Overview
We’re proud to be part of the Environment Agency — an organisation that values diversity, champions inclusion, and reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background, identity, or lived experience.
We’re looking for two passionate and experienced professionals to join our national Construction Safety Team as SHEW Advisors. If you’re ready to make a real impact on the safety, health, environment, and wellbeing of major infrastructure projects across England, this could be your next career move. These full-time roles sit within our Capital/Construction team, which sets SHEW standards and assures them through a robust audit and inspection programme. You’ll help shape safer, healthier, and more sustainable construction practices — not just within our organisation, but across the wider industry.
Responsibilities
* Conducting audits and inspections of construction sites and delivery partners
* Producing clear, actionable reports and following up on findings
* Providing technical advice across construction and maintenance activities
* Supporting incident investigations and embedding lessons learned
* Developing and delivering training and awareness tools
* Leading on specialist SHEW topics and contributing to strategic SHEW projects
* Supporting framework communities of practice and promoting best practice
Responding to incidents is a central part of the role. You will be required to have an incident role and to respond to or provide business continuity support during an incident. Supporting incident response may attract an additional payment and supports broader career development. Full training and flexible working arrangements will be available to support your incident role.
Team and environment
You’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that works closely with delivery partners and internal colleagues to ensure SHEW standards are not only met but exceeded. We collaborate with our supply chain and wider construction industry to develop and share best practice. If something goes wrong, we provide technical support for investigations and ensure lessons are shared and embedded.
Experience and qualifications
To succeed in this role, you must meet the minimum qualification criteria:
* Proven health, safety, and wellbeing experience in construction delivery projects
* NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction Certificate (UK)
* Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IOSH or IIRSM), ideally Chartered or working towards
Essential Skills
* A strong background in construction safety
* A proactive, solutions-focused mindset
* Excellent communication skills (oral and written) with an ability to build rapport, influence stakeholders, and translate complex safety requirements into practical guidance
* Confidence in reviewing and improving ways of working to ensure consistent application of SHEW legislation and best practice
Desirable Skills
* Experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis
* Familiarity with behavioural safety approaches
* Working knowledge of digital safety tools and reporting platforms
* Stakeholder engagement across complex frameworks
* Professional accreditation or chartership (e.g. GradIOSH, CMIOSH)
Role specifics
The role requires regular travel to construction sites to undertake audits and site-based assurance activities. It will be a mix of office and home working. The successful candidates will ideally be based in the East or Southeast of England. Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional development are available.
Interviews will be conducted on MS Teams the week commencing 24 November.
If you would like more information about the role, please refer to the attached candidate information pack. For an informal chat about the role, please contact Jason Hanson at Jason.hanson@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Competencies and selection questions
The role includes assessment of core competencies through interview questions. Examples include:
* Builds and Sustains Relationships — describe how you build trust and influence stakeholders with diverse views.
* Achieves Results — describe how you delivered results in construction safety contexts.
* Influences and Persuades Others — describe how you influenced a stakeholder or partner to adopt SHEW standards.
* Takes Decisions and Solves Problems — describe a difficult decision or complex problem in a safety audit or investigation.
Notes:
* CVs or documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
* Answers should illustrate skills and experience, potentially using the STAR technique.
* You can learn more about these competencies in the EA Capability Dictionary: Calaméo – EA Capability Dictionary.
Additional information
Role requires a Full UK Driving Licence. The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service. We are committed to diversity and inclusive recruitment, including flexible working patterns and a Guaranteed Interview policy for applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria. We will not engage with the market directly via post, email, or phone calls for recruitment purposes; for supplier opportunities, please visit the Crown Commercial Service guidance on becoming a supplier.
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