Supervision Manual and Risk Framework Lead

Job summary

We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales.

We have an opportunity for a Principal Supervision Manual and Risk Framework Lead to join our Supervision Team within the Delivery Directorate.

The water sector is entering a new chapter. The government has set out a bold new direction, bringing together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment. We are collaborating with fellow regulators to respond to recommendations in The Independent Water Commission Report, the Welsh Government’s response to the Green Paper, Shaping the Future of Water Governance in Wales, and the Government’s White Paper, A new vision for water.

Ofwat is working with the government and other regulators to help create a new body for England, bringing together our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency and Natural England. We are also continuing to work with the Welsh Government to support decisions on the future arrangements for Wales.

While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water, and together we can continue to make a positive impact.

You can find out more about why you should join Ofwat, our strategy, values and our framework for success in the attached Information for Candidates Pack.

Job description

The Supervision Team at Ofwat is established to support evolution of our regulatory approach towards that envisaged by UK and Welsh governments for the new integrated regulator in England and the new economic regulator in Wales.

The Supervision Team:

• Leads policy thinking for Ofwat on what supervision will mean for water regulation.

• Leads engagement with Defra, Welsh Government, Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Drinking Water Inspectorate, (what we call 'cross regulator working'), water companies and across Ofwat to support the government’s development of a supervisory model for the new integrated water regulator.

• Develops and implements appropriate aspects of a supervisory approach across Ofwat, to support enhancements to our existing regulatory approach and effective transition to the new regulator.

The Supervision Team's current focus is on two interrelated areas of work:
i) developing the policy and practice of Ofwat's evolving supervisory approach, including implementing cross-regulator proposals for the immediate rollout of enhancements to existing joint regulatory practice and
ii) supporting Defra and Welsh Government in their design of the supervisory approach for the new integrated regulator.

At the present time, we await publication of the joint UK and Welsh Government plan which will set out how we will transition to the two new regulators, and a new UK Strategic Policy Statement. In the meantime, we aim to design and implement a supervisory approach during the transition period that:
i) adds additional value to Ofwat's existing way of working;
ii) introduces ways of working, outputs and governance that will constructively support joint working with other regulators in England and Wales, and establishment of the new regulator models; and
iii) supports our ambition and commitment to introduce supervision during the transition period.

We have three opportunities for Principals to join our team and to lead key elements of the development and implementation of a supervision operating model across Ofwat, as well as leading policy input to wider work with Defra and the other water regulators in the design of a framework for the future regulator.

If you want to influence the nature of Ofwat's supervisory approach during the transition period, Ofwat’s contribution to the design of the supervisory model in the new regulator and be part of implementing our more supervisory approach to regulating the water companies during the transition period, this may be the role for you.

This advert relates to role Principal - Supervision Manual and Risk Framework Lead. Please see similar adverts for (Principal Governance Lead - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK) Principal - Governance Lead – Supervision and (Principal Cross-Regulator Implementation Lead - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK) Principal Cross-Regulator Implementation Lead for Supervision if you are interested in the other roles being advertised at the same time.

The role - Principal - Supervision Manual and Risk Framework Lead

The IWC recommendations and subsequent White/Green papers signalled expectations from UK and Welsh Governments that a risk framework and supervision manual will be key facets of a new supervisory approach to regulation. We are expanding our approach to risk assessment in order to support interim supervision and enhance Ofwat's current approach to overseeing and responding to company performance and compliance.

The risk framework supports a supervisory approach operating on a ‘risk ladder’ within a clear framework where regulatory scrutiny is proportionate to the risk level presented. We anticipate that PIR (or Performance Improvement Regime) will be the highest (worst) category of risk within the risk framework.

The risk framework will form a key component of the supervision manual, alongside other key elements such as:
i) an outline of the governance that will be in place to support supervisory policy and regulatory decision-making, and
ii) the regulatory tools that we expect to be deployed at each and all levels of the risk ladder, including PIR.

