Overview

The Interim Environmental Protection Assessor for Wales (IEPAW) provides members of the public with a mechanism to raise submissions about the functioning of environmental law in Wales. Those submissions are considered by an Interim Assessor, who may produce reports for the Welsh Ministers on the issues raised and make recommendations for any action they consider may need to be taken.

The interim measures are non-statutory. Their role is to provide effective oversight of the implementation of environmental law in Wales following the UK’s exit from the European Union while new statutory arrangements are put in place.

The focus of the role is to:

  • provide oversight of the functioning of environmental law in Wales; and
  • to consider systemic issues relating to the working or functioning of environmental law in Wales.

Job Description

The Welsh Government is seeking to appoint an experienced specialist in environmental law to join the Interim Assessor as a deputy to assist with oversight of environmental law in Wales.

This role will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to provide members of the public and organisations the ability to raise concerns about implementation of, and compliance with, environmental law in Wales.

The Deputy will support the Interim Assessor in overseeing the submissions process. This includes reviewing submissions, prioritising them according to seriousness and urgency, and producing assessments of the functioning of the law relating to serious environmental issues that arise.

The role requires an ability to evaluate complex evidence within a short time frame, coming to a reasoned conclusion on the severity of a complaint. Central to the role is the need to exercise judgement with due consideration of the legislative framework of environmental law in Wales, including the principles enshrined within the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015, and the ability to write reports on the functioning of environmental law in Wales.

The Deputy will be expected to liaise with other experts in the field as well as the permanent environmental governance bodies in England/Northern Ireland and Scotland (The Office for Environmental Protection and Environmental Standards Scotland) as required. Excellent communication skills and an ability to network are therefore essential.

The Deputy Interim Assessor will have a key role in evaluating the interim measures and may have a role in helping to shape the permanent approach to environmental governance in Wales.

The location of the role is flexible and will be confirmed upon appointment.

It is the policy of the Welsh Government to promote and integrate equality of opportunity into all aspects of its business including appointments to public bodies. Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all groups, and we ensure that no eligible candidate for public office receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, or pregnancy and maternity. The principles of fair and open competition will apply and appointments will be made on merit.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 20 November 2023. Application forms received after this date will not be considered. It is expected to hold interviews soon after, date and time tbc.