A Fellow of both the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Nuclear Institute, John’s career has enabled him to accumulate more than 38 years in the Nuclear sector.
He began as a mechanical apprentice with the CEGB in 1964 and progressed to the role of Generation Manager with British Energy from which he 'retired' in 2001. During this time he undertook various engineering, technical and managerial roles associated with AGR and Magnox stations enabling him to gain a detailed knowledge of the UK Nuclear Site Licence and its application to nuclear power stations. This period also included extensive engagement with nuclear safety committees involving both the preparation of papers and their presentation. A broad knowledge of technology and management of PWR and BWR reactors was gained while representing British Energy working with INPO in the USA.
Since 'retiring', he established a consultancy supporting several companies to review their nuclear strategy, initially in a declining market focused on decommissioning, and subsequently on new build. During this period he also assisted the setting up of the NDA, briefly becoming the interim Director of Nuclear Safety. Latterly working with Aker Solutions (now Jacobs) he was the sponsoring director for the development of a new accelerator driven reactor concept utilising thorium as its prime fuel.
John is an independent member of the Pre-licence nuclear safety committee for Horizon Nuclear associated with the new nuclear build on Anglesey. Additionally, following the 2011 tsunami in Japan he was privileged to be invited to sit on the UK’s Chief Nuclear Inspectors Technical Advisory Panel on the impact of Fukushima on the UK’s nuclear sector.
He also supports both the institutions of which he is a member. Specifically, for the IMechE he is a member of the Nuclear Power Committee and the Energy Environment and Sustainability Group, in addition to his role as Chair of the Devon and Somerset Area Committee. He was also the author of the IMechE Policy Statement on Small Modular Reactors.
Favourite engineering innovation: My laptop! Person I most admire: Barnes Wallis. Greatest challenge facing engineering: Recognising that the nuclear Industry is 'different'; hence, clearly understanding the 'Nuclear Delta'.