In this exciting role, you will have the opportunity to:

• contribute to and oversee development of a supervision manual for implementation during the transition period
• further refine the emerging risk framework and embed it into Ofwat's ways of working,
• continue the evolution of the supervision manual and the risk framework as we better integrate our regulatory oversight of each company with the other regulators during transition,
• prepare for adoption of a supervision manual and a risk framework as part of establishment of the new regulator.

Key deliverables:

As the Principal – Supervision manual and Risk Framework Lead, you will be expected to:

• Lead or contribute to policy development related to IWC recommendations, or the UK and Welsh Governments' transition plan.
• Lead the refinement of the initial proposals for a transitional risk framework, through engaging with colleagues across Ofwat, learning from best practice from other supervisory regulators and keeping abreast of developments from within Defra and Welsh Government.
• Lead the design and implementation of a supervision manual that responds to expectations set out in the UK and Welsh Governments' plan for English water companies for the transition period and prepare for adoption of a supervision manual as part of establishment of the new regulator(s) for England and Wales.
• Work with colleagues across the Supervision Team and in the Company Engagement Team to align the risk framework with other aspects of the emerging supervision framework.
• Have responsibility for taking the development of the supervision manual and risk framework through all relevant Ofwat governance to achieve wide consensus and buy-in to the proposed approach.
• Develop and embed across Ofwat all of the products and processes required to implement the risk framework, working closely with all relevant policy teams that will be responsible for day-to-day implementation at policy level to provide training, support and general oversight of the new processes.
• Develop proposals to evaluate and continuously improve the interim supervision manual and risk framework, recognising the importance of transparency and stability for water companies.
• Work with the EA, NRW and DWI to explore how a common supervision manual and risk framework may be implemented across all regulators ahead of the move to the new integrated regulator and the separate economic regulator for Wales.
• Communicate learnings from the initial rollout to Defra and Welsh Government to support their proposals for the new regulatory model taking account of our experience.
• Lead or contribute to plans for internal and external engagement related to the supervision manual, risk framework or our wider supervisory approach during transition.
• Lead or contribute to a joint regulator virtual team adopting a supervisory approach to the actual regulation of one, several or all water companies during the transition period.
• Act as People Leader for one or more Senior Associate team members.

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will need the below essential attributes, experience, skills and knowledge:

Experience, skills and knowledge

1. Lead criterion: Experience of designing, implementing and managing regulatory, supervisory or operational frameworks, products or approaches within a complex organisation.
2. Understanding and/or experience of performance management and/or risk frameworks in a regulatory environment.
3. Experience and/or understanding of current and potential future approaches to water regulation.
4. Understanding of supervisory approaches to regulation.
5. Experience of developing and implementing policy, operational or regulatory frameworks, including securing stakeholder buy-in and navigating governance and decision-making processes.
6. Proven experience of embedding change across an organisation's operating model.
7. Experience of evaluating, improving and embedding operational, supervisory or regulatory approaches to deliver effective organisational outcomes.
8. Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver shared outcomes and influence decision-making.

Attributes

9. Making Relationships count
10. Adaptable thinker
11. Promoting Collaboration

Attributes as per Ofwat's Framework for Success for the relevant salary grade. You can read more about Attributes here.

Benefits

Why You Should Join Us:

Our people are at the heart of Ofwat, and our People Strategy defines the goals that keep this focus central to everything we do. Our 2025 People Survey highlights several key strengths. Nine in ten colleagues say that they are treated with respect and that Ofwat values individual differences. The same proportion say that their work is meaningful and that they are being trusted to carry out their roles effectively. That’s great but it’s important to us to build an environment that is not only fair, inclusive and empowering but also collaborative. Here, 79% of our people rated their manager highly, and 85% described their team environment as positive.

