This document aims to provide answers to questions about the activities and membership of the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS), which was launched on the 29th September 2008 at the IAEA General Conference. WINS is a new not-for profit organisation based in Vienna, Austria.
ESTABLISHING WINS
- Why was WINS established?
WINS was established to provide an international forum for nuclear security professionals to discuss and exchange best security practices, to learn from one another and to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of security arrangements for nuclear and radioactive materials.
- Why is WINS necessary?
WINS is necessary to promote public-private dialogue and help nuclear operators, security practitioners, and stakeholders improve their corporate governance of security arrangements. There is no other forum like WINS for the exchange of best security practice in the nuclear field.
- Who funds WINS?
WINS was established with foundation grants from the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Norwegian Government. The Government of Canada has provided funding, and other governments and organisations have pledged and provided grants and financial support in connection with the conduct of workshops and other WINS activities.
- How is WINS structured?
WINS has a Board of Directors that provides strategic direction and corporate governance. WINS is led by an Executive Director supported by a small staff chosen for their experience.
- How many staff work for WINS?
WINS currently has five staff and recently established an intern programme. WINS is also supported by specialist consultants, who are either contracted by WINS, or seconded to WINS as cost-free experts by their home organisation. More information on WINS staff can be found in the staff section of this website.
POLICIES
- What principles will govern the management of WINS?
The principles behind the management of WINS are governed solely by those policies that contribute to the success of WINS and the achievement of its mission. The WINS Board of Directors is responsible for providing strategic guidance and oversight.
- How does WINS ensure that it has no political agenda?
WINS is a nonpartisan, independent organisation with one goal: helping to secure nuclear and radioactive materials. WINS is transparent in its operations and all major activities can be seen in the annual report.
- Is WINS an advocacy group for the nuclear industry?
No, this is not the purpose of WINS and one of the reasons why WINS was established as a separate legal entity from nuclear-related advocacy organisations. WINS role, rather, is to advocate for best security practices at facilities with nuclear and radioactive materials.
- Does WINS have a policy position on reprocessing?
WINS has no policy position on fuel cycle choices other than noting that it is international custom to require higher standards of security on direct use materials such as separated plutonium and high-enriched uranium.
- What is WINS relationship with WANO?
WANO promotes best practice for nuclear safety, and does not wish to expand this role to security. This is another reason why WINS was formed.
- Does WINS accept financial donations?
Yes, in accordance with the policies approved by the WINS Board.
ACTIVITIES
- What does WINS do?
WINS produces Best Practice Guides on important topics relevant to nuclear security. WINS also facilitates workshops on these topics to provide a venue for experts and security practitioners to meet, discuss issues and share their experiences and lessons learned. In the future, WINS will develop training material and courses to promote the further dissemination and implementation of the Best Practices that emerge from workshops. In order to further facilitate the building and sharing of best practices, WINS also aims to provide its members with a network of world class experts in nuclear security and security management. WINS will explore if the nuclear industry can learn lessons from other industrial and commercial sectors which have high security requirements – identifying inspirational leaders in security and providing role models for the nuclear profession. In this way members will get the opportunity to learn about and share best practices that span the discipline of security.
WINS is a dynamic organisation, adjusting to the needs of its members, and may expand its scope of activities in the future – if the need arises and fits within WINS’ overall mission.
- What subjects does WINS cover?
WINS focuses on corporate governance and leadership of security at the Senior Management level. Topics we are exploring include (but are not limited to):
• Security culture
• Performance metrics for security
• Security by design
• Guard force recruitment, training, and deployment
• Integrating security systems and response
• Exercises and performance testing
• Security equipment maintenance
• Best security practice from other sectors
• Encouraging members to promote their own areas of excellence
• Operational experience reviews
- Are all workshops going to be international?
WINS is flexible. Workshops may be international, national, regional, topical, etc. There may be occasions when single or multiple organisations within a country wish to hold a workshop facilitated by WINS without an international presence. This is entirely consistent with the objective of promoting best practice.
