Job Description
The Environment Agency is changing fast, and the need for effective and efficient processes and clear governance between and within our business directorates has never been more critical.
As Head of Communications Governance and Efficiency, you will work closely with the Communications and External Affairs Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to review, improve, and where necessary, create new ways of working that deliver five key outcomes:
* Increase speed of communications approvals and message deployment
* Ensure the right people are involved at the right time to reduce workloads and increase impact
* Drive a more effective approach to strategy development and stakeholder engagement
* Remove unnecessary resource demands
* Embed governance that supports clarity, accountability, and efficiency
This is a strategic leadership role requiring strong influencing skills, exceptional communication ability, and a proven track record in driving organisational efficiency.
The team
This role is in the new Communications & External Affairs team. We work across Strategic Communications, External Affairs, Engagement, Insight, Internal Communications and Internal Engagement. We are a dispersed team so location can be flexible and some travel will be required.
Experience/skills Required
Essential:
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
* Strong negotiation skills to resolve competing priorities and secure buy-in.
* Proven project management skills, with experience delivering complex change initiatives.
* Ability to manage diverse stakeholders and build strong relationships across organisational boundaries.
* Clear thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and deliver practical solutions.
* Experience in governance, organisational design, or process improvement at a senior level.
* Strategic thinker with a pragmatic approach to delivery.
* Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities.
* Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
* Resilient and adaptable in a fast-changing environment.
Desirable:
* Knowledge of public sector governance and regulatory frameworks.
* Experience in communications or stakeholder engagement environments.
* Project management qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile) or equivalent experience.
Contact and additional information
The application and interview includes capability based questions covering Achieves results, Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Shapes organisational approach & delivery, Communicates Effectively, Influences and Persuades Others and Embraces Change.
The closing date is 9 December 2025 and interviews will take place the week beginning 15 December.
For more information please contact Chris Davis (chris.davis@environment-agency.gov.uk).
Length of contract
Up to 12 months
Competence 1
Achieves Results
Description
Can you share an example of a time when you were accountable for delivering a significant outcome? How did you set priorities, overcome obstacles, and ensure results were achieved?
Competence 2
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Description
Please tell us about a situation where you challenged existing practices to deliver better outcomes.
Competence 3
Shapes organisational approach & delivery
Description
Describe a situation where you had to align diverse teams or departments behind a common organisational approach. What worked, and what didn’t?
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 currently work 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.
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, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
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.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please 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 for more information.
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 (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.