Volume 6, Number 1
September 2008

INMM Introduces Best Practices Section to
INMM Web Site

Earlier this year, INMM introduced a new feature to its Web site focusing on Best Practices in Nuclear Materials Management, based on the results of INMM-conducted professional development workshops in the six principal areas of nuclear materials management. This section of the Web site allows INMM to systematically disseminate and promote these best practices to the majority of novices and subject matter experts who did not attend the workshops.

What are Best Practices?
The concept of best practices began in the business world to encourage reflection on lessons learned and increase effectiveness and efficiency. When applied to nuclear materials management, best practices should be consistent with fundamental principles and objectives for nuclear material protection, control and accountability. To be of most value, these principles and objectives should:

• Have wide application and replication to all countries with nuclear programs and to both civilian and military programs. Nuclear materials are potential targets for theft or sabotage regardless of where they are located.
• Prescribe desired program outcomes including examples as to how to achieve those outcomes. Nation states and nuclear activities conducted by states require substantial flexibility to implement practices that are appropriate for their unique circumstances.
• Contribute to the formation of both state and international regulations and policies.
• Seek creative, cooperative ways to mitigate states' concerns, including costs, national sovereignty concerns, and fear of disclosing sensitive national security information.

Best Practices:

• Global Best Practices in Nuclear Security Risk Management
• Global Best Practices for Material Protection, Control and Accountablity
• Global Best Practices for Materials Control and Accountability
• Global Best Practices for Physical Protection