You will also benefit from:

• Excellent employer pension contributions of nearly 29%.You can find further details about pension schemes under Terms and Conditions in the Candidate Pack.
• 25 days’ annual leave (increasing to 30 with each year of service) plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave
• Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership
• Flexible working arrangements that suit your lifestyle
• Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies
• Up to 3 volunteering days per year
• Recognition vouchers scheme
• Generous shared parental leave and pay
• Enhanced sick pay
• Regular development opportunities
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Season ticket loan for home-to-office travel
• Free eye tests and contribution to lenses/spectacles for VDU users

Moving to Ofwat 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. Find out more at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

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

How to apply

Apply through the Civil Service Jobs website where you’ll be asked to create an account and complete an application form (CV and personal statement). If you’re unable to make an electronic application, please contact recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk and we will support you in completing your application.

Please see the candidate guidance on our website for more detail and tips on how to best make your application and prepare for interview.

Please ensure you have submitted your application in full ahead of the deadline listed below. Unfortunately, we won't be able to consider late applications.

Selection timetable

• Closing date: 23:55 on Thursday 30 July 2026
• Sifting: Week commencing3 August 2026
• Interview date(s): Week commencing 17 August 2026

Assessment process

Sift Stage - Blind Sifting

We operate a blind sifting model to eliminate bias. All candidate identifying information will be removed from applications.

At sift stage we will assess your application (CV and personal statement) against essential criteria 1, 2, 3 and 4 listed above. Please ensure you provide enough evidence in your application form to demonstrate how you meet the criteria.

Use your personal statement to address criteria set out above and tell us how your experience, skills and knowledge meet them:

1. Lead criterion: Experience of designing, implementing and managing regulatory, supervisory or operational frameworks, products or approaches within a complex organisation.
2. Understanding and/or experience of performance management and/or risk frameworks in a regulatory environment.
3. Experience and/or understanding of current and potential future approaches to water regulation.
4. Understanding of supervisory approaches to regulation.

*Please note that in the event of receiving a large number of applications, a pre-sift may take place on just the lead criterion.

** If a high volume of candidates meet the minimum pass mark at sift stage, we will only progress the highest scoring candidates to interview. Candidates not invited to interview, who have achieved the minimum pass mark, will be placed 'on hold' until the final stage of the assessment process is completed. Should the role/s remain unfilled, candidates placed 'on hold' may be invited to interview in merit order.

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

Interview Stage - Transparent Interviews and Presentation

At interview stage we will test against essential skills, experience, knowledge and attributes set out above.

Our transparent interview process involves candidates receiving a selection of attribute-based questions in advance. This has been proven to help neurodiverse candidates and others to perform better at interview and is part of our inclusive culture.

You can read more about attributes and our Framework for success here.

Please note that the interviews will be conducted via video conferencing software (Microsoft Teams).

As part of the interview process, we will require a short presentation. Further details will be provided to candidates upon invitation to interview.

Please ensure anything you present in your interview answers is factually accurate, and you are not presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by AI, as your own. You may expect follow up questions.

It may be necessary for a second stage interview, which will be communicated to the successful candidates, if required.

If the assessment process identifies more appointable candidates than roles available, a reserve list will be created for 12 months from which further appointments in merit order can be made. 'Near-miss' candidates (candidates who have performed well at interview stage but haven’t scored high enough for the advertised Principal band) may be considered (in merit order) for a Senior Associate grade post – a band lower than Principal. Further details will be provided to candidates as needed.

If you have any queries about any aspect of this role, selection process, or you require any reasonable adjustments, please email recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.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.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).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 : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk
• Email : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk

Further information

Complaints procedure - The process of recruitment and assessment embraces the principles of fair and open competition and best practice. The first is to maintain the principle of selection for appointment to the Civil Service on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Recruitment Principles. The second is to promote an understanding of the https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-code/the-civil… which sets out the constitutional framework in which all civil servants work and the values they are expected to uphold, and to hear and determine appeals made under it. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the recruitment principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from us, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at info@csc.gov.uk

Attachments

BC-1184 - Principal Supervision Manual and Risk Framework Lead Opens in new window (pdf, 790kB)