Policy Specialist - Data and Digital - 35453

Policy Specialist - Data and Digital - 35453
1
National
Various
Staff Grade 6
Fixed Term
Policy
Full Time, Other
£54,940 - £64,576 Pro-rata

29/06/2026, 23:55 hours

AS06 Job Family Role Profile Advise & Shape, Grade 6

Basic Check

We are looking for an experienced Policy Specialist to be part of a high-performing team at the centre of the EA. Focused on supporting delivery of the Government’s Water White Paper, including the creation of a new water regulator. 

A key focus on supporting the development of data and digital outcomes required for the new regulator/future EA, ensuring these are delivered jointly with partner regulators. This will include helping to bridge policy ambition, strategic outcomes and the practical delivery of data systems and digital infrastructure. 

You will: 

  • Assist in providing EA input to support the government in delivering the ambition set out in the Water White Paper, including establishing a new integrated water regulator. This will involve developing and shaping EA policy and positioning including what that means for the future of the EA.  
  • Support design and development of data and digital approaches that enable more efficient regulatory outcomes in the new water regulator/future EA, helping to translate policy intent into deliverable systems, tools and frameworks. 
  • Support delivery of a programme of joint working with other regulators – aimed at improving coordination and regulatory outcomes, including through data sharing and digital alignment solutions. 
  • Act as a bridge between policy, strategy and technical delivery, working with data and digital specialists to ensure shared understanding and coherence in approaches. 
  • Support engagement with colleagues across Government, within the EA and with other regulators to ensure others are brought along as we develop our thinking.  
  • Embrace constructive challenge and diverse thinking whilst keeping pace in a fast-moving working environment.   
  • Be an active member of the team, playing a role in creating the conditions for a high performing and agile team to thrive and be resilient in the face of high demand and ambiguity.
You’ll be an essential part of a small, motivated team working directly with the Strategic Design and Transition Programme Director and Deputy Directors.  You can expect a friendly welcome and an engaging and rewarding environment to work in, where your personal development will be supported.  

Some of the key skills required are: 

  • Experience of working with central government to develop policy, including engagement with data and digital specialists or programmes 
  • Ability to think and act strategically, and translate between policy intent, strategic outcomes and delivery mechanisms 
  • Understanding of data systems, digital delivery or digital transformation, or sufficient fluency to engage effectively with technical experts 
  • Excellent communication and engagement skills, including the ability to translate complex or ambiguous issues into simple, targeted advice for a range of audiences 
  • Strong ability to work across organisational boundaries, bring people together and build consensus 
  • Experience of influencing at all levels 
You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible.  We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel. Some travel will be required, and this may occasionally include an overnight stay.  
  
Please see Job Profile for more information. Any queries, contact lucy.feibusch@environment-agency.gov.uk  
  
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the questions asked.  
  
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.  
Up to 12 Months
Shapes organisational approach & delivery
Please describe your experience of analysing critical policies. How did you arrive at your recommendation? How did you deliver it?
Leads People
Describe your experience of good leadership during uncertainty. What does good management look like during these times? What about being a good player during these times?
Influences and Persuades Others
Describe a time when you persuaded a stubborn group or individual to change course. What techniques did you use?
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.