope of the opportunity is international as you will be developing expertise that is transferrable across the world

3. THE SUPPLIER APPROVAL PROCESS
TO BECOME A SUPPLIER TO MOST TIER ONES YOU MOSTLY NEED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
apply directly to that contractor through their own procurement portal and be verified by due diligence processes.
complete a full Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) to demonstrate compliance in the areas important to the main contract holder that piece of work.
to become a strategic partner for high value orders, suppliers are also required to comply with a full and detailed audit process to build confidence. They sometimes call this process –where they come into your company to audit you “kicking the tyres”

4. TIER ONE SUPPLIER CHECKLIST
CAPABILITY
To deliver the work in the timescales required
BUSINESS ASSURANCE
Financial stability & investment plan
Excellent SHE records (Safety, Health, Welfare, Environment) with no prosecutions
Good employee relations
Excellent quality records, processes and systems in place
Current accreditations and plan for enhancement
Staff development – training strategy, apprenticeships, CPD
TECHNICAL CAPABILITY
Capacity to deliver all packages of work required on time
Good IT systems, Information Security and Accurate traceability
Evidence of continuous improvement
Developing technology in products and services
A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE
Prepared to work collaboratively and in partnership
Responsiveness and enthusiasm

5. CONTENTS & CHECKLIST OF EVIDENCE TO BE PROVIDED
Section
Discipline
Evidence Required
1.0
Basic Company Information
VAT registration document
CIS scheme accreditation
Company type (sole trader etc)
Parent Company details
2.0
Company Overview
2.1 company organisation chart
2.3 Completed Value Capture form(s)
3.0
Management Systems
3.2 - Q A Certificate and Scope of Registration
3.4 - Sample Project Quality Plan
4.0
Design
4.7 – CVs of the named people
4.8 – Example / standard BIM execution Plan
5.0
Health, Safety & Welfare
5.2 - Health & Safety CV, roles and responsibility profile
5.3 - Health and Safety Policy
5.4 - SHE Training Matrix
5.5 - Competence policy or procedure
5.6 - Examples of inspections / meeting minutes
5.8 - Risk or Aspects register / table
Certificate
5.9 - RAMS example Change control procedure
Full copy of applicable licenses
Sub – letting procedure or work instruction
Health surveillance procedure or work instruction
Health CV
Drugs and Alcohol policy
Table detailing RIDDOR or significant accidents / incidents
Near Miss procedure or work instruction
Behavioural safety or management procedure FORS certificate or transport procedure
6.0
Environmental / Sustainability
Certificate
6.4 - copy of your organisation’s environmental aspects and impacts register
6.3 - CV, roles and responsibilities profile
6.6 - Competence policy or procedure
6.7 - Table detailing environmental incidents and or enforcement actions
6.8 - Near Miss procedure or work instruction
6.9 - Resource efficiency procedure or work instruction Sustainable purchasing procedure / work instruction
7.0
Employee Relations
7.2 - Evidence of PAYE Scheme
7.4 – Evidence of Holiday Scheme
Equality and Diversity Policy and Procedures together with statistics
7.7 - Copy of Trade Union Agreement
8.0
Information Security
8.2 - Certificate of BS ISO/IEC 27001:2005
9.0
Staff Development
None
10.0
Liquidation/Claims
11.0
Supply Chain & Partnering Arrangements
12.0
Finance
In the event that you file only a limited balance sheet to Companies House, please provide your latest management accounts
13.0
Bribery, Corruption, Fraud & Malpractice
Policies relating to fraud, malpractice, bribery, corruption etc
Modern slavery and human trafficking statement
13.7 – Policy or procedure for Counterfeit, Fraudulent, Suspect and Non-Conforming Items
14.0
Data Protection Law
14.1 – Data protection policy
15.0
Technical & Trade References
16.0
Additional Supporting Information
As found necessary
A SAMPLE PQQ CHECKLIST
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE FIRST PAGE FROM A TIER ONE PQQ DOCUMENT OF SIXTEEN PAGES.
THIS WOULD BE PART OF YOUR STAGE ONE BUSINESS ASSESSMENT AND YOUR COMPANY WOULD HAVE TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF COMPETENCY

6. CORE COMPETENCIES - SKILLS
One area in which you will need to demonstrate competency is investment in people.
This would be at all levels in the organization and, according to Costain, would be evidenced by:
A training strategy in place
Investment in early careers – Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Graduates
Investment in CPD with experienced staff
Developing competencies in all areas of business

7. CORE COMPETENCIES - SUMMARY
A range of capabilities are required by each contract holder
If you already supply to aerospace, automotive or defence you will probably be able to demonstrate many core competences already
The most important question to ask is “do you have the experience or capability to do the piece of work required”?
If you would like to leverage your Apprenticeship Levy, invest in core organizational skills or would like help in designing a training plan - speak to Industry Learning Solutions for independent advice and guidance.
Vivienne Compton, is CEO and Founder of Industry Learning Solutions Limited who work with supply chains in aerospace, automotive and new nuclear supporting skills, training and operational excellence.