adminAt the Environment Agency, we are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We embrace equitable opportunities so everyone can thrive, recognising that varied perspectives and experiences are essential to tackling complex environmental challenges. Our dedication to environmental stewardship is matched by our commitment to equity, inclusion, and public service; for the benefit of our colleagues, our communities and our environment.
We have an exciting opportunity to join our People and Inclusion department as a Business Support Officer within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team.
We’re looking for someone who will enable the smooth operation of the team to support us in achieving the ambition in the Environment Agency’s People Strategy.
The core focus of your role will be to provide support to team members and co-ordinate our business activities. This will include:
– Supporting the team with business needs, including managing shared mailboxes and calendars.
– Setting up, co-ordinating and taking minutes of meetings and events.
– Tracking our progress and delivery of key work areas using our team plan and other trackers.
– Tracking progress on Freedom of Information requests and complaints.
– Developing and maintaining our SharePoint, including some records management activities.
– Making bookings and completing purchase orders on behalf of the team.
The role will support work that may be contentious or sensitive, requiring strong personal resilience and a proactive approach to managing your own wellbeing.
We’re striving to make our workforce as diverse as the communities we serve and hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share.
There is no right way to apply and deliver on the skills set out in this advert. We welcome any approach or thinking style that sets you up for success.The team
The People and Inclusion department leads on the Environment Agency’s People Strategy, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, workforce planning and delivery. We are also responsible for employee relations and change governance, assurance and delivery.
The services the department provides supports the Environment Agency to create better places for people and wildlife, and support sustainable development.Experience/skills required
Essential:
– Previous experience in business / team support, or relevant transferable skills.
– Ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt quickly and be resilient.
– Ability to take initiative and prioritise workload accordingly.
– Ability to work sensitively, maintaining confidentiality of work undertaken.
– Collaborative and positive approach to work as part of a team to achieve common goals.
– Clear and effective communication skills.
– Organisational, planning and time management skills.
– Confidence in using IT packages.
Desirable:
– Business administration qualification / apprenticeshipContact and additional information
Please view the candidate information pack for more information on the benefits offered.
As a national role the office location is flexible. The role may require travel for meetings in other Agency and Supply Partner offices. Overnight stays may be necessary from time to time. 
Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack. 
For further information eatalent@environment-agency.gov.uk
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.  
Interviews are anticipated to take place virtually via MS Teams in the week commencing 8 December 2025.Competence 1
Achieves ResultsDescription
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Definition: 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 describe a challenging goal that you have set for yourself and the steps that you took to achieve it.
Things to consider in your answer:
– Why did you set yourself this goal?
– How did you plan and prioritise to meet your goal?
– How did you monitor progress?
– What was the outcome?
– What were your learning points?
– Is there anything you would do differently in the future?Competence 2
Uses InitiativeDescription
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Definition: Takes action before and/or beyond what is required, owning the outcome.
Question: Please describe a time where you have acted independently to take action which has contributed towards the success of a task or team.
Things to consider in your answer:
– What was the situation?
– Why did you take initiative?
– How did you your actions contribute to the success?
– How did you overcome any challenges or conflict?
– What did you learn?Competence 3
Communicates EffectivelyDescription
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Definition: Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Question: Demonstrate a time where you have varied your communication approach according to the situation or audience.
Things to Consider in your answer:
– What was the situation?
– Who was the audience?
– What was your approach?
– What difficulties did you face and how did you overcome these?
– How did you check understanding?
– What was the outcome?
– What did you learn?
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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