Overview
We’re part of the Environment Agency, an organisation that values diversity, champions inclusion, and reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background, identity, or lived experience. We are looking for two SHEW Advisors to join our national Construction Safety Team. These full-time roles sit within our Capital/Construction team, which sets SHEW standards and assures them through audits and inspections. You will help shape safer, healthier, and more sustainable construction practices across England.
As a SHEW Advisor, you’ll be a trusted expert and role model, helping to raise standards and drive continuous improvement. You will be a key contributor to safety, health, environment, and wellbeing on major infrastructure projects from across the delivery partners and our organisation.
Responsibilities
* Conduct audits and inspections of construction sites and delivery partners
* Produce clear, actionable reports and follow up on findings
* Provide technical advice across construction and maintenance activities
* Support incident investigations and embed lessons learned
* Develop and deliver training and awareness tools
* Lead on specialist SHEW topics and contribute to strategic SHEW projects
* Support framework communities of practice and promote best practice
Responding to incidents is a central part of the role. You will be required to have an incident role and be available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support. Training and alternative working arrangements will support your incident role.
Team and environment
You’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that works with delivery partners and internal colleagues to ensure SHEW standards are not only met but exceeded. We provide technical support for investigations and share lessons learned across the supply chain and wider construction industry.
Experience and qualifications
* Proven health, safety, and wellbeing experience in construction delivery projects
* NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction Certificate (UK)
* Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IOSH or IIRSM), ideally Chartered or working towards
Essential Skills
* Strong background in construction safety
* Proactive, solutions-focused mindset
* Excellent communication skills (oral and written) with the ability to build rapport, influence stakeholders, and translate complex safety requirements into practical guidance
* Ability to review and improve ways of working to ensure consistent application of SHEW legislation and best practice
Desirable Skills
* Experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis
* Familiarity with behavioural safety approaches
* Working knowledge of digital safety tools and reporting platforms
* Stakeholder engagement across complex frameworks
* Professional accreditation or chartership (e.g. GradIOSH, CMIOSH)
Role specifics
* Full UK Driving Licence required
* Regular travel to construction sites; mix of office/home working
* Flexible working patterns (including job share) and development opportunities
* Location preference: East or Southeast England recommended
* Interviews conducted via MS Teams (week commencing 24 November)
About the Environment Agency
We are a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, committed to diversity and inclusion, and to providing value for money through government frameworks. We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support candidates with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.
Artificial intelligence note: AI can support your application, but all examples must be truthful and from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to application withdrawal.
Application notes
If you are applying from the Civil Service, please note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service. For more information on status or continuity of service, consult your HR team.
To learn more about the EA Capability Dictionary, please refer to the candidate information pack and related resources.
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