Transparency and openness represent the most important elements for earning public trust and building confidence in the nuclear regulatory system. A decision to launch a nuclear power programme requires a broad acceptance by all nuclear stakeholders that such a programme is justified through a clear decision-making process. Public opinions and comments need to be considered as an input to any process that is intended to lead to a decision on launching a nuclear power programme. INSAG has con­sidered stakeholder information and participation (INSAG, 2006).

In order to balance the need for information to be disseminated with the need to protect certain sensitive and classified information, the policy and criteria for protection of such information are established and clearly com­municated to all stakeholders.

In the licensing process of a nuclear power plant it is highly beneficial for the consistency of the process to secure public involvement as early as pos­sible, in order to obtain input from the public at the stage where all safety concerns can be adequately addressed and taken into account in the review process.

The regulatory body needs to establish and maintain effective communi­cation mechanisms for informing stakeholders, interested parties, govern­mental authorities and the public regarding possible radiation risks associated with facilities and activities, safety regulatory judgements and decisions and their basis, how the nuclear regulator is performing the func­tions necessary to assure safety, and information on nuclear accidents, inci­dents and abnormal occurrences. These communication mechanisms should also provide easy access to information on safety and should create oppor­tunities for all stakeholders to express their opinions. These communication mechanisms should also consider the make-up of audiences and their dif­ferent concerns, levels of knowledge and experience. It is necessary to clarify the role of the licensee from the beginning of the nuclear pro­gramme; i. e. that the licensee has as an obligation to inform the public about the possible radiation risks associated with the plant and this obligation needs to be specified in the regulations promulgated by the regulatory body or in the licence. In order to build a successful communication programme it is essential to consider communication in the regulatory budget planning and to involve dedicated personnel with technical expertise and a talent for this discipline.

The objective and functions of the regulatory body, its independence, its technical competence, the available human resources and its neutrality have to be disseminated and proactively communicated to all stakeholders, in particular to the public and interested parties.

While maintaining its independence, the regulatory body liaises with the licensee to achieve their common objectives and to discuss safety-related issues. Mutual understanding and respect achieved through frank, open relationships will provide constructive liaison on safety-related issues.

The international participation of the regulatory body — through legally binding and non-binding international instruments (e. g. Convention on Nuclear Safety), workshops, seminars and other meetings and effective bilateral agreements among regulators to share regulatory experiences on safety — contributes to increasing the credibility of the regulator. Participation and involvement in international peer reviews designed for regulators will also strengthen the regulatory effectiveness worldwide.