Description
Learning from Experience (LfE) in the Delivery of a Complex Nuclear Project - The Submarine Disposal Programme (SDP)
📅Date: Thursday 5 March 2026
⏰Time: 18:00 – 20:00
📍Venue: Copthorne Hotel Plymouth
Event Overview
The aim of the Submarine Disposal Programme (SDP) is to deliver a safe, environmentally responsible and cost effective solution for the disposal of 23 of the UK’s out-of-service nuclear-powered submarines.
The SDP consists of 3 key phases: decommission, defuel and dismantle. Babcock International Group (BIG) is the Ministry of Defence (MoD) nominated lead supplier for the SDP and will undertake disposal activities at 2 nuclear licensed sites: Rosyth Royal Dockyard and Devonport Royal Dockyard.
This presentation will describe the strategic approach to the SDP, the programme structure and scope, infrastructure upgrades required to support the required disposal activities and a lookahead to future challenges. The presentation will be themed around Learning from Experience (LfE) in a complex programme and will include a reflection on the importance of Project Management (PM) processes, tools, mechanisms, stakeholder engagement and developing the personnel required to deliver the required objectives.
Agenda
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18:00 – Arrival and registration
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18:15 – Introduction
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18:20 – Technical presentation
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19:30 – Q&A and discussion
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20:00 – Close
Speakers
Lisa Arding, Submarine Disposal Programme (SDP) Director – Babcock International Group
Lisa is responsible for the disposal of all 23 UK out-of-service nuclear submarines, both in Devonport (Plymouth) and Rosyth (near Edinburgh). Lisa joined Babcock as an Engineering Graduate over 14 years ago, and throughout her career has supported all UK classes of submarine.
She lives in Plymouth with her husband and 2 children and enjoys the outdoor lifestyle that the south-west offers.
Michael “Hank” Hancox, Capability and Technical Integration Manager – Submarine Disposal Programme (SDP) – Babcock International Group
Hank served as an engineer in the Royal Navy Submarine Service before undertaking posts in Babcock International Group (BIG) and as an independent contractor in both the civil and defence nuclear enterprises before returning to BIG. He lives in Cornwall and is starting to plan for retirement.
Pre-registration is required. Please book to confirm your attendance.
Image of SM Swiftsure, UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024
Speaker(s)
Lisa Arding is Babcock's SDP Director, responsible for disposal of all 23 UK out-of-service nuclear submarines in Devonport and Rosyth.
Michael (Hank) Hancox is Babcock's SDP Capability and Technical Integration Manager at Devonport, and former engineer in the Royal Navy Submarine Service.