Mitie has secured a new five-year contract to continue delivering guarding services at Sellafield, Europe’s largest and most complex nuclear facility. The contract builds on Mitie’s decades-long presence at the site, where it has provided security services since 2012.
The scale of Mitie’s operations at Sellafield has grown significantly with almost 400 Civilian Guard Force (CGF) colleagues, delivering a comprehensive suite of security services including access control, pass checking, vehicle and personnel searches, vehicle escorting and patrolling.
Collaboration across the site’s security teams is vital, and the creation of a specialist role within Mitie’s Northampton Intelligent Security Operations Centre (ISOC) will strengthen security operations between Mitie, Sellafield, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) and the wider UK nuclear estate. This will ensure that intelligence, risks and emerging threats are shared swiftly and effectively.
As part of the contract, Mitie will also establish a new Intelligent Nuclear Security Centre of Excellence in West Cumbria. The dedicated facility will deliver Mitie’s intensive Professionalisation Programme, designed to prepare colleagues to operate in one of the UK’s most sensitive environments by strengthening their expertise in counter-terrorism search techniques and providing them with the specialist skills needed for nuclear guarding. Through the Centre of Excellence, Mitie will work with local academic partners to develop an accredited qualification, which will become the national standard for nuclear security professionals.
The renewed partnership will see Mitie continue to invest in West Cumbria, supporting local employment and creating ‘back into work’ pathways within the community. Last year, nine colleagues who completed the Mitie Foundation’s ready2Work programme at Sellafield secured permanent roles with the CGF. In parallel, Mitie will continue to progress towards carbon-neutral operations at the site, supported by a 90% electric fleet.
Gary Culloden, Managing Director, Security, Mitie, said: “This new contract reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership with Sellafield and the vital role our Civilian Guard Force colleagues play in protecting Europe’s most complex nuclear site. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to deliver resilient, high‑performing security services, while investing in innovation, skills and local employment to support the UK’s nuclear estate going forward.”
Alongside its security contract, Mitie holds an integrated facilities management contract at Sellafield. Colleagues on this contract are responsible for specialist services such as the commissioning, installation, modification and removal of site equipment, including compressor roofing and electrical control panels.
