Social Science Manager and Head of Profession

Are you passionate about using social science to solve complex environmental challenges? We're looking for an experienced leader to champion social science across the organisation and ensure evidence shapes better decisions for people, places and the environment.

As Head of Social Science, you will set the strategic direction for the future of social science and research in the EA. You'll grow professional capability, support career development, and build a thriving network of social scientists across the organisation. You'll represent the organisation externally, maintaining strong relationships with government departments, academia and research partners, and contributing to cross-government initiatives, including emergency preparedness and response.

This is a strategic leadership role for someone who can influence at senior levels, inspire teams, and translate complex evidence into clear, actionable advice, ensuring the work the EA does is informed by the latest social science insights.

• Leading the social science profession and developing capability across the organisation.
• Setting the strategic direction for the future of social science and research in the EA.
• Linking into cross-government social science and analysis
• Managing and inspiring a team of social science specialists.
• Delivering impactful social science research, insight and evidence.
• Building partnerships across government, academia and the research community.
• Representing the organisation as a recognised social science expert.
• Supporting emergency response through social and behavioural science expertise.
• Championing workforce development, inclusion, coaching and mentoring.

We're looking for someone with:

• Strong social science expertise and credibility.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategy, ideally in government or large organisations.
• A track record of applying evidence to real-world challenges.
• Established social science networks and relationships and the ability to build networks and partnerships across organisations.
• Experience in attracting and delivering research grants.

The capabilities that we'll be asking for in this role are:

Leads People: Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and the goals of the Environment Agency

Scientific Knowledge: Applies social science knowledge to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.

Influences and Persuades Others: Plans and prepares influencing strategies for key players and opinion leaders.

Builds and Sustains Relationships: Develops and maintains effective working relationships with external and internal stakeholders.

We welcome applications from anywhere in the country. Current team members are based across England. The team has regular virtual meetings. Occasional travel to central locations for face to face meetings is expected.

For further information, please contact Jacqui Cotton, [email protected] or Peter Bailey, [email protected]

Leads People

Can you provide an example of when you have provided leadership that inspired and motivated others to achieve their personal goals and organisational goals.

Scientific Knowledge

Can you provide an example of when and how you have provided sound, science-based evidence to internal and external customers.

Influences and Persuades Others

Can you provide an example of when you have planned and used social research and evidence to influence strategic decisions or outcomes.

Builds and Sustains Relationships

Can you provide an example of when you have developed and maintained effective working relationships with external and internal stakeholders.

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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