Water Reform Legislation Lead

Join Ofwat’s Integration Unit Team as a Water Reform Legislation Lead

* Office

Location:

London (E14 4HD
) or Birmingham (B5 4UA
) with hybrid working*

We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales.

The water sector is entering a new chapter. The government has set out a bold new direction, bringing together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment. We are collaborating with fellow regulators to respond to recommendations in The Independent Water Commission Report, the Welsh Government’s response to the Green Paper, Shaping the Future of Water Governance in Wales, and the Government’s White Paper, A new vision for water.

Ofwat is working with the government and other regulators to help create a new body for England, bringing together our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency and Natural England. We are also continuing to work with the Welsh Government to support decisions on the future arrangements for Wales.

While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water, and together we can continue to make a positive impact.

The Water Reform Legislation Lead role has an important and valuable contribution to enable us to deliver on our goals and regulatory commitments.

We are looking for a Senior Associate to join Ofwat’s Integration unit as our Water Reform Legislation Lead. This is a unique opportunity to work at the centre of Ofwat’s contribution to the Clean Water Bill and the wider transition to a new integrated water regulator.

The role will coordinate Ofwat’s input into legislation being led by DEFRA, bringing together expertise from across policy, legal and operational teams so that Ofwat can provide clear, timely and well-evidenced advice. The postholder will work closely with DEFRA’s Bill team, Ofwat senior leaders and colleagues across the organisation to track legislative developments, manage risks and dependencies, and support effective engagement at each stage of the Bill process.

This role would suit someone with experience working in collaborative environments where priorities, timescales and direction can evolve. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate strong organisational and coordination skills, an ability to work effectively through ambiguity, and experience influencing stakeholders and securing collaboration across organisational boundaries. As DEFRA owns the Bill and the wider legislative process, the role requires a pragmatic and adaptable approach to delivery.

Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post: