Deputy Chief Inspector (Grade 6) - Drinking Water Inspectorate

Deputy Chief Inspector (Grade 6) – Drinking Water Inspectorate

Civil Service Jobs Reference No: 408230

Salary: £65,430 – £79,160

Grade: Grade 6

Summary:

Make a difference in protecting public health by becoming a Deputy Chief Inspector.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) 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, sufficiency of water together with duties in regard of Network Information Systems Regulations 2018 for public water supplies as delegated by the Secretary of State and Welsh ministers and regulation for the Security and Emergency Measures Direction 2022. 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 reports 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 functions, further non-statutory functions are provided, including a research evidence programme; consumer and media advice on information about drinking water safety and regulation as well the running of an independent website.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate has a landing area in 2 Marsham Street, London. You will be expected to attend Inspectorate meetings in this location. The Inspectorate supports flexible working where this is practicable.

Job Description:

As part of the Senior Management Team, you will be responsible to the Chief Inspector for developing and managing the Inspectorate’s resources in the delivery of its Vision and Strategic Objectives.

You will be part of the strategic team delivering regulation on the quality, assurance, safety and security of drinking water supplied by the water industry and the local authorities which includes delivery of secure network information systems by operators of essential supplies for water. You would be expected to communicate effectively with, and provide technical and scientific advice to, Ministers, officials of Defra and the Welsh Government and wider government departments. Engagement with stakeholders associated with the water sector such as Water UK, UKWIR, UKHSA, Public Health Wales, RAPID, as well as the wider regulatory landscape including the Environment Agency, the financial regulator Ofwat and CCW, requires a broad understanding of the complexities of the water sector.

The Deputy Chief Inspector leads and directs experienced professionals with strong academic, technical, scientific, engineering and practical backgrounds in the water and allied industries. The Inspectorate’s technical and support staff includes experts in network information systems, data management, information and knowledge management, and business administration. The work requires a high level of expertise in all aspects of drinking water supply; the interpretation of law, fair and proportionate enforcement of legal requirements and the provision of sound advice.

The role requires someone who combines strong leadership, technical expertise and managerial skills with the judgement and flexibility necessary to operate in what can be a demanding environment. Working within the context of the respective Government policies is also critical.

Deliver the Inspectorate’s overall business and strategic objectives encompassing short and longer-term requirements;

Establish and maintain effective and appropriate professional relationships with the regulated water companies and local authorities;

Manage resources efficiently and effectively, constantly seeking improved methods of working, ensuring that there are transparent and well-understood;

Ensure fair and proportionate regulatory delivery paying due regard to the Code for Enforcement, and the Code of Practice for Regulators;

Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;

Contribute to the style, direction and reputation of the Inspectorate including the production of the Chief Inspector’s Reports covering England and Wales;

Contribution to the provision of information for the general public through an enquiry and complaint handling service and a website as part of a policy of openness and transparency;

Ensure all ancillary obligations are adhered to as a public body.

Person specification

This is a senior role with significant responsibility and accountability.

The post holder must have the ability to operate with senior members of the water industry and Government.
Strong leadership skills with managerial experience to lead an Inspectorate efficiently and effectively.
Candidates are required to have a degree or equivalent qualification in a subject related to water supply, water quality or instrument control and automation and supported by postgraduate experience in the water industry.
Technically experienced in a relevant discipline (such as microbiology, chemistry, engineering, environmental or medical science), ideally to a postgraduate level and with chartered status in a relevant recognised professional institution.
The individual must be professionally credible in order to command the confidence of the water industry, other regulators and ministers.
We would also welcome applications from candidates with proven experience and competency in the wider field of the industry that can be related to drinking water quality, such as water supply, water network operations, process science and engineering.
A clear track record of leading successful operational delivery, to ensure that the Inspectorate continues to deliver its demanding goals.
Strong communication skills, to ensure effective communication with water companies, other regulators, Defra and Welsh Government policy officials, ministers, other government departments and the media.
In depth knowledge of drinking water quality regulations, the Water Act and the NIS regulations, SEMD and the ability to deliver the statutory and non-statutory duties.
The ability to think strategically and innovatively, and make effective use of evidence, to ensure that DWI remains an excellent and innovative regulator, offering excellent value for money to companies and consumers.
Good professional knowledge of water supply and drinking water quality.
As travelling is an integral part of the job, often to areas not served by public transport, candidates should have a valid driving licence.

Successful candidates will be expected to hold, or already be working towards, chartership with a relevant professional body.
Qualifications

Educated to degree level.

Apply and further information:

For more information and to complete an online application, please visit the Civil Service Jobs website: Deputy Chief Inspector (Grade 6) – Drinking Water Inspectorate – Civil Service Jobs – GOV.UK

Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 14 July 2025.

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