Job Description
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 play a key part in shaping safer, healthier, and more sustainable construction practices — not just within our organisation, but across the wider industry.
As a SHEW Advisor, you’ll be a trusted expert and role model, helping to raise standards and drive continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct audits and inspections of construction sites and delivery partners
* Produce clear, actionable reports and follow up on findings
* Provide technical advice across construction and maintenance activities
* Support incident investigations and embed lessons learned
* Develop and deliver training and awareness tools
* Lead on specialist SHEW topics and contribute to strategic SHEW projects
* Support framework communities of practice and promote best practice
Incident Response
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and be available to respond to or provide business continuity support during an incident. Supporting incident response may attract an additional payment as well as facilitate further career development, as it gives you the opportunity to see how other parts of the business work. Full training and alternative working arrangements will support your incident role.
The Team
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.
Experience / Skills Required
* 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)
Contact and Additional Information
The role requires regular travel to construction sites to undertake audits and site‑based health, safety, and wellbeing assurance activities. The role offers flexible working hours, opportunities for professional development, and an ideal base in the East or Southeast of England.
Interviews will be conducted on MS Teams week commencing 24th of November.
For further information or an informal chat, please contact Jason Hanson at Jason.hanson@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Ready to take the next step? Apply now and help us build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.
Competence 1 – Builds and Sustains Relationships
In this role, you will work with a wide range of people—internal teams and external construction partners. Your ability to build trust, influence, and navigate complex dynamics is essential.
Application Question
Please describe a time when you successfully built a working relationship with someone whose views or working style differed significantly from your own. How did you approach the situation, and what was the outcome?
PLEASE NOTE:
* CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
* Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
* You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer.
* When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
Competence 2 – Achieves Results
This role demands a high level of personal effectiveness, resilience, and commitment to delivering results in a construction safety context.
Application Question
Please describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in changing someone’s opinion or approach to construction safety. What was the situation, how did you influence their thinking, and what actions did you take to achieve a successful outcome?
PLEASE NOTE:
* CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
* Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
* You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer.
* When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
Competence 3 – Influences and Persuades Others
In this role, you’ll often need to influence delivery partners, contractors, and internal teams to adopt SHEW standards and improve practices.
Application Question
Please describe a time when you successfully influenced a stakeholder or delivery partner to change their approach to construction safety. What strategy did you use, how did you tailor your message, and what was the result?
PLEASE NOTE:
* CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
* Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
* You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer.
* When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
Competence 4 – Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
In this role, you’ll be expected to make informed decisions during audits, inspections, and incident investigations. Your ability to think critically and act decisively is essential.
Application Question
Please describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision or solve a complex problem during a construction safety audit, inspection, or SHEW‑related activity. What steps did you take to understand the issue, what options did you consider, and how did you reach your decision?
PLEASE NOTE:
* CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
* Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
* You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer.
* When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
Role Specific License Requirements
Full UK Driving Licence
Additional Information for Civil Service Applicants
We are not part of HM Civil Service and applicants would not be Crown servants. If you work in local authority or other bodies listed in the RDP, you may be eligible for continuous service.
We are fully committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability.
The Environment Agency, a non‑departmental public body, uses Central Government frameworks and contracts. For queries about becoming a support supplier, visit the relevant UK government link.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool in applications; however, all statements must be truthful, factual, and from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to withdrawal.
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