Providing governance and oversight to ensure we remain compliant with laws, regulations, and ethical standards and actively monitoring financial performance and risk management.
I have been with NSAN since 2008 and I’m a highly skilled leader, manager and engineering professional with over 28 years in the energy, defence and utilities sectors. I have a unique mix of experience in both the private and public sectors with considerable skills in managing the complex interface between the two and have worked on and delivered multi-faceted projects in this complex environment in a diverse range of areas – strategic, technical, education and skills – there isn’t anything that I can’t find some sort of a solution for or make the right connection!
Away from work if I’m not being a taxi to two “teenagers”, I’ll be either at the gym, away in our VW camper with our beloved dog or in the kitchen practicing my “bake off” skills…..which normally involves me saying yes to a project I often regret from wedding cakes to birthday cakes.
I joined NSAN in May 2016 as a Client Relationship Manager, working as part of the Operations Team supporting our members in navigating skills and delivering training interventions. In June 2023, I proudly stepped into the role of Operations Director, overseeing a dedicated team that delivers skills, training, and competency management solutions to members and the wider nuclear industry. I also serve as company secretary and sit on the NSAN Board, helping shape the strategic direction of our organisation.
Before life at NSAN, I spent several years immersed in the world of education and training, helping companies embrace work-based learning and apprenticeships. However, my true passion lies in recruitment, which is where my career began after university. For over a decade, I successfully ran my own recruitment business, developing skills in building relationships and managing talent. Today, I apply these skills to benefit NSAN’s membership and customers, always focused on connecting people and creating opportunities for growth.
Outside of work, life is just as eventful. I have two amazing adult children, who keep me grounded, entertained, and occasionally remind me how out of touch I am with whatever new thing is trending online! When I’m not trying to keep up with them, I’m enjoying exploring new destinations and discovering the thrill of new experiences—whether that’s diving into a new hobby or traveling to places I’ve never been. I believe that life is a continuous adventure, and I’m always looking for the next chapter to add to the story!
Stacey Hatch is currently working for EDF as the Head of Performance Improvement at Hinkley Point C. Previously she spent five years with Magnox heading up Business Improvement, and more recently Talent, Learning & Development across the 13 nuclear decommissioning sites. Prior to that Stacey spent 15 years working for EDF across Nuclear Operations, NNB and the Corporate Support Function. Stacey is passionate about the sector and holds a Masters Degree in Nuclear Science and Technology. Having worked on the national skills landscape for a number of years, she has supported the DfE in the development of T levels and is a board member of an Education Trust in the South West. When she’s not at work, Stacey is at the side of a BMX track with her three children or planning her next holiday!
Richard serves as the Technical Director for AtkinsRéalis (AR) within the Aerospace Defence Security & Technology sector. AtkinsRéalis, a global leader, employs over 38,000 individuals, fluent in more than 70 languages, and representing 130 nationalities across six continents. Within the UK and Ireland alone, the company boasts a workforce of approximately 13,800 professionals operating nationwide.
The AtkinsRéalis Nuclear Defence market is dedicated to delivering integrated and collaborative services that support clients in achieving sustainable and successful outcomes. Their commitment is encapsulated in the mission of “Engineering a better future for our planet and its people.”
Throughout his distinguished career, Richard has held senior leadership and engineering roles within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) Teutates programme, and Sellafield Limited (SL) focused on Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel production and Intermediate Waste Management.
As a leader deeply committed to people, Richard has been passionately involved in enhancing and delivering skills and capabilities both within organisations and on a national level. His responsibilities have included serving as the MOD Head of Nuclear Skills, SDA Head of Engineering function, AtkinsRéalis ADS&T Engineering People & Culture Lead, and ED&I Champion.
Richard’s career is a testament to his dedication to advancing the field of engineering while fostering an environment of growth and inclusion for all.
Clare Sandman leads the People Directorate at an extremely exciting and pivotal moment for Rolls-Royce SMR as it focuses on the delivery of its SMR power station in the UK and to countries around the world that are seeking to strengthen their energy security with a long-term, low-carbon solution.
Previously, Clare led HR Business Partnering for Rolls-Royce SMR and has 27 years of experience as an HR practitioner. Before that, Clare worked at Ericsson, American Express, and in a range of financial services and research and innovation businesses.
Jo Skillen is currently working for Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), previously known as Magnox, in the capacity as the Head of People. Jo holds over 20 years of experience in nuclear; from operations, defueling and decommissioning. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise in people and project management; majoring on change management, stakeholder engagement and HR. Jo is passionate about the industry and firmly believes that it is the people who truly define its success. When Jo is not at work she is spending quality time, having fun and relaxation with her family, with three daughters who really define and shape her.
Stuart Yellowlees is a Board Director of James Fisher Nuclear Group which employs c400 people with locations in the UK, US and Germany. The Group delivers decommissioning, dismantling and remote handling solutions and a suite of world leading radiometric instruments to the international nuclear market.
He has a technical background in mechanical engineering, structural integrity, nuclear safety cases and project management in both the civil and defence nuclear sectors. More recently his career has focussed on the development of skills and the growth and transformation of businesses.
Before his current role at James Fisher Nuclear, he has held a number of senior positions including operations, strategy and sales director roles with both UK and overseas organisations. Stuart is a non-executive director of the National Skills Academy Nuclear continuing his personal commitment to skills development in the nuclear sector.
NSAN has welcomed North Wales Tertiary Alliance (NWTA) into its Nuclear Training Network, strengthening the link between education and industry to help develop the skilled workforce needed for the UK’s growing nuclear sector.
We’re delighted to share that NSAN has been named the WINNER for small-sized companies in the Non-Profit and Charities Industry in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.
NSAN has today launched a new online course providing an introduction to nuclear safety culture, helping learners understand the behaviours, tools and decision-making practices that support safe and effective work across the nuclear sector.
Whether your company is new to nuclear or you have been working in nuclear for a long time, NSAN has the expertise and capability to make a difference to your organisation.
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