It is a charity independent of the industry that promotes knowledge of nuclear energy amongst its members and the public and offers a route to professional qualification for those working in the sector, including nuclear engineers and scientists.

It supports and encourages educational initiatives that will benefit the skills needed for design, build, operation, decommissioning and waste management of nuclear systems.

It publishes Nuclear Future journal every two months and holds regular meetings throughout the UK; many evening meetings are open to the public and free of charge.

It was formed on 1 January 2009 from the merger of the British Nuclear Energy Society (BNES), a learned society, and the Institution of Nuclear Engineers (INucE), a professional institute.

It is licensed by the Science Council to award Chartered Scientist status to qualifying members.