Job Description
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 exciting 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 influential 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.
Whilst the role is mostly internal facing, there are opportunities to build networks with other Government Departments.
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.
* Respond to incidents as part of the incident role, making yourself available and providing business continuity support during an incident.
The Team
The Risk and Assurance Team sits in Strategy, Transformation and Assurance. We set the standards, shape the processes and provide the tools that help teams make confident, informed decisions. From expert advice to engaging training and practical resources, 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
* Extensive understanding of risk management gained in a similar role.
* Comprehensive knowledge of the Orange Book and risk management principles including risk governance and assurance.
* Proven track record of successfully implementing and embedding risk‑management initiatives through collaborative working and delivering through others across multiple teams.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience of providing expert risk advice and engaging with senior leaders on risk management matters.
* Ability to build strong, trusted relationships across all levels whilst challenging firmly and constructively.
* Experience of working in a complex and fast‑paced environment, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and managing competing priorities.
* Risk management qualification or relevant professional membership (e.g. IRM Cert).
* Understanding of other risk‑based functions e.g. project/programme management, health and safety.
Contact and Additional Information
* The vacancy is for one permanent role.
* This is a hybrid role; the successful candidate can be based at any Environment Agency office. Some travel will be required to attend national meetings, with some overnight stays.
* Flexible working patterns, including job share, are available.
* For questions relating to this role, contact Claire Sunshine (Claire.sunshine@environment-agency.gov.uk).
* Application deadline: 7 November 2025. Interviews are expected to be held w/c 1 December using MS Teams.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment: we have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who are currently working in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc.) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate, and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
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