The Association of the Heads of European Radiological Protection Competent Authorities was established in 2007. The Association is a voluntary association of radiation safety regulators in Europe, in which they jointly identify common issues related to radiation protection and propose harmonization and practical solutions for a common approach to these issues, where applicable. HERCA provides an opportunity for the exchange of information and experience between regulatory authorities, in particular with regard to the practical application of European legislation and international recommendations. Currently, 56 regulators from 32 European countries are members of HERCA. HERCA’s goal is to contribute to a high level of radiation protection throughout Europe by:

• building and maintaining a comprehensive European network of radiation protection regulators;
• promoting the exchange of ideas and experiences, as well as lessons learned from the good practices of the Member States;
• discuss, analyze and express its consensus opinion on important issues related to radiation protection, as well as other regulatory issues;
• developing a common approach to radiation protection, where applicable.

HERCA is managed by a Board of Heads and specialized working groups. The Board of Heads is the highest decision-making body and includes representatives of national regulatory authorities. The specialized working groups deal with issues related to:

• Training in the field of radiation protection;
• Emergency planning and preparedness;
• Sources of ionizing radiation for medical purposes;
• Natural sources of ionizing radiation;
• Research and industrial applications of ionizing radiation;
• Applications of ionizing radiation sources in veterinary medicine.

The Director of the Radiation Protection Directorate in BNRA is a member of the Board of Heads of HERCA, and a representative of BNRA participates in the working group on emergency planning and preparedness.