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 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 and provide business continuity support during incidents; additional pay and training available.
Team
Our 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 and Skills Required
* Experience as a technical leader with an extensive understanding of risk management in a similar role.
* Comprehensive understanding of the Orange Book and risk management principles, including governance and assurance.
* Proven track record of successfully implementing and embedding risk management initiatives through collaborative working and delivery through others across multiple teams.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience providing expert risk advice and engaging with senior leaders.
* The ability to build strong, trusted relationships across all levels while challenging firmly and constructively.
* Experience working in a complex and fast‑paced environment, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and managing competing priorities.
* Ideally, a risk management qualification or relevant professional membership (e.g. IRM Cert).
* Understanding of other risk‑based functions such as project/programme management and health & safety.
Contact and Additional Information
This vacancy closes on 7 November 2025. Interviews are expected to be held by 1 December using MS Teams. We will hold a call for interested applicants on 23 October at 10:00 – please contact riskandassurancepa@environment-agency.gov.uk for call details. For questions relating to these roles, contact Claire Sunshine (Claire.sunshine@environment-agency.gov.uk). The role is hybrid; the successful candidate can be based at any Environment Agency office. Some travel will be required to attend national meetings, with overnight stays as needed. Flexible working patterns, including job share, are welcome.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. If your application meets the minimum criteria, we guarantee an interview.
Legal and EEO Information
For applicants who are currently employed in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) 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, contact your own HR Team. The Environment Agency, as a Non‑Departmental Public Body, is committed to value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For additional information on supplier support, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
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. The Environment Agency subscribes to the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr