UAE, Canada Unveil Groundbreaking Whitepaper on Nuclear Inspection Audits

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) of the UAE and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) have unveiled a pioneering Whitepaper, titled “Auditing Inspection Process—Nuclear Regulator,” at an event held on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference this week.

This inaugural Whitepaper represents a significant milestone in the field of internal audits within nuclear regulatory bodies. It underscores the critical role of internal audits by offering a comprehensive methodology for technical audits of regulatory inspection processes, including those pertaining to nuclear power plants and regulated materials licensees. The document introduces an innovative inspection audit framework with eight core elements, providing high-level guidance for auditing these processes.

The Whitepaper emerges from the collaborative efforts of the International Internal Audit Collaboration Working Group (IIACWG), established by FANR and CNSC in 2020. This group was formed to enhance global knowledge-sharing among internal audit functions in nuclear regulatory bodies. Through numerous meetings, the IIACWG has advanced best practices in internal audits, strengthening governance, internal controls, and risk management practices.

Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of FANR, emphasized the Whitepaper’s significance, stating,

“As global demand for nuclear energy increases, regulators face greater responsibilities. This innovative Whitepaper reflects the importance of international collaboration and will play a crucial role in enhancing governance, risk management, and operational efficiency.”

FANR has contributed key insights to the IIACWG, including elements of its Anti-Fraud Framework and Audit and Risk Methodology, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge with its Canadian counterpart. Internal audit functions within nuclear regulatory bodies are essential for providing independent assurance on corporate governance, risk management, compliance, and internal controls, driving continuous improvement and ethical integrity.

News Source: Emirates News Agency