Advisor - Audit and Compliance - 34404

Advisor - Audit and Compliance - 34404
1
National
Various
Various
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Business Management & Improvement
Full Time
£43,198

18/05/2026, 23:55 hours

AS05 Job Family Role Profile Advise & Shape, Grade 5

Basic Check

The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment. 

Do you enjoy working with colleagues across different teams to make significant environmental improvements?  

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Improving Water Company Regulation team, part of the Environment and Business Directorate (E&B). We’re looking for a motivated and inspired individual who is passionate about delivering efficient and effective regulation of the water industry.  

You will work alongside a Senior Advisor leading the development of the Environment Agency’s approach to auditing water industry operations, with a particular focus on Water Resources activities (abstraction and impoundment). This work is central to understanding the root causes of compliance issues and securing lasting improvements for the environment. 

As an Advisor in the IWCR team you will play a pivotal role in how we drive improvements in the Water Industry. You will: 

  • Lead the development of processes, guidance, training and tools to enable Environment Officers to undertake more and better audits. 
  • Use your knowledge of water industry abstraction and impoundment to identify pertinent and emerging compliance risks, and develop targeted, intelligence driven audits. 
  • Build a strong network of national and area colleagues who are invested in improving water resource compliance in the water industry sector. 
  • Work collaboratively to advise and influence key stakeholders to embed an auditing approach for water resource activities. 
  • Identify opportunities to improve our use of data and intelligence to provide an evidence-based picture of water industry compliance. 

You’ll join the Improving Water Company Regulation Team. We are a friendly, dispersed team who improve internal ways of working and the regulation of the Water Industry, through regulatory clarity and intelligence led approach.

We’re part of the Environment and Business Directorate. We inform and deliver the government's key environmental objectives; using evidence, expertise, engagement, innovation we influence policy and legislation, facilitate, and enhance integrated delivery and, by building trust in the Environment Agency. 

We are looking for a talented, dynamic team member to support the development and delivery of initiatives and projects which strengthen our regulation of the water industry.   

In your capability-based answers, please demonstrate your: 

  • Water industry abstraction and impoundment technical knowledge (desirable for this role). 
  • Experience of undertaking audits (desirable for this role) 
  • Ability to innovate and solve complex problems  
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills with an adaptable, engaging style. 
  • Ability to lead, plan and manage work areas.  
  • Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and respond to tight deadlines  
  • Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work. 
  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with dispersed customers internally and externally.  

A relevant degree or equivalent experience is desirable. Development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given. 

You’ll have an EA office base location. As a national role, the working location is flexible / hybrid. 

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel; some travel and overnights may be required. 

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact gavin.senior@environment-agency.gov.uk 
 
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. 
 
Interviews will be held via MS Teams in May. 
 
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post. 

Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods and processes, without compromising quality or accuracy. 



Please tell us about a time when you have developed and/or improved a process and implemented this.
Influences and Persuades Others
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail. 



Please tell us about a time when you have influenced a person or group to change an established way of working, where using logic alone would fail.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.



Please tell us about a time where you delivered a solution to a complex problem. How did you evaluate information and make decisions amid uncertainty?
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

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. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the  Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.