What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inspector (General) position at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs?
Job Summary
The Drinking Water Inspectorate is the independent regulator of drinking water quality in England and Wales. Established by Parliament in 1990, the strategic objective is to protect public health and maintain public confidence by securing safe and clean drinking water, now and for future generations.
The powers and duties under which the Inspectorate operates are established in legislation and are wide-ranging, covering all aspects of the quality and sufficiency of water together with duties in regard of network and information systems of public water supplies as delegated by the Secretary of State and Welsh ministers. Statutory duties in relation to private supplies for the provision of technical advice to local authorities and the authority of appeal are provided on behalf of the Secretary of State and Welsh ministers.
The Inspectorate produces its own independent reports for ministers in both England and Wales; reporting on the operational performance of the water companies that it regulates in both countries, and on the performance of local authorities in their duties with respect to private water supplies. These cover assessment of the results of monitoring of drinking water supplied by the water companies’ month by month; investigation of notified events; and site visits and meetings with companies to audit technical operating practices, procedures and policies for compliance with regulation and enforcement notices. In addition to the statutory function, further non-statutory functions are provided, including an evidence programme; consumer and media advice on information about drinking water safety and regulation as well as the running of an independent website.
Job Description
Every day tap water is tested by the water companies. Inspectors independently check these tests and audit water company laboratories. If any one of the millions of tests each year fails the standards then the Inspectors use their powers to require the water company to make the necessary improvements to drinking water quality. Inspectors go out on site to check that improvement work is completed on time. They also inspect that the aspects of water operations which ensure drinking water is safe at all times. Very occasionally things go wrong. When this happens it is the job of the Inspectorate to investigate the operational incident and provide an independent report of the cause with recommendations on how to prevent similar events from happening again. Sometimes our investigations of incidents lead to a water company being prosecuted. In addition, when a water company fails to resolve a drinking water quality complaint then the consumer can come to the Inspectorate for help.
Inspectors work in teams under the direction of Principal Inspectors. However, there is a high degree of autonomy of decision making and Inspectors are involved in a wide range of tasks covering all functions from source to tap. Inspectors must decide whether or not there has been, or is likely to be, a breach of the Regulations and if so, whether enforcement action is necessary to safeguard drinking water quality. Inspectors may be involved with interviewing staff, contractors or consumers; conducting site audits to assess treatment and monitoring processes or storage facilities; and in certain circumstances may be required to attend court and give interviews to the media.
Responsibilities Include
As travelling is an integral part of the job, often to areas not served by public transport, candidates should have a valid driving licence.
Qualifications
The role requires the candidate to have a degree or equivalent qualification in a subject related to water supply or water quality.
Memberships
Successful candidates will be expected to hold, or already be working towards, chartership with a relevant professional body.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete:
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the CV. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on behaviours, strengths and a written exercise. The written exercise needs no prior preparation and is used to measure an applicant's experience in the water industry.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
Interviews to be held remotely by MS Teams.
Location
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s)
Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
NSV
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting
Higher Security Clearance
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter .
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window) . See our vetting charter (opens in a new window) .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window) .
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
If You Feel Your Application Has Not Been Treated In Accordance With The Recruitment Principles And You Wish To Make a Complaint, In The First Instance, You Should Contact
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/ to visit Civil Service Commission.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate is the independent regulator of drinking water quality in England and Wales. Established by Parliament in 1990, the strategic objective is to protect public health and maintain public confidence by securing safe and clean drinking water, now and for future generations.
The powers and duties under which the Inspectorate operates are established in legislation and are wide-ranging, covering all aspects of the quality and sufficiency of water together with duties in regard of network and information systems of public water supplies as delegated by the Secretary of State and Welsh ministers. Statutory duties in relation to private supplies for the provision of technical advice to local authorities and the authority of appeal are provided on behalf of the Secretary of State and Welsh ministers.
