When David left the naval world behind to become the head of the Radiation Protection department and a radiation protection adviser at Urenco’s nuclear Capenhurst facility, he was surprised to discover how applicable his military safety skills were. His naval background helped him make an immediate impact as he quickly set about optimising safety standards and successfully adapting to the corporate structure of the organisation.

Within months of arriving, he faced his first major challenge. When an issue arose, many thought it would threaten the continuity of an operation. But thanks to a wealth of experience, David’s problem-solving skills came to the rescue. With composure and efficiency, he coordinated teams to find a solution and swiftly resolved the issue.

Outsiders might think David has been with Urenco for decades to get to the level that he’s at. But he believes his deep understanding of regulatory environments and safety protocols played a massive role in his success. Currently, he manages the needs of all three Urenco businesses at Capenhurst, advising on safety standards and ensuring compliance.

The facility needed someone who would uphold rigorous safety standards at all times, and his commitment was exactly what was required. His presence played a crucial role in preventing Urenco from experiencing periods of downtime and revenue losses. Colleagues of David’s attribute his success to his strong leadership, expertise and work ethic.

What advice would David offer to future candidates applying for a role in nuclear? “Don’t fear change, many roles equip you with invaluable skills such as adaptability, problem-solving and composure under pressure, all of which are crucial in the nuclear sector,” he says.