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Water Reform Legislation Lead, OFWAT
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Join Ofwat’s Integration Unit Team as a Water Reform Legislation Lead
Office Location: London (E14 4HD) or Birmingham (B5 4UA) with hybrid working
About Us
We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales.
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.
The Role
The Water Reform Legislation Lead role has an important and valuable contribution to enable us to deliver on our goals and regulatory commitments.
We are looking for a Senior Associate to join Ofwat’s Integration unit as our Water Reform Legislation Lead. This is a unique opportunity to work at the centre of Ofwat’s contribution to the Clean Water Bill and the wider transition to a new integrated water regulator.
The role will coordinate Ofwat’s input into legislation being led by DEFRA, bringing together expertise from across policy, legal and operational teams so that Ofwat can provide clear, timely and well-evidenced advice. The postholder will work closely with DEFRA’s Bill team, Ofwat senior leaders and colleagues across the organisation to track legislative developments, manage risks and dependencies, and support effective engagement at each stage of the Bill process.
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This role would suit someone with experience working in collaborative environments where priorities, timescales and direction can evolve. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate strong organisational and coordination skills, an ability to work effectively through ambiguity, and experience influencing stakeholders and securing collaboration across organisational boundaries. As DEFRA owns the Bill and the wider legislative process, the role requires a pragmatic and adaptable approach to delivery.
About You
Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:
- Lead criterion: Significant experience leading or coordinating complex policy work across multiple teams or organisations, with the ability to bring together diverse views, evidence and expertise into clear, evidence-based advice and recommendations for decision-makers that align with wider organisational objectives.
- Experience working collaboratively across different professional disciplines, bringing together expertise from areas such as policy, legal, communications, governance or corporate services to support effective decision-making.
- Experience operating effectively in ambiguity and change, demonstrating resilience, adaptability and sound judgement in programmes where priorities, timelines and direction may evolve.
- Strong organisational and coordination skills, including the ability to manage multiple workstreams, track actions, identify dependencies and maintain oversight of delivery in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise and influential written and verbal communications for a range of audiences, including senior leaders.
- Strong influencing skills, with experience building trusted relationships and securing collaboration across teams and organisations without relying on formal authority.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify risks, issues and trade-offs, develop practical solutions, and provide balanced recommendations to senior stakeholders.
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Why You Should Join Us
- People Centric: Our people are at the heart of Ofwat and everything we do - we ensure all voices are heard and treat each other with respect; you'll be given the autonomy and the support to do your role in the best way.
- Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile and new ways of working and have a culture built on trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
- Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with the benefits of in-person collaboration in our Birmingham and London offices.
- Excellent employer pension contributions of up to 29%.
- 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.
- Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
- Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
- Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work.
- Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.
Follow the link to apply for full details about the role. Please ensure you have submitted your application in full before the below deadline.
Closing date: 23.55 on 13 September 2026
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