The Inspectorate produces its own independent reports for ministers in both England and Wales; reporting on the operational performance of the water companies that it regulates in both countries, and on the performance of local authorities in their duties with respect to private water supplies. These cover assessment of the results of monitoring of drinking water supplied by the water companies’ month by month; investigation of notified events; and site visits and meetings with companies to audit technical operating practices, procedures and policies for compliance with regulation and enforcement notices. In addition to the statutory function, further non-statutory functions are provided, including an evidence programme; consumer and media advice on information about drinking water safety and regulation as well as the running of an independent website.
Job Description
Every day tap water is tested by the water companies. Inspectors independently check these tests and audit water company laboratories. If any one of the millions of tests each year fails the standards then the Inspectors use their powers to require the water company to make the necessary improvements to drinking water quality. Inspectors go out on site to check that improvement work is completed on time. They also inspect that the aspects of water operations which ensure drinking water is safe at all times. Very occasionally things go wrong. When this happens it is the job of the Inspectorate to investigate the operational incident and provide an independent report of the cause with recommendations on how to prevent similar events from happening again. Sometimes our investigations of incidents lead to a water company being prosecuted. In addition, when a water company fails to resolve a drinking water quality complaint then the consumer can come to the Inspectorate for help.
Inspectors work in teams under the direction of Principal Inspectors. However, there is a high degree of autonomy of decision making and Inspectors are involved in a wide range of tasks covering all functions from source to tap. Inspectors must decide whether or not there has been, or is likely to be, a breach of the Regulations and if so, whether enforcement action is necessary to safeguard drinking water quality. Inspectors may be involved with interviewing staff, contractors or consumers; conducting site audits to assess treatment and monitoring processes or storage facilities; and in certain circumstances may be required to attend court and give interviews to the media.
Responsibilities Include
- Inspectors manage the day-to-day relationship between the Inspectorate and one or more of the regulated water companies.
- Inspectors can also work in specialised team accessing information provided by water companies and other stakeholders in relation to compliance with the Regulations.
- Inspectors are required to give authoritative advice to resolve disputes such as consumer water quality complaints or disagreements between the parties involved with the regulation or operation of water supplies.
- Inspectors have a key role in maintaining wholesome supplies and protecting public health.
- Inspectors may have a role in providing advice in relation to private water supplies.
- Relevant degree or equivalent qualification in a subject related to water supply, water quality or instrument control and automation or proven experience and competency in the wider field of the industry that can be related to drinking water quality, such as water supply or water network operations, process science or engineering.
- Experience within the water industry or a regulatory body. Chartership of chosen profession.
- Excellent communication skills, able to present and summarise complex technical information into plain English.
- Knowledge of better regulation principles.
- Excellent organisational skills. Able to capture and record technical discussion and decisions.
- Good influencing skills. Able to influence senior managers and industry leaders.
As travelling is an integral part of the job, often to areas not served by public transport, candidates should have a valid driving licence.
Qualifications
The role requires the candidate to have a degree or equivalent qualification in a subject related to water supply or water quality.
Memberships
Successful candidates will be expected to hold, or already be working towards, chartership with a relevant professional body.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Changing and Improving
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete:
- A name-blind (anonymous) CV with details of your full job history, experience and qualifications.
- 1 x Behaviour Statement (250 word max).
- Personal Statement. Please use the Personal Statement (750 word max) to set out your reasons for applying for the role of an Inspector. Please detail your experience and explain how your current skills are transferrable.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the CV. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on behaviours, strengths and a written exercise. The written exercise needs no prior preparation and is used to measure an applicant's experience in the water industry.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
Interviews to be held remotely by MS Teams.
Location
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s)
Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
NSV
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting
Higher Security Clearance
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter .
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window) . See our vetting charter (opens in a new window) .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window) .
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
- Name : Business Performance Unit - Drinking Water Inspectorate
- Email : dwi.enquiries@defra.gov.uk
- Telephone : 03300416501
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If You Feel Your Application Has Not Been Treated In Accordance With The Recruitment Principles And You Wish To Make a Complaint, In The First Instance, You Should Contact
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/ to visit Civil Service Commission.
Salary : $41,220