Background

The Quality Management Working Group (QMWG) of FORATOM was created in 1976. The prime objectives of the group were; to review quality assurance standards in the FORATOM member countries, to discuss implementation methods, and to consider how practices might be aligned. As quality standards evolved, the QMWG updated its strategy and in 2003 renamed itself to the Business Excellence Working Group (BEx-WG). The change was to focus on integrated management systems combining safety and quality management and balancing these against financial and other requirements. This move was designed to emphasize the sustainable development of the nuclear industry within an environment of higher political and general public awareness of energy supply, environmental protection, safety and economics.

More recently, three new pulses have provided impetus to the continuing change process:

In 2006, FORATOM restructured its organization, retaining the BEx-WG as an important tool to help achieve its objectives. Intensifying its network with intern ational organizations and nuclear countries within and beyond the FORATOM formal structure was encouraged.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published updates on the Management Systems for Safety Management, and is developing more specific guidance documents on management systems for specific areas of the nuclear industry. The BExWG has supported IAEA in developing these new Management Systems documents.

The BExWG conducted a self assessment and formulated topic areas of interest to the members for application of Quality Assurance methods.

Against this background the BExWG has updated the group's Terms of Reference (TOR) and has aligned its name accordingly to Management Systems Task Force (MS.TF).

Mission of the MS-TF

The FORATOM MS.TF will:

  • Act as an expert group on management system concepts, implementation and operation for the nuclear industry,
  • Encourage the development and application of high level management systems promoting a healthy safety culture.
  • Lead the discussion and cooperate with international organizations and associations in the area of Management Systems for nuclear facilities, comment the standards and clarify the terminology and concepts.
  • Exchange information between members of the group and share conclusions with respective managers in parent companies.