Deputy Chief Inspector (Grade 6) - Drinking Water Inspectorate
1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants
East Midlands (England), East of England, London (region), North East England, North West England, South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands (England), Yorkshire and the Humber
Job Summary
Make a difference in protecting public health by becoming a Deputy Chief Inspector.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is the independent regulator of drinking water quality in England and Wales. Established by Parliament in 1990, the strategic objective is to protect public health and maintain public confidence by securing safe and clean drinking water, now and for future generations.
The powers and duties under which the Inspectorate operates are established in legislation and are wide-ranging, covering all aspects of the quality, sufficiency of water together with duties in regard of Network Information Systems Regulations 2018 for public water supplies as delegated by the Secretary of State and Welsh ministers and regulation for the Security and Emergency Measures Direction 2022. Statutory duties in relation to private supplies for the provision of technical advice to local authorities and the authority of appeal are provided on behalf of the Secretary of State and Welsh ministers.
The Inspectorate produces its own independent reports for ministers in both England and Wales; reporting on the operational performance of the water companies that it regulates in both countries, and on the performance of local authorities in their duties with respect to private water supplies. These reports cover assessment of the results of monitoring of drinking water supplied by the water companies month by month; investigation of notified events; and site visits and meetings with companies to audit technical operating practices, procedures and policies for compliance with regulation and enforcement notices. In addition to the statutory functions, further non-statutory functions are provided, including a research evidence programme; consumer and media advice on information about drinking water safety and regulation as well the running of an independent website.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate has a landing area in 2 Marsham Street, London. You will be expected to attend Inspectorate meetings in this location. The Inspectorate supports flexible working where this is practicable.
Job Description
As part of the Senior Management Team, you will be responsible to the Chief Inspector for developing and managing the Inspectorate’s resources in the delivery of its Vision and Strategic Objectives.
You will be part of the strategic team delivering regulation on the quality, assurance, safety and security of drinking water supplied by the water industry and the local authorities which includes delivery of secure network information systems by operators of essential supplies for water. You would be expected to communicate effectively with, and provide technical and scientific advice to, Ministers, officials of Defra and the Welsh Government and wider government departments. Engagement with stakeholders associated with the water sector such as Water UK, UKWIR, UKHSA, Public Health Wales, RAPID, as well as the wider regulatory landscape including the Environment Agency, the financial regulator Ofwat and CCW, requires a broad understanding of the complexities of the water sector.
The Deputy Chief Inspector leads and directs experienced professionals with strong academic, technical, scientific, engineering and practical backgrounds in the water and allied industries. The Inspectorate’s technical and support staff includes experts in network information systems, data management, information and knowledge management, and business administration. The work requires a high level of expertise in all aspects of drinking water supply; the interpretation of law, fair and proportionate enforcement of legal requirements and the provision of sound advice.
The role requires someone who combines strong leadership, technical expertise and managerial skills with the judgement and flexibility necessary to operate in what can be a demanding environment. Working within the context of the respective Government policies is also critical.
Deliver the Inspectorate’s overall business and strategic objectives encompassing short and longer-term requirements;
Establish and maintain effective and appropriate professional relationships with the regulated water companies and local authorities;
Manage resources efficiently and effectively, constantly seeking improved methods of working, ensuring that there are transparent and well-understood;
Ensure fair and proportionate regulatory delivery paying due regard to the Code for Enforcement, and the Code of Practice for Regulators;
Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
Contribute to the style, direction and reputation of the Inspectorate including the production of the Chief Inspector’s Reports covering England and Wales;
Contribution to the provision of information for the general public through an enquiry and complaint handling service and a website as part of a policy of openness and transparency;
Ensure all ancillary obligations are adhered to as a public body.
As part of the Senior Management Team, you will be responsible to the Chief Inspector for developing and managing the Inspectorate’s resources in the delivery of its Vision and Strategic Objectives.
You will be part of the strategic team delivering regulation on the quality, assurance, safety and security of drinking water supplied by the water industry and the local authorities which includes delivery of secure network information systems by operators of essential supplies for water. You would be expected to communicate effectively with, and provide technical and scientific advice to, Ministers, officials of Defra and the Welsh Government and wider government departments. Engagement with stakeholders associated with the water sector such as Water UK, UKWIR, UKHSA, Public Health Wales, RAPID, as well as the wider regulatory landscape including the Environment Agency, the financial regulator Ofwat and CCW, requires a broad understanding of the complexities of the water sector.
