The Enforcement Advisory Officer plays a critical national role in supporting the Environment Agency’s statutory functions under the Reservoirs Act 1975. You will lead the resolution of complex non-compliance issues, manage enforcement action, and provide specialist regulatory advice in safety-critical situations.
You will act as account manager for undertakers, including water companies, supporting proactive engagement, identifying risk early, and driving compliance through consistent, risk-based interventions. This requires excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, the ability to manage conflict constructively, and confidence to take proportionate formal action when needed.
You will lead high-risk non-compliance casework using the Compliance Action Plan (CAP) model, represent enforcement in account meetings, and contribute to the delivery of Balmforth Review recommendations and the future Environmental Permitting Regulations regime. You will also liaise with engineers, legal advisors, and other regulators to ensure public safety risks are effectively managed.
Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises. Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment.
The Environment Agency is committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share.
Responsibilities and Requirements
We are seeking someone with experience of managing complex regulatory or enforcement cases, with strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills. You will need to be confident in managing conflict constructively and resilient in the face of challenge, while maintaining focus on compliance and public safety.
You should be able to analyse legal and technical information, assess risk, and provide sound recommendations for proportionate action. Strong written and verbal communication is essential, as is the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including undertakers, engineers, legal advisors, and internal leadership.
Desirable experience includes knowledge of the Reservoirs Act 1975, enforcement frameworks, public safety regulation, or infrastructure management. Familiarity with the Balmforth Review recommendations or Environmental Permitting Regulations reform would also be an advantage.
Contact and Additional Information
* For further information or an informal chat about the role contact: Zoe Wilson, Senior Team Leader – zoe.wilson@environment-agency.gov.uk
* Karl Hunter, Enforcement Adviser – karl.hunter@environment-agency.gov.uk
Interviews will take place remotely by Microsoft Teams. As part of the interview, candidates will be asked to prepare and deliver a short presentation on a specified topic.
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