- What if members want to focus on specific areas of interest?
WINS is responsive to the individual needs of its members and structures its work programmes according to member interest. WINS welcomes feedback and suggestions so that the most productive use can be made of its members’ time.
- How does WINS measure its success?
WINS succeeds if its members derive benefit. Success will be measured in a variety of ways, particularly through a detailed strategic plan for 2010 with specific goals and milestones. The strategic plan is available in the members’ area of the website. Security arrangements are confidential.
- How is it possible to discuss security arrangements and issues in an international forum without compromising confidential information?
WINS’ mission is to promote best security practice, and will not take any action that could undermine the security of nuclear material. Experience during the development of the best practice guide series and facilitated workshops has shown that it is possible to exchange nuclear security best practices while protecting sensitive information. As a result of its activities, WINS has found no need to store or access sensitive or classified information.
In addition, the best practice guides produced by WINS are structured for self assessment, in private, to evaluate internal practices against those that are considered to be the best. Details are not shared with WINS or any other organisation.
- What happens if WINS is told about or learns about a serious security weakness at a nuclear facility? Will it tell the State Authorities or the IAEA?
It is not the role of WINS to police or enforce security standards. Comparing best practice could lead to the identification of poor practices, but it is not WINS’ responsibility to notify the relevant authorities. WINS can work with its members to promote and encourage improvements, but accountabilities for performance do not rest with WINS. If WINS was alerted to the possibility of an attack on a facility it would obviously take action to alert those with a responsibility for taking preventative measures.
- Will WINS establish computer databases holding sensitive security information? For example, will details of the physical protection arrangements at specific facilities be held on WINS’ databases?
Detailed and sensitive databases are not viewed as the most effective method by which WINS can benefit its members. The emphasis will be on workshops and other events where members can interact and discuss subjects of benefit to them. Information held by WINS will be protected in accordance with its own stringent data handling policies and the requirements of members that contribute information to WINS.
- Will WINS carry out inspections and peer reviews of national physical protection systems?
WINS is comprised of its members and exists to help benefit its members. If a member wishes to host a technical meeting at its facility, including a peer review or benchmarking exercise, then a member would be free to make such a proposal and seek support from WINS.
- Is WINS intending to cover all radioactive and nuclear materials, including the security of sealed sources?
Yes. WINS will be guided by its members and their priorities.
MEMBERSHIP
- How do I join?
You can register and apply online (http://members.wins.org/regtext.aspx).
- How much will it cost to become a member?
Membership is free. Members are entitled to join or leave without financial repercussions.
- Can anyone join WINS?
No, WINS is for organisations and individuals that have a demonstrable involvement in the security of nuclear and radioactive materials. Applications for membership should also desire to support the mission of WINS by becoming involved in WINS programmes, workshops, best practice guides, and other activities.
- What are the benefits of WINS membership?
Members receive priority access to WINS Best Practice Guides and invitations to workshops on nuclear security best practices. For members who find it financially difficult to attend workshops, WINS may be able to provide financial support in certain situations. WINS also provides seasonal newsletters, questionnaires, a Job Board, and member support. Starting in 2011, members will have access to nuclear security training webinars and eLearning courses. Eventually, the training courses will provide regional or internationally recognised certification.
- Are national security regulators eligible for membership?
Yes, WINS encourages dialogue between different stakeholders and anticipates that national regulators will also aspire to promote best practice. There may be occasions when industry members and regulators will wish to discuss particular issues between themselves and this would be accommodated as a particular work programme.
- Are members forced to share information with WINS?
No, it is entirely up to the member to decide on the level of involvement and the programmes with which it becomes involved.
- How is WINS going to accommodate members who don’t speak English?
This is an important issue, particularly in the context of workshops and the exchange of information and knowledge. WINS has made a commitment to translate its Best Practice Guides into Russian, French, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, and Chinese. WINS is also prepared to consider additional languages. Based on the workshop participants and their needs, location of the workshop, and availability of funds, interpretation may also be provided.