Environment and regulation

We regulate industries and respond to environmental incidents while keeping the climate emergency at the heart of our work.

Through science, policy and frontline regulation, our team ensures cleaner air, land and water for people and wildlife.

We do this in many ways, including regulating waste treatment and disposal sites. We regulate farms, factories and other businesses to minimise polluting emissions. And, working with conservation organisations to create and restore important habitats, we license fishing and monitor fish health in rivers and fisheries across England.

We also respond to a range of emergencies including the pollution of water and illegal dumping of hazardous waste.

Learn about my day in my role as a Permitting officer.
Gabrielle, Bristol.

No two days are the same, watch my Day in the Life film.
Joe, Environment Officer, Land & Water team, Somerset.

Shape Nature’s Future

About our teams:

Water, Land & Biodiversity

Our teams deliver the Defra 25-Year Environment Plan, aiming for cleaner air and water, richer habitats and thriving species. We shape strategy, develop policy and provide expert support to operational teams. From monitoring rivers to managing droughts, we work with partners to protect nature and communities.
Fisheries, Biodiversity & Geomorphology

This team provides expert advice on habitats and species; screens planning applications and supports flood risk projects. They help achieve biodiversity goals, including Biodiversity Net Gain, and protect water-dependent wildlife.
Regulated Industry

We regulate businesses to protect air, land and water, ensuring compliance and driving green growth. From oil refineries to recycling plants, our work delivers climate resilience and a sustainable future.
Radioactive Substances Regulation

Our regulators oversee everything from hospitals to nuclear sites, ensuring safe use, storage and disposal of radioactive materials. We influence industry standards and protect people and the environment at every stage of a facility’s lifecycle.
Nuclear Regulation

Nuclear energy is key to net zero and energy security. Our teams regulate waste disposal and site operations, inspect facilities and challenge practices to achieve high environmental standards.
Non-Nuclear Regulation

We regulate radioactive substances in hospitals, universities and industry, enabling innovation in medical techniques while ensuring safety and compliance.
Installations

Installations Officers regulate industrial facilities, inspect sites and enforce environmental law. They work closely with communities and partners to address concerns and improve standards.
Environment Officers

Frontline regulators working with water companies, farms and waste sites. They influence businesses, manage pollution incidents and protect the environment—no two days are the same.
Sustainable Places

This team shapes planning and development to protect the environment. They work with local authorities and developers to ensure growth is sustainable and future-focused.
Chief Scientist’s Group

With around 150 people working in research, innovation, evaluation, data analysis and reporting, and horizon scanning, our teams put strong science and rigorous analysis at the heart of the Environment Agency’s work.

We employ a wide range of scientific staff including specialist research scientists, technical advisors, data scientists, modellers and evaluation specialists. Identifying gaps, emerging trends and compelling evidence, we enable confident decision-making across the Environment Agency.