The Deputy Chief Inspector leads and directs experienced professionals with strong academic, technical, scientific, engineering and practical backgrounds in the water and allied industries. The Inspectorate’s technical and support staff includes experts in network information systems, data management, information and knowledge management, and business administration. The work requires a high level of expertise in all aspects of drinking water supply; the interpretation of law, fair and proportionate enforcement of legal requirements and the provision of sound advice.
The role requires someone who combines strong leadership, technical expertise and managerial skills with the judgement and flexibility necessary to operate in what can be a demanding environment. Working within the context of the respective Government policies is also critical.
Deliver the Inspectorate’s overall business and strategic objectives encompassing short and longer-term requirements;
Establish and maintain effective and appropriate professional relationships with the regulated water companies and local authorities;
Manage resources efficiently and effectively, constantly seeking improved methods of working, ensuring that there are transparent and well-understood;
Ensure fair and proportionate regulatory delivery paying due regard to the Code for Enforcement, and the Code of Practice for Regulators;
Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
Contribute to the style, direction and reputation of the Inspectorate including the production of the Chief Inspector’s Reports covering England and Wales;
Contribution to the provision of information for the general public through an enquiry and complaint handling service and a website as part of a policy of openness and transparency;
Ensure all ancillary obligations are adhered to as a public body.
Person specification
This is a senior role with significant responsibility and accountability.
* The post holder must have the ability to operate with senior members of the water industry and Government.
* Strong leadership skills with managerial experience to lead an Inspectorate efficiently and effectively.
* Candidates are required to have a degree or equivalent qualification in a subject related to water supply, water quality or instrument control and automation and supported by postgraduate experience in the water industry.
* Technically experienced in a relevant discipline (such as microbiology, chemistry, engineering, environmental or medical science), ideally to a postgraduate level and with chartered status in a relevant recognised professional institution.
* The individual must be professionally credible in order to command the confidence of the water industry, other regulators and ministers.
* We would also welcome applications from candidates with proven experience and competency in the wider field of the industry that can be related to drinking water quality, such as water supply, water network operations, process science and engineering.
* A clear track record of leading successful operational delivery, to ensure that the Inspectorate continues to deliver its demanding goals.
* Strong communication skills, to ensure effective communication with water companies, other regulators, Defra and Welsh Government policy officials, ministers, other government departments and the media.
* In depth knowledge of drinking water quality regulations, the Water Act and the NIS regulations, SEMD and the ability to deliver the statutory and non-statutory duties.
* The ability to think strategically and innovatively, and make effective use of evidence, to ensure that DWI remains an excellent and innovative regulator, offering excellent value for money to companies and consumers.
* Good professional knowledge of water supply and drinking water quality.
* As travelling is an integral part of the job, often to areas not served by public transport, candidates should have a valid driving licence.
* Successful candidates will be expected to hold, or already be working towards, chartership with a relevant professional body.
Qualifications
Educated to degree level.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Leadership
* Communicating and Influencing
* Seeing the Big Picture
* Delivering at Pace
* Working Together
* Making Effective Decisions
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
* Leadership
* Working Together
Alongside your salary of £65,430, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £18,955 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
* Learning and development tailored to your role
* An environment with flexible working options
* A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
* A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, personal statement and behaviour statements. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Leadership. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on behaviours, strengths, experience and a written exercise. The written exercise needs no prior preparation and is used to measure an applicant's experience in the water industry.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
Interviews will be held in London.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Location
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s).
Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Merit Lists
Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be appointed in merit order for each location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to DEFRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
NSV
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
* UK nationals
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
* Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
* Name : Brenda Eastwood
* Email : dwi.enquiries@defra.gov.uk
* Telephone : 03300416501
Recruitment team
* Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
* Industries
Government Administration
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by 2x
Get notified about new Chief Inspector jobs in London, England, United Kingdom.
London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
National Co-ordinator Deputy - Specialist Crime Volunteer Network (Secondment)
City Of London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Detective Constable Re-Joiner CID/Public Protection (Bluestone/Iris)
London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Detective Constable Transferee (Public Protection Bluestone and Iris Teams)
London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Woking, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
London, England, United Kingdom 4 weeks ago
London, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr