Salary - £68,820

Location - National Team - the role is hybrid and can be undertaken from anywhere in the country

Type - Permanent, Full-Time

Closing Date - 26^th January 2026

Interview Dates - Week commencing 16^th February or 23^rd February 2026 virtually via MS Teams

About the Role

At the Environment Agency we aspire for inclusivity to thrive in our workforce. We embrace equal opportunities and flexible work arrangements, ensuring everyone can contribute and succeed.

We are seeking a methodical and creative individual with a strong passion for protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of others to lead our Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) Strategy, Risk and Performance (SRP) team. This role offers an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

You will be responsible for leading and delivering key strategic initiatives, including our corporate HSW strategy and workplans, our corporate risk management process and how we share performance information to make a difference. 

Travel expectations are flexible and can be adjusted to suit the role and the post holder's needs.

The Health, Safety and Wellbeing team have bi-annual face-to-face service meetings, often in Birmingham, Bristol or London.

Team Information

The post holder will report to the Deputy Director of Health, Safety & Wellbeing and form part of the HSW leadership team. We work in the People and Assurance element of the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance Directorate that supports the business in strengthening the health, safety and wellbeing culture and behaviours.

Your key accountabilities will include:

• Acting as a senior HSW professional and fulfilling the ‘competent person' legal requirement in the Deputy Director's absence.


• Leading, managing and developing the SRP Team to ensure delivery of competent HSW services.


• Leading the development and monitoring of corporate HSW strategies, to drive improvements in our culture – linking in with other people related strategies and wider cultural work across the organisation.


• Developing, supporting and monitoring national HSW business plans that reflect organisational priorities across all levels, including HSW Team, Directorate, Function and Areas.


• Leading the development and delivery of a cultural behavioural safety programme aligned to the HSW strategy.


• Developing and implementing comprehensive insights and performance reporting, to ensure complete, relevant and accurate data is regularly gathered, analysed and reported, including the development of a HSW performance dashboard.


• Identifying, profiling and escalating national HSW risks through the EA risk management framework, including links to security, property and fleet.


• Defining a suite of impactful HSW communications materials produced to support the delivery of both strategic and tactical improvements.


• Overseeing strategic direction of the HSW assurance programme. Identifying assurance needs, capturing recommendations and actions from health and safety audits and assurance programmes to inform the strategy and continuous improvement.


• Acting as the senior point of contact for Trade Unions, ensuring regular national consultation and engagement.


• Coordinating HSW-related FOIs, PQs, DWIs, Cabinet Correspondence and similar enquiries.


• Provide and input into regular progress updates for Strategy, Transformation & Assurance (STA) Directorate, Executive Directors Team, EA Board and other senior level governance meetings.


• Establish and maintain good relationships with internal and external partners to influence their activities and promote and enhance the EA's goals and ambitions.

What We Offer You

• A salary of £68,820


• Generous Pension: Secure your future with our excellent pension scheme.


• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy 27 days holiday + 8 bank holidays, with options for flexible working.


• Career Growth & Comprehensive Training: Benefit from structured development, mentorship, and continuous learning.


• Impactful Work: Directly contribute to protecting and enhancing the environment, making a real difference.


• Inclusive Culture: Join a supportive team that values diversity and collaboration.


• Extra Perks: Paid environmental outcomes days, and comprehensive leave schemes (maternity, paternity, adoption).


• Options for flexible and / or part-time working may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What you will need:

Essential:

• NEBOSH Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals, or equivalent.


• Demonstratable experience of supporting HSW strategy and behavioural change at a leadership level.


• Chartered membership of IOSH or equivalent (or evidence of working towards).

Desirable:

• Strong knowledge and experience of Health, Safety and Wellbeing management in a complex environment.


• Experience and understanding of HSW management systems, including strategic delivery, performance reporting and behavioural safety.


• Strong verbal, written and analytical skills, with the confidence to communicate, present and influence at all levels.


• Able to think strategically, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and make confident decisions that set clear direction.


• Commitment to avoiding duplication, working efficiently and operating sustainably across the HSW team.

Why Choose the Environment Agency?

Join the UK's largest environmental organisation and be part of a team that tackles national challenges head-on. We are committed to achieving tangible results, from implementing industry regulations to restoring polluted water bodies. We invest in our people, providing tailored training, equipment, and a collaborative community where your contributions truly matter.

As an organisation we strive to reflect on the communities we serve. To achieve this, we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, and religion.

If this interests you, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply and start your application today! 

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the UK's biggest environmental organisation. Join us, and together, let's tackle the challenges of a changing climate and build a more sustainable future. Apply now and embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey with the Environment Agency. 

If you have any questions regarding the vacancy or application process, please contact the recruitment team at [email protected].  

Please note, artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. 

Please note that providing false or misleading information at any stage of the application or recruitment process may result in withdrawal of your application, or where applicable, disciplinary action in line with internal processes 

We will maintain a reserve list for 6 months and may offer similar roles at other locations linked to this position. 

Candidates selected for interview will be notified by email at least five days in advance. Please check both your inbox and junk mail folders to ensure you don't miss our message. 

The closing date for applications will be 26th January 2026.