The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has reported a 26% gender pay gap for 2025, increasing by 1.6% from 24.4% in 2024.
While the figure has fallen by 6.9% since ONR started reporting in 2017, the increase is mainly due to changes at senior level within the organisation.
Its median gender pay gap for 2025 was 38.9%, up from 31.9% in 2024.
More women are employed in lower-paid bands consisting of corporate and operational support roles, while higher paid technical roles remain predominantly held by men. Women make up 37.8% of its workforce, moving it closer to the Nuclear Sector Deal target of 40% by 2030.
In regulatory promotions, women make up 35% of grade changes during 2024/25, compared to 22% female representation in these roles. ONR’s board is 85.7% female, and female representation at senior civil service level has increased to 42.9%.
ONR’s mean gender bonus gap for 2025 was 0.4%, down from 1.6% in 2024, and its median gap was -8.5%, compared to -12% the year prior. A total of 66.8% of men and 71.7% of women received a bonus in 2025, compared to 61.8% of men and 70.4% of women in 2024.
ONR recognises that there is more work to do in increasing female representation at the most senior levels, as it has no women at senior civil service level two. The organisation remains committed to targeted actions that address barriers and support the development of women, improving gender diversity at all levels, and reducing and eradicating the gender pay gap.
Peter Thompson, director of HR at ONR, said: “I am disappointed that there has been an increase in our gender pay gap. The challenges we face with the nature of our workforce and talent pools we predominantly recruit from are not unique to our organisation and we remain firmly committed to making progress and addressing them effectively.
“Our sustained efforts are designed to ensure ongoing improvement, particularly by making all roles accessible and appealing to women. Through focused strategy, sector collaboration, and transparent reporting, we are determined to close the gender pay gap and meet the challenges ahead.”
