Job Overview
Do you want to work for an organisation that values difference and includes everyone? The Environment Agency is looking for an experienced risk professional to lead the implementation of the Risk Management Framework and drive a programme that strengthens risk culture across the organisation. You will work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels, providing expert advice to help teams identify, assess, and manage risks with confidence and consistency. This is an internal-facing role with opportunities to build networks with other Government Departments. The role is a technical leadership position with potential for line management in the future.
Responsibilities
* Champion and maintain the Risk Management Framework, ensuring it aligns with HM Treasury’s Orange Book and meets organisational needs.
* Lead the rollout of consistent risk management processes across the organisation.
* Deliver an annual programme of activities to embed good risk practices and foster a proactive risk culture.
* Provide senior leaders with clear, insightful reporting to support strategic decision-making.
* Build trusted relationships across teams, offering expert advice and constructive challenge.
* Collaborate with other functions (e.g., health & safety, programme management) to integrate risk management into everything we do.
* Coach and support team members, helping them grow and deliver with confidence.
Responding to incidents is a central part of the role. You will be asked to have an incident role and be available to respond to incidents or support business continuity during an incident. This may attract an additional payment; full training will be provided.
About the Team
Our Risk and Assurance Team sits in Strategy, Transformation and Assurance. We set standards, shape processes, and provide tools to help teams make confident, informed decisions. We support colleagues at every level to manage risk in a way that’s consistent, effective and empowering.
This is a technical leadership role and there may be an opportunity for line management in the future.
Experience / Skills Required
You will need to be an experienced technical leader with extensive understanding of risk management gained in a similar role. You will also need:
* A comprehensive understanding of the Orange Book and risk management principles including risk governance and assurance.
* A proven track record of implementing and embedding risk management initiatives through collaborative working across multiple teams.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience of providing expert risk advice to senior leaders.
* Ability to build strong, trusted relationships across all levels while challenging constructively.
* Experience in a complex and fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and managing competing priorities.
It would be desirable to have:
* A risk management qualification or relevant professional membership (e.g., IRMCert).
* Understanding of other risk-based functions such as project/programme management or health & safety.
Additional Information
This is a permanent, full-time role with hybrid working. The successful candidate can be based at any Environment Agency office. Some travel to national meetings and some overnight stays may be required. Flexible working patterns, including job share, are welcome.
For questions relating to these roles, contact Claire Sunshine (Claire.sunshine@environment-agency.gov.uk).
This vacancy closes on 7 November 2025. Interviews are expected to be held w/c 1 December via MS Teams. A call for interested applicants will be held on 23 October at 10:00; contact riskandassurancepa@environment-agency.gov.uk for call details.
Competencies
* Influences and Persuades Others
* Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
* Delivers Results Through Others
* Communicates Effectively
Descriptions for these competencies are provided in the posting. There is guidance on civil service status differences and guaranteed interview eligibility for disabled applicants. The Environment Agency is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and offers flexible working, including job share. For more information on recruitment policy, see the agency’s guidance.
Location & Other Details
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Finance and Sales
#J-18808-Ljbffr