A balanced subcommittee of the Council, which includes at least one employee advocate or nuclear safety advocate from outside the company, a senior manager from the company, and a neutral member – all of whom are pledged to confidentiality and to resolve the issues that come before the Council – studies the case, identifies key issues, listens to all perspectives, and reviews pertinent information. To provide a safe setting for all parties to speak candidly in giving information and their views, interviews and contacts with the employee, co-workers, and managers are held in strictest confidence within the Council.

Once the subcommittee has the key facts, and the various views of the situation, it analyzes the issues and identifies realistic steps for resolution. For independent information and analysis, the Council sometime brings in mutually acceptable experts to assess the technical aspects of the concern and report back to the Council. The Council does not try to fix blame, but works to find a resolution to the safety and health issues, to address any retaliation that is alleged, and to restore a positive work situation and promote a safety conscious work environment.

If at any time during the Council process, the employee believes there is an issue that needs immediate attention for safety reasons or because of an emergency situation such as perceived retaliation or harassment, the Council can, if needed, act quickly to recommend actions to the company to stabilize the work situation and to prevent further escalation, misunderstandings, or safety violations.