As Safety, Licensing & Assurance Director at Great British Energy – Nuclear, Barrie Cran is helping shape the foundations of one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure programmes.
With experience spanning both major nuclear new build projects and licensed nuclear site operations, Barrie joined GBE-N to help establish the systems, standards and culture needed to deliver new nuclear safely, responsibly and efficiently.
Why I Joined GBE-N
“The opportunity to help reinvigorate nuclear new build in the UK was incredibly compelling.
Having worked across both nuclear development projects and existing nuclear licensed sites, I could see an opportunity to bring that experience into the early stages of something truly significant. Joining GBE-N has allowed me to help shape how we approach safety, assurance, licensing and regulatory engagement from the start, setting strong foundations for long-term success.”
Driving Safety, Assurance and Regulatory Confidence
The Safety, Licensing & Assurance Directorate works across every part of the organisation, helping ensure safety, compliance and assurance are embedded into everything we do.
The team brings together specialists covering health and safety, environment, security, quality, licensing and regulatory affairs, providing both strategic leadership and practical support to the wider project.
“We’re not simply here to assure compliance. We’re here to help create the conditions for safe, efficient and successful project delivery.
Our aim is to make safety, quality and regulatory excellence an enabler of progress, not a barrier to it.”
The directorate is responsible for developing the standards, systems and professional capability that support the organisation, while also delivering some of the critical permissions and regulatory activities required to move the project forward.
Delivering Nuclear Differently
At GBE-N, innovation and ambition are central to how we approach nuclear development.
“It is an exciting time to join the organisation. We’re determined to deliver this project in a way that challenges traditional thinking and drives efficiency into nuclear construction.
Safe does not have to mean slow. Compliance does not have to mean bureaucracy. We’re constantly looking for better ways to build safety, security, quality and environmental excellence into how we work.”
This mindset creates opportunities for individuals who want to help redefine what’s possible within a highly regulated industry.
Why Join the Safety, Licensing & Assurance Team?
The team offers a unique opportunity to work across a broad range of disciplines while contributing to a nationally significant programme.
Members of the directorate gain exposure to safety leadership, licensing, environmental regulation, security, organisational learning, assurance and major project delivery, often working across multiple specialisms.
“We work collaboratively across disciplines because the best solutions rarely sit within a single profession.
Joining our team gives you the chance to influence the project, broaden your experience and learn from experts across a range of technical areas. At the same time, you’ll be helping us achieve our ambition of becoming the safest infrastructure project in the UK.”
What We Look For
GBE-N is seeking professionals who bring both technical expertise and a willingness to learn.
Experience from nuclear, construction, major infrastructure or other highly-regulated industries is particularly valuable, but equally important are curiosity, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
“We’re looking for people who can bring fresh perspectives and practical experience, while also embracing new challenges.
Strong relationships are fundamental to what we do. The ability to work collaboratively, influence positively and contribute to a shared goal is just as important as technical knowledge.”
A Career That Grows With the Project
As the programme develops, the Safety, Licensing & Assurance Directorate continues to evolve, creating opportunities for talented professionals to join permanent teams and build long-term careers.
Future opportunities are expected across:
- Health and Safety
- Environment and Sustainability
- Nuclear Licensing and Compliance
- Security
- Quality Management
- Regulatory Affairs
- Organisational Learning and Operational Experience
- Integrated Management Systems
- Independent Assurance
“Joining now means becoming part of the journey from the beginning.
You’ll gain experience on a major nuclear development programme, develop your specialist expertise, broaden your understanding of the industry and have the opportunity to help shape how we work for years to come.”
Building the Future Together
At its heart, the Safety, Licensing & Assurance Directorate is about people.
“We want to create an environment where individuals can develop, contribute and thrive. My goal is for every member of the team to grow professionally, share their expertise with others and feel genuinely proud of the role they play in delivering this project.
We’re building something important, and we’re looking for people who want to be part of it.”