FCRM Security Vetting and Support Officer - 33175

FCRM Security Vetting and Support Officer - 33175
1
London
London
DEFRA GRP EA THAMES BARRIER, SE7 8LX
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Operational Delivery
Full Time
£34,320

12/05/2026, 23:55 hours

AM04 Assets Management, Grade 4

Basic Check

The Role

We are the Environment Agency, and working in partnership with government, local authorities, businesses, and communities we tackle the impacts of climate change and manage the assets that protect Central London from flooding. 

This role sits within the core security team at the Thames Barrier. You will help deliver and continuously improve the administration of internal security and risk across our assets in a complex and demanding environment, assessing risks to the Thames Tidal Defences to protect our staff, critical infrastructure, and the public we serve. 

Purpose of the Role 

  • Delivery of personnel security vetting on behalf of Thames Tidal Defences 
  • Development and delivery of security measures, security induction and training 
  • Financial management of key contracts and team spending 
  • Adoption and implementation of security controls with input from internal and external stakeholders 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Provide personnel security vetting advice and guidance in relation to National Security Vetting, management process, residency, clearance status, etc 
  • Manage all new vetting applications in liaison with the government security clusters 
  • Effective communications of policies, processes and guidance to internal staff and contractors alike 
  • Improve and maintain security culture across employees and contractors 
  • Contribute to the effective planning and delivery of security contracts 

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. 

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a suitable level of security clearance and must have been resident within the UK for a minimum of 5 years.

Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) is central to the Environment Agency’s work. The site-based security team plays a vital role in ensuring the continued operation of the Thames Tidal Defences, helping to protect people and property from flooding. We sit within the Local Operations Directorate. 

Essential 

  • Excellent organisational and administration skills 
  • Able to form good relationships within your department and the wider security community and work effectively both independently and as part of a team 
  • Proactive and efficient with the ability to deliver at pace 
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. 

 Desirable 

  • Experience of personnel security practices in a large business setting or the public sector 
  • An understanding of personnel security and risk, as well as a willingness to develop knowledge in these areas, whilst recognising future risks and strategically planning to mitigate them. 
  • Knowledge and a working understanding of industry good practice principles regarding personnel security vetting standards and frameworks, keeping abreast of changes to industry standards, regulations, and best practice 
  • Knowledge of incident management processes 

You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided. 

Please read the Candidate Pack and generic role profile for information. 

You’ll have an EA Office base location, which will be at the Thames Barrier.  

We offer a fantastic benefits package including an attractive salary, flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and an award-winning Pension Fund. Please see the candidate pack for more details on these and how to apply. 

Additional Allowances - £4,406p.a. Inner London Weighting   

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

If you have queries regards the role, please do contact Anthony Hoare via anthony.hoare@environment-agency.gov.uk  
 
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. 
 
Interviews are planned to be held in person at Thames Barrier Office, at the beginning of June.

Builds and Sustains Relationships
You will be required to engage with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders including contractors, professional partners, electricians, mechanics, engineers and occasionally, members of the public.

Explain how you develop and maintain effective working relationships with various individuals and teams at different levels.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.

Feedback is generally not available at sift stage
Works in Teams
Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals

Describe an occasion when your team worked well together in particular your contribution to this?
Communicates Effectively
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

Can you provide examples of where you have had to communicate complex information to people with little understanding of the subject, sometimes with incomplete information?
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.