Overview
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and influence risk management at the Environment Agency. We are seeking an experienced risk professional to lead the implementation of the Risk Management Framework and drive a programme to strengthen risk culture across the organisation.
In this 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. There are opportunities to build networks with other Government Departments; the role is mostly internal facing.
Responsibilities
* Champion and maintain the 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.
Responding to incidents is a central part of the role. You may be asked to have an incident role and be available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support. This may attract an additional payment and full training will be provided.
Team & Environment
The Risk and Assurance Team sits in Strategy, Transformation and Assurance. We set standards, shape processes, and provide tools that help teams make confident, informed decisions. We support colleagues at every level to manage risk in a way that’s consistent, effective and empowering. This is a technical leadership role and there may be an opportunity for line management in the future.
Experience & Qualifications
* Experienced technical leader with extensive understanding of risk management gained in a similar role.
* Comprehensive understanding of the Orange Book and risk management principles, including risk governance and assurance.
* Proven track record of implementing and embedding risk management initiatives through collaborative working and delivering through others across multiple teams.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience of providing expert risk advice and engaging with senior leaders.
* Ability to build strong, trusted relationships across all levels while challenging firmly and constructively.
* Experience working in a complex and fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and managing competing priorities.
* Ideally, a risk management qualification or relevant professional membership (e.g. IRMCert).
* Understanding of other risk-based functions such as project/programme management and health and safety.
Location, Type & Travel
There is one permanent role available. This is a hybrid role; the successful candidate can be based at any Environment Agency office. Some travel will be required to attend national meetings, with some overnight stays. Flexible working patterns, including job share, are welcomed.
How to Apply & Contact
For questions relating to these roles, 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 using MS Teams. A call for interested applicants will be held on 23 October at 10:00 to provide more details – contact riskandassurancepa@environment-agency.gov.uk for call details. If you consent to be recruited onto a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
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