Overview
We are seeking 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 Environment Agency. This is an internal-facing role with opportunities to build networks with other Government Departments. You will 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.
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 will be asked to take on an incident role and be available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. 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 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 consistent, effective, and empowering way.
This is a technical leadership role and there may be an opportunity for line management in the future.
Experience/skills Required
* You will be an experienced technical leader with extensive understanding of risk management gained in a similar role.
* Comprehensive understanding of the Orange Book and risk management principles including risk governance and assurance.
* Proven track record of 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 while challenging firmly and constructively.
* Experience of working in a complex and fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and managing competing priorities.
* Desirable: 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 to attend national meetings, with some overnight stays. Flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share, are welcome.
For questions relating to this role, 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 using MS Teams. We will be holding a call for interested applicants on 23 October at 10:00 to provide more details – please contact riskandassurancepa@environment-agency.gov.uk for call 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.
Disclaimer
The Environment Agency is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome flexible working patterns and guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria. We are not part of HM Civil Service, and continuous service eligibility may vary. Please consult your HR team if unsure of your status.
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