These appointments will provide continuity as the business prepares to be handed over to a new owner next year, British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) said.

Mike Parker, CEO of BNFL Group, said: I am delighted to welcome three such high caliber and well respected people to the board and I am sure that, with the directors we already have in place, the new Sellafield board is now in very good shape to provide strong, independent leadership and governance to that business.

Together these appointees present a unique blend of nuclear safety experience, commitment to Cumbria and an understanding of government. I am confident that this capability will prove to be a significant benefit to Sellafield, its employees and the local community.