Ethical guidance, stakeholder involvement and radiation protection culture in the Belgian society for radiation protection

The Belgian Association for Radiological Protection BVS-ABR, affiliated to IRPA, has set up guidance for ethical conduct and stakeholder involvement as required by IRPA. This was developed by a working group and submitted to the members for comments with final discussion and approval in the plenary meeting of the society. Guidance is framed within the strategic objectives of the society and based on IRPA principles and on results of research and field inquiries integrating social research within the trans-disciplinary science of radiation protection. Participatory experiments at local and national level in nuclear waste decision making processes and with particular groups such as patients and workers have generated feedback of experience. Particular attention was also given to the modelling of risk communication as done in RISCOM. The results of these exercises in generating guidance by a professional society are annexed in the paper while being illustrated by case references for present challenges in radiation protection (nuclear waste forum, round tables). ALARA and radiation protection culture is discussed proactively with international IRPA representatives preparing IRPA13 in Glasgow, while building a bridge with safety & security culture as met in the field. Some definitions and proposal are put forward.