The Environment Agency plays a vital role in protecting and improving England's environment while supporting sustainable economic growth. From reducing flood risk and improving water quality to regulating industry and tackling waste crime, the Agency works at the heart of some of the country's most important environmental and economic challenges. With around 13,000 employees and an annual budget of approximately £1.7 billion, it is Defra's largest arm's-length body.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is now seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Chair of the Environment Agency. This is a high-profile appointment at a pivotal time for the organisation, as it helps deliver the Government's priorities on growth, climate resilience, environmental protection and regulatory reform.

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, working closely with the Chief Executive, Ministers and senior stakeholders to ensure the Agency delivers its responsibilities effectively and efficiently. This person will help guide the organisation through a period of significant change, supporting its ambition to be a modern, digitally enabled regulator while maintaining public confidence and strong organisational performance.

Defra is looking for an outstanding board-level leader with experience of operating in complex, high-profile environments. The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, sound judgement and organisational change, together with commercial and financial acumen and a commitment to the work of the Environment Agency. This person will be committed to the highest standards of governance, integrity and public service.

Defra is committed to attracting talented candidates from all backgrounds and welcome applications from individuals who will help ensure leadership reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Defra on this appointment. 

Your application contains two parts. Both parts must be submitted by midday 6 August to be considered complete. Applications received after this date will not be considered. 

•Part one: Diversity Monitoring and Conflict of Interest Form on the public appointments website here: https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/8964 

•Part two: A two-page statement of suitability and two-page CV submitted here: https://roles.saxbam.com/ 

For queries about your application or the recruitment process, please email maria.dodson@saxbam.com