Environment Agency
HSW Construction Assurance Senior Specialist - 33930
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Your work will provide assurance that the construction projects across our capital and maintenance programme comply with legislation (including Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015), align with Environment Agency client standards, and support the continual improvement of our Delivery Partners and internal teams.
You will work closely with client representative functions, delivery partners, Construction H&S Auditors and internal HSW colleagues to strengthen governance, identify risks, and promote best practice across the project lifecycle — from early design through to on‑site construction.
Job Description
The role is pivotal in delivering the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy. Specifically, our ambition for zero harm which extends to all those who work with us in delivering our capital programme.
We are seeking a Construction Assurance Senior Specialist to join our Construction Health, Safety & Wellbeing (HSW) Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic, credible, and collaborative professional to influence and continually improve the way we assure construction activities across the organisation.
This role blends strategic assurance programme leadership with some hands‑on auditing delivery, making it ideal for someone who wants to shape the direction of our construction assurance programme.
As a Construction Assurance Senior Specialist, you will play a leading role in developing, delivering and improving our integrated construction audit programme covering:
- Construction phase HSW audits
- Environmental compliance audits
- Design audits
Your work will provide assurance that the construction projects across our capital and maintenance programme comply with legislation (including Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015), align with Environment Agency client standards, and support the continual improvement of our Delivery Partners and internal teams.
You will work closely with client representative functions, delivery partners, Construction H&S Auditors and internal HSW colleagues to strengthen governance, identify risks, and promote best practice across the project lifecycle — from early design through to on‑site construction.
The team
We work closely with colleagues across Local Operations and Flood & Coastal Risk Management Directorate along with delivery partners to define/develop standards and provide technical advice on construction HSW risks. We lead a programme of audits/inspections to ensure standards are effectively implemented. If something goes wrong, we provide technical support for investigations to ensure lessons are identified, shared/embedded. We collaborate with our supply chain and wider construction industry to develop and share best practice.
Experience/skills Required
What you’ll need:
- Strong practical experience in construction safety, assurance and compliance, ideally within an infrastructure client environment.
- Understanding of HSW, Environmental and Design requirements across the construction lifecycle.
- Knowledge of CDM 2015, risk-based auditing/assurance frameworks.
- Excellent communication skills, able to engage confidently with site teams, leadership groups, and delivery partners.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate evidence and draw clear conclusions.
- Strategic thinking with the flexibility to respond quickly to emerging risks or priorities.
- Commitment to working efficiently, avoiding duplication and contributing to a cohesive, high-performing team.
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It is essential for candidates to have:
- Certified membership of IOSH or equivalent professional membership (or evidence of working towards)
- NEBOSH Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals (or evidence of working towards).
It is essential that the formal qualification is supported by four years’ work experience in the practical application of Construction HSW standards.
Contact and additional information
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.
You’ll be based at an Environment Agency office. As this is a national role, the working location is flexible/hybrid.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel. However, some travel and overnight stays may be required.
For more information on the role, please contact Gary Haley on gary.haley@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams during the week commencing 17th August 2026
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Competence 1
Achieves Results
Description
Description: Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Question
Please give a specific example of a challenging piece of construction health, safety, wellbeing or environmental assurance work that you were responsible for delivering, where you had to manage competing priorities or tight timescales.
Describe how you planned and prioritised your workload, how you responded to any setbacks, and how you ensured the work was delivered effectively.
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.
Competence 2
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Description: Finding and delivering optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
Question
Tell us about a time when you had to co‑ordinate and interpret information from a range of sources to resolve a complex construction health, safety, wellbeing or environmental issue.
Please explain how you used that information to make decisions and solve the problem.
Competence 3
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Description: Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
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Question
Tell us about a time when you needed to influence others to gain acceptance of your approach or recommendations in relation to a construction health, safety, wellbeing, environmental or design assurance issue.
This might have involved delivery partners, senior stakeholders, or colleagues with differing priorities or views.
Role specific license requirements
A full UK driving licence
Role specific professional membership requirements
Certified membership of IOSH or equivalent professional membership (or evidence of working towards)
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.
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