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 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.
While 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 and make yourself available to provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment; full training will be available.
About the 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 / Skills Required
* Extensive experience as a technical leader in risk management, with a proven track record of embedding risk management initiatives across multiple teams.
* A comprehensive understanding of the Orange Book and risk management principles, including risk governance and assurance.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience of providing expert risk advice and engaging with senior leaders.
* The ability to build strong, trusted relationships across all levels whilst challenging firmly and constructively.
* Experience 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) is desirable.
* Understanding of other risk‑based functions such as project/programme management and health & safety.
Contact and Additional Information
There is one permanent role available. This hybrid role allows the successful candidate to be based at any Environment Agency office; some travel is required for national meetings and overnight stays. Flexible working patterns, including job share, are welcome.
For questions relating to this role, contact Claire Sunshine (Claire.sunshine@environment-agency.gov.uk). For call details regarding the interview call on 23 October, contact riskandassurancepa@environment-agency.gov.uk.
This vacancy closes on 7 November 2025. Interviews are expected to be held w/c 1 December using MS Teams.
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.
Declarations
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability.
The Environment Agency, as a non‑departmental public body, is not part of HM Civil Service; therefore, you will not be a Crown Servant upon appointment. For details on continuous service eligibility for certain local government employees, contact your HR team.
All examples and statements provided in applications must be truthful and factual. Applications may be withdrawn or candidates may face disciplinary action if plagiarism or AI fabrications are identified.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Finance and Sales
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