Job Description
Do you want to work for an organisation that values difference and includes everyone? Then the Environment Agency is the organisation for you! This is an exciting opportunity to shape and influence our approach to risk management. We’re offering 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’ll 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.
Whilst the role is mostly internal facing, there are opportunities to build networks with other Government Departments.
Responsibilities
* Champion and maintain our Risk Management Framework to align with HM Treasury’s Orange Book and meet 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 what we do. You will be asked to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training will be available to support you with your incident role.
Team
Our Risk and Assurance Team sits in 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 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 and Skills Required
You will need to be an experienced technical leader with a comprehensive understanding of the Orange Book and risk management principles, including risk governance and assurance. Ideal qualifications include:
* Extensive experience implementing and embedding risk management initiatives through collaborative working across multiple teams.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, experience providing expert risk advice and engaging with senior leaders.
* Strong ability to build trusted relationships across all levels while challenging firmly and constructively.
* Experience working in a complex, fast‑paced environment, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and managing competing priorities.
* A risk management qualification or relevant professional membership (e.g., IRM Cert).
* Understanding of other risk‑based functions such as project/programme management, health and safety.
Location and Working Arrangements
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.
Contact Information
For questions regarding this role, contact Claire Sunshine at Claire.sunshine@environment-agency.gov.uk. To request a call for interested applicants, email riskandassurancepa@environment-agency.gov.uk. This vacancy closes on 7 November 2025. Interviews are expected to be held in the week commencing 1 December using MS Teams.
Eligibility and Inclusion
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies and have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with disabilities. For candidates who may be subject to continuous service in local government, please contact your HR team.
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