“An organisation needs clear policies which highlight the values, attributes and characteristics associated with fostering a good security culture.”
Mehl Douglas, Senior Specialist – Nuclear Security at the National Nuclear Regulator in South Africa, discusses the benefits of certification for experienced professionals and the pillars to support nuclear security culture.
As an experienced nuclear security professional, how did certification benefit you?
Completing the certification allowed me to bring together years of knowledge from various small courses. The certification also provided a platform to launch myself into my new position as the Senior Specialist – Nuclear Security within the National Nuclear Regulator.
What are the keys to implementing an effective nuclear security culture?
An organisation needs clear policies which highlight the values, attributes and characteristics associated with fostering a good security culture within the organisation. Management and staff must collectively commit to making nuclear security a top priority over competing goals.
There must be a reflection period, to be done as a periodic security culture self-assessment and follow-up checks using processes and tools developed or adopted by the organisation for that purpose. It is important to also recognise the synergies between the safety and security culture.
What was your WINS Academy elective? Why did you choose it?
I choose Nuclear Security Regulation. Working for the National Nuclear Regulator, this was the best fit given my role within the organisation.
“If you wish to launch your career, or take that step into a new direction, doing this programme provides the safest platform.”
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
In my 10 years of being involved in nuclear security, WINS has been the one organisation which perpetually evolved, delivering quality learning by employing the best instructors and combining competent, experienced professionals from industry to ensure students receive the best experience.
As WINS Academy Ambassador, I am looking to expand my network of professionals to assist others as well as sharing best practices to collaborate on harmonising nuclear security.
What advice do you have for enrolled WINS Academy learners who haven’t completed their programme?
The only advice would be – if you wish to launch your career, or take that step into a new direction, doing this programme provides the safest platform given the amount of success already enjoyed thanks to it. It is internationally recognised, highly recommended and valued by those working in the nuclear security industry.
Questions for the National Nuclear Regulator
How has your organisation benefitted from Mr Douglas achieving Certified Nuclear Security Professional status?
The NNR appointed Mr Douglas as the person coordinating the nuclear security function for the NNR. His position is accountable for the effective implementation of nuclear security – capacity building, training as well as nuclear security culture.
