Overview
Do you want to work for an organisation that values difference and includes everyone? Then the Environment Agency is the organisation for you!
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and influence our approach to risk management. We’re offering an opportunity for an experienced risk professional to lead the implementation of our Risk Management Framework and drive a programme of work that strengthens our risk culture across the organisation. In this role you’ll work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels, providing expert advice and enabling teams to identify, assess, and manage risks with confidence and consistency. Your leadership will help ensure our decisions are informed, our operations resilient, and our people empowered. There are opportunities to build networks with other Government Departments; mostly internal-facing.
Responsibilities
* Champion and maintain our 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 may be asked to take incident role and be available for incident response or business continuity support during incidents. This may attract additional payment and full training will be provided.
The Team
Our Risk and Assurance Team sits in Strategy, Transformation and Assurance. We set standards, shape processes, and provide the tools that help colleagues manage risk consistently, effectively and empoweringly. This is a technical leadership role with potential line management opportunities in the future.
Experience/skills Required
* Extensive understanding of risk management gained in a similar role.
* Comprehensive understanding of the Orange Book and risk governance and assurance principles.
* 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 of working in a complex and fast-paced environment, adapting to changing circumstances and managing competing priorities.
Ideally, you will also have:
* A risk management qualification or relevant professional membership (e.g., IRMCert).
* Understanding of other risk-based functions (e.g., project/programme management, health and safety).
Contact and additional information
There is one permanent role available. This is a hybrid role; the successful candidate can be based at any Environment Agency office. Some travel will be required for national meetings, with some overnight stays. Flexible working patterns, including job share, are welcome. For questions, 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 – please contact riskandassurancepa@environment-agency.gov.uk for details.
If you consent to be recruited onto a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Competences
* Influences and Persuades Others: Presenting a convincing case to win support and encourage following plans; provide an example of influencing stakeholders including senior leaders.
* Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality: Identify and implement improved methods and processes without compromising quality.
* Delivers Results Through Others: Deliver large programmes through teams you do not line manage; harness resources to deliver complex work amidst obstacles.
* Communicates Effectively: Distill complex information into clear messages for senior audiences.
Note: If applying from Civil Service, EA is not part of HM Civil Service, etc. We are committed to diversity and flexible working, including job share and guaranteed interview for disabled applicants. For supplier information visit Crown Commercial Service guidance. AI use guidance included.
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