Investigations Officer

Job summary

Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Do you want to have an impact on the UK and beyond? If yes, then a career at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) could be for you.

Here at DESNZ we are delivering our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower, with clean electricity by 2030 and accelerating the UK’s journey to net zero.

Our work is helping ensure clean energy for all, keep bills down and seize the opportunities to lead the world in new green industries, taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy and encouraging greater energy efficiency across the UK. The work of the department has never been more timely or relevant, and by joining us you will be part of making that difference.

Our work is varied, interesting and most importantly it's impactful. Our DESNZ Values are interwoven into everything we do; we are bold, we are collaborative, we are inclusive, and we learn. As a department we are committed to these values to build a culture where everyone can thrive.

We work in an agile way. This means that, as our priorities evolve, your work may adapt to meet emerging needs and help us deliver our mission. This approach offers opportunities to develop your skills, gain new experiences, and contribute where you can make the greatest impact. This relates to the nature of the work rather than contractual terms, such as location or working pattern.

We offer great working benefits including a world-class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.

Find Out More

We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application and interview process. You can sign up for upcoming events here: https://forms.office.com/e/pqUhdr3L72

You can also follow our LinkedIn Careers Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/desnz-careers/

Job description

The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) is responsible for developing, administering and ensuring compliance with the environmental regulatory regime for the UKCS, in relation to offshore oil and gas exploration, production, decommissioning, gas unloading and storage, and carbon storage.

The investigations team sits within the Offshore Environmental unit which is a team within OPRED which works to protect the environment through implementation of the United Kingdom's offshore environmental regulations. Working at the heart of OPRED’s regulatory and enforcement functions, the team gathers and analyses evidence, interviews witnesses, liaises with operators and key stakeholders, and develops detailed findings to establish the facts surrounding complex events. Investigators work closely with technical specialists, legal colleagues and other government bodies to ensure that lessons are identified, compliance is improved and appropriate enforcement action is considered where necessary.

To ensure continued high standards of environmental performance and protection we are looking for a suitably experienced and qualified person to join the Investigations Team. The team brings together individuals with varied but specific work experiences and skills in order that all environmental aspects associated with offshore oil and gas activities are competently monitored.

Person specification

As part of a dynamic team, your role will be diverse and involve all aspects associated with the regulation of environmental legislation and pollution prevention within the offshore oil and gas industry. Your key responsibilities will include:

1. With support from the Senior Investigations Officer Environmental Inspectors and environmental managers, leading investigations on and offshore into contraventions of environmental legislation and deciding on the appropriate enforcement action, including the preparation of reports to the relevant prosecution authorities when required.

2. Maintaining an overview of ongoing investigations and providing expert advice on the conduct of such criminal investigations, in line with OPRED’s Enforcement Policy.

3. Ensuring transparent, consistent, and proportional methods are employed to prioritise investigations and the targeting of appropriate enforcement activity.

4. Assisting with the development of internal and external investigation and enforcement procedures.

5. Assisting with training on criminal investigation and legislation subjects and investigation procedures.

6. Assisting in the review of existing and new legislation to ensure the necessary enforcement powers are appropriate and in place.

7. Representing OPRED on industry forums. Whilst investigation and enforcement will be the focus of your job, you may also be required to undertake other activities in support of OPRED’s regulatory function to help achieve OPRED’s objectives.

8. Could be required to take part in an Emergency on call rota

You will need to actively develop and maintain effective liaison with assigned industry representatives, other Government departments, and agencies as well as other non-governmental organisations on environmental and enforcement issues.

Essential Criteria

1. Significant experience conducting criminal investigations, gained through service within a police force or through investigative roles in relevant agencies, such as HMRC, other government departments, or equivalent organisations that provide comparable investigative skills and experience.

2. It is mandatory that applicants pass the UK offshore medical and survival training requirements.

Desirable

A proven track record of inspection, regulation or enforcement in the oil & gas or a related industry.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Specialist / Technical Knowledge
• Statutory Requirements

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,765, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero contributes £12,678 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero offers a competitive mix of benefits including:

• A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
• Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.

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