The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is continuing its efforts to disseminate knowledge on how operational safety performance at nuclear installations can be continuously improved. This course will address methods and techniques for the continuous improvement of operational safety performance developed by both the IAEA and experts from Member States. A specific focus will be given to the following core elements of a performance improvement program as identified by the IAEA’s Peer Review of the Operational Safety Performance Improvement Programme (PROSPER) service: corrective action programmes; use of operating experience; human performance and organization; management, observation and coaching; key performance indicators; self-assessment and benchmarking; integrated project management; and leadership management for performance improvement. The importance of the continuous improvement of operational safety performance has been recognized since the Three Mile Island accident and has been reflected in Safety Standards (IAEA Specific Safety Requirements No. SSR-2/2 (Rev. 1), Vienna, 2016). Understanding and use of the concept supports building the capacity to prevent events with adverse consequences on safety. Attention will be given also to lessons learned from events occurring at nuclear power plants.

The purpose of the event is to train participants to enhance operational safety in their States through the operating experience feedback programme, task observation and coaching, performance indicators, self-assessment and benchmarking. In addition, the course will provide an international forum for mid-level managers that will enhance their understanding of the continuous improvement of operational safety performance through a real-time experience. This will enable them to share their own practical experiences and to enhance nuclear safety in their organizations by applying relevant methods and techniques in their daily work. The course will focus on how continuous improvement of operational safety performance is achieved in practice and aims to reinforce mid-level managers’ understanding of their role in influencing safety on an ongoing basis. 

The workshop is intended for mid-level managers of licensees, regulatory bodies, technical support organizations, and other relevant organizations that are responsible for nuclear installations at any stage of development. The course will be conducted in an interactive manner through real-time experience-based scenarios, reflections, and dialogues. A diverse group of invited experts will facilitate the workshop, providing a series of structured learning and reflection exercises that can be converted by the participants into more effective on-the-job strategies. The expected result includes new insights, learning, and the exchange of experiences. The number of participants will be limited to 30 to ensure effective group dynamics. The course will provide an opportunity to outline current best practices related to performance improvement programs and an overview of the PROSPER performance improvement model. Participants are encouraged to share experiences and current practices related to this topic.

Operational staff and experts from nuclear facilities involved in the areas covered by the Peer Review of the Operational Safety Performance Improvement Programme (PROSPER) model—such as corrective action programmes; use of operating experience; human performance and organization; management, observation and coaching; key performance indicators; self-assessment and benchmarking; integrated project management; and leadership management for performance improvement —as well regulatory bodies that are in charge of the assessment of nuclear power plants.

Performance improvement following the PROSPER model:

• Corrective action programmes;

• Use of operating experience; 

• Human performance and organization; 

• Management, observation and coaching;

• Key performance indicators; 

• Self-assessment and benchmarking; 

• Integrated project management; 

• Leadership management for performance improvement

In order to be designated by an IAEA Member State, participants are requested to send the Participation Form (Form A) to their competent national authority (e.g. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Permanent Mission to the IAEA or National Atomic Energy Authority) for onward transmission to the IAEA by 27 April 2026. Participants who are members of an international organization (WANO, EPRI, EC-JRC, or OECD) invited to attend are requested to send the Participation Form (Form A) through their organization to the IAEA by the above deadline.

In order to be designated by an IAEA Member State or invited organization, participants are requested to submit their application via the InTouch+ platform.

The event will be held at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), where the IAEA’s Headquarters are located. Participants must make their own travel and accommodation arrangements.