Our challenge
Sellafield, in partnership with the Design Services Alliance (DSA), embarked on a transformative initiative to enhance innovation and workforce capability within its Engineering Design and Safety Case category. Facing challenges such as fragmented innovation efforts, outdated contractual frameworks, and a shrinking talent pool, Sellafield engaged ThinkOTB to develop a robust Category Plan and Strategy.
Our creative thinking
The focus was on empowering suppliers to deliver innovative solutions and investing in early-career professionals and underrepresented demographics. A structured engagement process—featuring interviews, workshops, and industry research—led to targeted recommendations, including aligning contracts with ISO 56000 standards, embedding outcome-driven KPIs, and fostering a “One DSA” collaborative culture.
Implementation centred around four key pillars: Commercial and Contracts, Culture and Behaviour, Collaboration, and Communications. Sellafield introduced specialist innovation teams, streamlined governance with digital tools, and launched mentorship schemes to preserve institutional knowledge and support talent growth. This strategic shift not only addressed immediate operational challenges but also positioned Sellafield and its partners for long-term success. By creating innovation hubs, enhancing STEM outreach, and developing a compelling employer brand, Sellafield is now better equipped to deliver safer, greener, and more efficient outcomes, setting a precedent for project delivery excellence in the nuclear sector.
