Job Description

We are looking for a Deputy Director to join our senior leadership team in Legal and Audit Services (LAS). This is an exciting new position, working alongside three existing Deputy Directors.

We provide a high quality in-house legal service. We help develop and implement a wide range of environmental law and support the multi-million pound capital flood programmes. We provide risk-based legal advice, conduct enforcement and prosecution work and commercial and civil litigation. Our work directly contributes to the delivery of better outcomes for the environment, wildlife and human health.

In this role you will be an experienced leader who enjoys leading and developing a large inclusive team in our dispersed workforce across England. The work is varied and high-profile, often at the forefront of developments in environmental and regulatory law. You will be responsible for delivering part of a flexible, expert and enabling legal service to the whole of the organisation. You will be confident in managing and mitigating significant legal risks and providing legal and governance advice to our Boards and Committees, project teams and a wide range of internal clients.

Effective collaboration and influencing internally and externally are key parts of this role. You will work closely with government and help shape and deliver legal approaches and advice which supports the delivery of our corporate strategy outcomes.

The team 1

Your role will be part of the senior leadership team in LAS and you will have direct responsibility for a team of highly skilled lawyers and support staff with accountability for a budget. You will be part of the Chief Operating Officer\'s directorate reporting directly into the Director of Legal and Audit Services.

Experience/skills required 1

You will be a qualified lawyer (solicitor or barrister) able to practice in England and Wales with strong public law knowledge.

You will have:

. experience of leading, managing and developing teams, motivating them to deliver high quality outcomes

• the ability to provide an authoritative risk-based view on complex legal questions and to contribute at Exco/Board level where required, working optimally with senior counterparts from other parts of the business
• an open mindset with a desire to keep learning and take accountability for your own professional development
• the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels of the organisation and evidence of being a collaborative team player and ability to influence others effectively using range of strategies
• excellent communication and analytical skills, including the ability to present complex messages through a range of media to suit diverse audiences.

Contact and additional information 1

You will also need to have substantial post-qualification experience advising on relevant legal disciplines that cover a wide range of legally challenging situations. Knowledge of environmental, regulatory or commercial law is desirable but not essential.

Please read the candidate pack for full details of the role, including the core accountabilities and a full list of skills and experience sought. If you would like any further information about the role please contact Sally Zak, Legal Support Manager by emailing sally.zak@environment-agency.gov.uk, ensuring you provide your contact details.

If successfully shortlisted the process will include psychometric profiling, a staff engagement exercise and a panel interview with a presentation. This will take place at the beginning of November 2023.

Job description attachment 1 1

Closing Date:

16/10/2023, 23:55 hours

Level of security checks required 1

Basic Check

Role specific professional membership requirements 1

Current Practising Certificate

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 for more information.

Environment Agency