Defence Environmental Protection Regulator, Environmental Protection Advisor (Regulations)

Job summary

Are you passionate about the environment? Do you want to make a real difference in one of the largest government departments, championing environmental protection across Defence? If you’re looking for a role where you can use your skills to drive positive change, we want to hear from you!

We are seeking a hard-working individual and skilled communicator with knowledge of environmental legislation and protection to join the Defence Environmental Protection Regulator (DEPR) in the Regulation Function. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping environmental protection across Defence, working within a dynamic and forward-thinking team. DEPR has responsibility for assurance, regulation and enforcement, as well as coordination of environmental protection reporting, to deliver a coherent and consolidated view on environmental protection compliance across Defence (encompassing the estate, equipment and activities).

The DEPR sits within the Defence Safety Authority (DSA), an independent organisation within the Ministry of Defence. The DSA regulates Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection across and operates under a formal Charter from the Secretary of State for Defence (SofS). It provides independent assurance directly to the SofS that Defence activities comply with the law and that environmental protection policy is being properly implemented.

The DSA delivers this regulatory function through proportionate, evidence‑based assessments of activities carried out across Defence. It brings together Defence’s safety and environmental protection regulators, the Defence Accident Investigation Branch, and a central headquarters into one independent organisation led by a senior director‑level officer.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Hybrid working will be supported on an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement giving you greater flexibility about where you work, blending a balance of expected attendance in the workplace (with an expectation to spend a minimum of 60% of working time in office) and working from home to meet business needs and with management approval. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details).

Job description

The DEPR Regulation Function is responsible for producing independent environmental regulations for Defence. The Regulations are proportional to the risk posed to Defence and fulfil the SofS requirement for outcomes that are as good as the law requires in situations where legislation is insufficient, or Defence activity is excluded from specific UK laws.

The primary role of this post is to assist in the identification of where Defence Regulation is required, and the production of those regulations. We are looking for someone who can think strategically and support a small team to identify where Defence Regulations may be needed to improve environmental protection, and then assist in writing them. That person should have a flexible approach and questioning mentality. The post holder will need to be comfortable independently engaging with stakeholders across Defence, writing formal documentation, and providing advice.

The post holder will be responsible for:

• Supporting the DEPR regulations Senior Executive Officer (SEO)/C1 in the production, maintenance and publication of Defence Regulations and guidance.
• Working with, and supporting, the DEPR regulation SEO/C1 to develop the DEPR Regulation Function’s programme and processes for the regulation function activities, and deputising for the Regulation SEO.
• Collaborating with the DEPR Assurance and Coordination Functions to enhance DEPR, and support in the development of their Function Strategies.
• Maintaining an awareness of existing statutory and Defence regulatory environmental requirements.
• Networking and providing advice on compliance with DEPR regulations across Defence.
• Acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for DEPR, addressing requests to support, advising or responding to formal questions, consultations or briefings, providing specialist environmental support to DSA and Defence.
• Providing peer support to other DEPR team members and promoting a positive environmental protection culture. This includes contributing to DSA's Environment Community of Interest, via authoring, sourcing content, and communication of environmental materials.
• Maintaining and developing personal competence by identifying and participating in relevant development opportunities and retaining membership(s) of relevant professional bodies.

To be successful in this role, the candidate will need to demonstrate the following skills, experience and behaviours:

• Strong organisational skills to help deliver the DEPR Regulation Function programme. The role will require working at pace.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to deliver DEPR Regulation Function outputs.
• Strong networking and stakeholder management skills to deliver key messages across Defence and work closely with other Regulation functions within the DSA.
• Adaptable and flexible, to anticipate challenges and deal with emergent risks, by drawing together information from various sources, documenting and sharing findings and demonstrate flexibility to work to changing priorities.
• Comfortable making decisions within their area of responsibility, using sound judgement and interpretative ability, referring to seniors on complex issues with wider implications, working both independently and as a team.
• Critical thinking, having an awareness of how their role and team fit into the wider strategic context.

The post holder will report to the SEO/C1 DEPR Regulation post and has no line management responsibility. You will be supported on personal development, performance, training pathways and welfare.

The DSA and the Civil Service at large are strongly dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunity irrespective of your race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, civil status, sex, or gender identity. Applications are welcomed and strongly encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, and we are actively working to establish a diverse workforce across the entire organisation. We are delighted to announce that we are an Equal Opportunities Employer and that we recruit purely based upon the merit of each and every individual applicant. We pride ourselves on our commitment to ensuring that we recruit the very best individuals and obtain a diverse and inclusive viewpoint to our decision making. We can assure you that we search for all types of talent and are striving to make sure that all social groups are successfully represented. We work diligently to eradicate any bias and safeguard every protected status and characteristic as lawfully required under the 2010 Equality Act. Our dedication to promoting diversity is clearly reflected across our organisation and within our vision to foster an inclusive workforce. Defence harnesses the power of difference to deliver capability that safeguards our nation’s security and stability.

Person specification

To be considered for this role, it is essential that your evidence should include a demonstration of:

Previous environmental experience, with some knowledge of UK environmental legislation. This can be demonstrated from a variety of environmental roles, such as regulation, policy, audit, assurance, academia, consultancy, or other environmental management. A formal qualification is not essential where there is proven environmental experience, i.e. in formulating environmental policy, management or control.

We welcome applications from graduates that can demonstrate how their skills gained during their degree, or work experience, can be transferred into this role.

Other desirable experience / qualifications:

• Formal qualifications (E.g. Undergraduate degree or HNC) in environment or related subject, for example geography, geology, natural science, environmental science, environmental management or similar equivalent
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (regulation writing is a core part of this role), digital literacy (use of Office 365), research and analytical skills, briefing and report writing skills.
• It is desirable to be a member of a Chartered environmental institute (e.g. ISEP, CIWEM, CIEEM, IES). Opportunity to obtain or maintain membership of a professional association related to the job role, to be active in continuing professional development.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

The MOD Discover My Benefits page lists the full set of benefits. Some of the many benefits you will receive include:

• Generous Pension Scheme.​
• Flexi-time scheme.​
• Alternative working practices such as working from home. ​
• 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service. ​
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days leave per year.
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The King's birthday. ​
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave. ​
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing. ​
• Learning and development tailored to your role. ​
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

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 (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

At sift, you will be assessed against Statement of suitability ,name-blind anonymous CV and three Civil Service behaviours:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together

Please note that in the event of a high number of applications, an initial sift will focus on the Statement of Suitability and the Success Profile behaviour of Leadership.

Candidates who meet the criteria at sifting stage will be invited to interview in person at MOD, Abbey Wood North, Bristol.

The interview will comprise of questions on the three civil service behaviours used as part of the application process, and clarification of some aspects of your statement of suitability and CV. You will be assessed against the following:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together

As a guide, we aim to complete the initial sift within 10 days, with interviews expected mid to end April.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Matthew Sargent
• Email : Matthew.sargent103@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.

Attachments

CS_Behaviours_2018 Opens in new window (pdf, 1043kB)EXTERNAL PACK (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)Candidate Information updated (1) Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)