Inspector - Security and Emergency Measures Direction

Inspector – Security and Emergency Measures Direction

Civil Service Jobs Reference No: 410410

Salary: £41,220 – £49,020

Grade: SEO

Summary:

Make a difference to public health by becoming an Inspector – Security and Emergency Measures Direction. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (the 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. The Inspectorate also has duties to regulate Network Information System (NIS) regulations and the regulatory functions of the Security and Emergency Measures Direction (SEMD). 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.

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:

The Inspectorate is seeking an SEMD specialist, engineer, applied scientist or specialist in application of physical, personnel and protective security measures to protect assets and operations against malicious attacks or skills in emergency planning. Ideally with experience in the water industry you will provide technical support on matters relating to national security and emergency planning in the water and wastewater sector to join its team of Inspectors ensuring safe, secure and high-quality water supplies across England and Wales.

Inspectors work in teams under the direction of a Principal Inspector, however, there is a high degree of autonomy of decision making. The postholder should be aware of current technical standards and maintain knowledge of the priorities and issues affecting today’s water industry. Using their technical experience, they will work with Defra policy colleagues and external stakeholders including the regulated water companies on matters relating to SEMD.

The Inspector (SEMD) will take part in audits, sometimes staying away from home, along with assessing events to provide feedback to water companies on performance, and initiate enforcement activity where applicable and in line with the enforcement policy.

The role will also develop initiatives that require a technical input and provide technical advice on issues. They will particularly be expected to become proactively involved in developing and delivery of policies and initiatives and to help improve the security and infrastructure capabilities of the water industry.

The key responsibilities will be:

• Auditing companies on compliance with SEMD, including writing the report that is sent to the company.
• Monitoring measures taken within the requirements of SEMD to undertakers and licensees (‘companies’).
• Assessment of compliance of companies with the Direction, including assessment of the companies’ self-assessments and any required audit or investigations.
• Review companies Price Review (PR) Enhancement Plans in line with their SEMD performance, and feedback in time for the company to submit their PR bid to Ofwat.
• Initiating Enforcement.
• SEMD Incident Assessment.
• Advising on a wide range of other security issues that affect the water industry.
• Development of, and participation in, exercises to test water company and Defra’s emergency plans.
• Providing feedback to the industry to drive continuous improvement.

Person specification:

The post holder should have an enquiring mind, be motivated and dedicated to improving the approach by companies in providing a secure industry, emergency response and ultimately protecting public health.

Candidates are required to be a specialist in water engineering, have a civil engineering background, civil emergency, physical security or other SEMD relevant experience with understanding of the water industry and ideally have completed the NPSA foundation course. Additionally, the candidate should have understanding of emergency planning requirements, and experience of how this is practically implemented in water and wastewater environments.

The successful candidate will have good IT skills, report writing skills and be well organised.

Memberships:

It is a requirement to have attained, be working towards or willing to work towards chartership of a professional body for instance the register of security engineers and specialists (RSES), the Security Institute, Institute of Water or other relevant body. Ideally registered as a security engineer or specialist or working to this registration would be preferred.

Licences:

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:

Candidates are required to be a specialist in water engineering, have a civil engineering background, civil emergency, physical security or SEMD relevant experience with understanding of the water industry.

Apply and further information:

For more information and to complete an online application, please visit the Civil Service Jobs website: Inspector – Security and Emergency Measures Direction – Civil Service Jobs – GOV.UK

Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 28 July 2025.

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