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Job Description

The Reservoirs Act is a public safety statute providing a regulatory framework to prevent dam failure and flooding. The Environment Agency acts as the reservoir safety regulator for England. The reservoir safety regime is undergoing significant reform to implement the Balmforth Recommendations. The role holder will serve as the lead contact between the regulator and policymakers to ensure successful implementation and regulation of proposed policy changes.

You should have a background in regulation or policy, with a proven track record of working closely with and influencing senior leaders, industry experts, professional institutions, and external stakeholders.

Principal Accountabilities

• Act as the main contact between the Environment Agency Reservoir Regulation Team and the Reservoir Reform Programme, keeping the EA Regulation Manager informed of key decisions, risks, and opportunities.
• Identify policy or process elements that could pose reputational or operational risks to the Environment Agency and ensure these are managed.
• Represent the Reservoir Regulation Team to shape and influence policy and process effectively.
• Evaluate policy and process proposals to ensure they are feasible for the Reservoir Regulation Team to deliver.
• Serve as the Senior User on behalf of the Reservoir Regulation Manager when needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Devolved Authorities and key stakeholders such as the Institution of Civil Engineers.
• Lead the Reservoir Regulation Team’s transition to changes from the Reform Programme.

The Team

You will join the Environmental Assessment and Reservoir Regulation department within the Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Directorate. The Reservoir Regulation Team is a dispersed national team of over 25 members responsible for regulating more than 2,100 large raised reservoirs in England.

We promote equal opportunities and flexible working arrangements to enable everyone to contribute and succeed.

Experience/Skills Required

• Significant experience in regulation, policy development, or similar fields.
• Innovative thinking and problem-solving skills, especially in balancing policy development and delivery.
• Confidence in communicating with senior colleagues and responding to challenges.
• Calmness under pressure and clarity in communicating complex issues.
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders at senior levels.
• Comfort with organizational transition and change management.
• Experience translating strategy into operational delivery.
• Familiarity with Government policy or legal development is advantageous.

Additional Information

This is a national role with flexible locations; some travel and overnight stays are expected. For more details or to apply, contact the recruiting manager Mark Acford at mark.acford@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Interviews will be conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 11 August 2025.

All staff are required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties, which are essential parts of working for the Environment Agency.

Competencies

1. Influences and Persuades Others: Describe a time you advocated for or against something challenged by others. Highlight the outcome.
2. Networks: Share an example of leveraging your professional network to influence or benefit your organization.
3. Uses Initiative: Provide an example of using initiative to perform a task efficiently in the absence of clear leadership.
4. Shapes Organizational Approach & Delivery: Describe how you have engaged or influenced policy development within government or organizational contexts.
5. Takes Decisions and Solves Problems: Discuss a situation where you identified risks or problems and devised effective solutions.

Note: The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service, and appointment does not confer Crown Servant status. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, flexible working, and guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants.

Additional Details

• Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Job Function: Other