Earlier this month, WINS spoke with Megan Fearon, Security Strategy and Policy Advisor at Sellafield on her new appointment as WINS Academy Ambassador. She discussed what inspired her to become a WINS Ambassador in the first place as well as the importance of why including more women into nuclear security is crucial.
1.) What was your elective for the WINS Academy? Why did you choose it?
I chose the Nuclear Security Programme Management Course as it combined two of my main interests. My first interest being security, more specifically nuclear security. My interest started when I studied security as part of my degree in Contemporary History and Politics in the UK, particularly Cold War nuclear espionage. I am now the process manager for our physical security on our site, ensuring we are compliant to our legal obligations stated in our nuclear site security plan and that processes are effective to support the development of physical protection systems.
My other interest is management, as I have recently undertaken a Diploma in Leadership and Management as part of the Chartered Management Institute. Although I had lots of theory on leadership skills, I did not necessarily understand how to apply this theory within my role. Therefore, when I looked over the syllabus for the Nuclear Security Programme Management course, it was the obvious choice. The course combined both of these aspects perfectly, and from the outset, I could see how it would improve my day-to-day role but also aid my development in becoming an important nuclear security leader in the future.
2.) What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
I found there is a lack of professionalisation across security, and especially within the niche industry of nuclear security. Progression is normally based on time served, and those starting their careers in industry need to prove their competence in other ways. I have already seen the benefits of enrolling to the WINS Academy, and I have been able to feedback my learning to the wider teams.
I applied to become a WINS Academy Ambassador as I want others to feel empowered to challenge, contribute, and be trusted to make changes across nuclear security. Having this certification while in the process of gaining experience, is a very significant driver for that. The WINS Academy was recommended to me by another WINS Ambassador and friend, Stacy Snook. I saw how the Academy and role of ambassador has offered her experiences, widened her networks, as well as the impact she is having in return. This inspired me to become an ambassador and to continue the encouragement of others.
I applied to become a WINS Academy Ambassador as I want others to feel empowered to challenge, contribute, and be trusted to make changes across nuclear security.
3.) What advice do you have for current WINS Academy learners or those considering enrolling?
Taking on additional training, whether it may be inside or outside of work, will add to your already busy life and day job. But the benefits of working to continuously improve yourself and your knowledge through the WINS Academy are extremely important. I think all those with a role in nuclear security should at least complete the foundation certification to gain a better understanding of why nuclear security is so important. Having that context will allow individuals to appreciate the importance of the job they are doing and providing that purpose will give you greater satisfaction at work. Furthering your learning in the specialisations gives an individual an advantage compared to others in the industry, and you could potentially be recognised as an industry expert. There are so many different modules to choose from that it covers something for everyone – and to get a world-recognised certification on top of it: that’s a bonus.
4.) How has your WINS Academy training shaped your understanding of nuclear security threats and risks?
The WINS Academy training has allowed me to reconnect with why nuclear security is so important, because it demonstrated the significance of the threats and risks that could affect my site. Without truly understanding the threats and risks then processes and legislation are just blindly followed without the understanding of the importance of the work that people may see as their normal tasks. It is easy to assume that the lack of malicious events and experiences mean that a threat and risk to sight simply does not exist. The WINS Academy training enforced the importance of having and utilising a Design Basis Threat when understanding your threat and risks, which is extremely helpful to take into my role as our physical protection systems are appropriately implemented in accordance with the threat; which in turn helps our continuing journey in performance-based regulation.
If women do not feel included or valued, and that they are just a number, then we cannot claim that nuclear security is more diverse. To have the greatest enhancement to the field, women’s ideas need to be included at the metaphorical table and their ideas valued the same as men.
5.) How do you think advancing gender equality, diversity and inclusion would enhance your field?
It is no secret that the percentage of women in nuclear security is very low. Women should be given the same opportunities as men to progress within this industry. Without a diverse industry, the same conversations, and consensus arrive; there is the danger of group think. Women can offer innovative ideas, a different – arguably – less abrasive approach to nuclear security. I think it is particularly important to have more women within ALL nuclear security professions and not just those that are stereotypically aligned with women such as vetting and aftercare. It would be great to raise the percentage of women in the industry to show a step in the right direction to gender parity. However, if women do not feel included or valued, and that they are just a number, then we cannot claim that nuclear security is more diverse. To have the greatest enhancement to the field, women’s ideas need to be included at the metaphorical table and their ideas valued the same as men. The wider exposure of ideas curated by women and the inclusion of female SMEs will act as role models within the industry, that others can look up to and also believe they can achieve that success.
Questions for Incoming Ambassador’s Institution: Sellafield
1.) How has your organisation benefited from Ms Fearon achieving certification from the WINS Academy?
It is important that Sellafield Ltd can demonstrate the competency of our security staff. Independent, professionally and internationally recognised certification is considered by the organisation as a key aspect demonstrating professional competency. The WINS certification is recognised as part of Megan’s continued professional development, and the value of independent, professional evaluation and certification of technical competency is crucial to Sellafield Ltd.
2.) What role does WINS certification play in your institution’s professional development programme?
WINS certification provides the opportunity to learn new techniques and skills and will give Megan a new appreciation of different security practices and how these can benefit both her and Sellafield. Additionally, the learning gained from completion of the WINS certification provides invaluable insight in the development of others as Sellafield professionalises other security roles within the business.
