Overview
The Environment Agency is seeking 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 will 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.
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.
Incident Response
Respond to incidents and provide business continuity support as required, including incident role availability. Training and additional payment may be provided.
The Team
Our Risk and Assurance Team sits within 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 consistently, effectively, and empoweringly. This is a technical leadership role and there may be an opportunity for line management in the future.
Experience and Skills
Required:
* Extensive experience and understanding of risk management in a similar role.
* Comprehensive knowledge of the Orange Book, risk governance and assurance principles.
* Proven track record of embedding risk management initiatives through collaborative working across multiple teams.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience providing expert risk advice and engaging senior leaders.
* Strong ability to build trusted relationships across all levels whilst challenging firmly and constructively.
* Experience working in a complex, fast‑paced environment, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and managing competing priorities.
Preferred:
* 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.
Additional Information
There is one permanent role available. This hybrid role can be based at any Environment Agency office. Some travel will be required to attend national meetings, with overnight stays as necessary. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share.
Contact: Claire Sunshine (Claire.sunshine@environment-agency.gov.uk)
This vacancy closes on 7 November 2025. Interviews are expected to be held w/c 1 December via MS Teams.
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