Committee publication · Correspondence · 23 June 2026
Correspondence from the Secretary of State, Defra, regarding appointing a new Environment Agency Chair, dated 9 June 2026
Summary
Emma Reynolds, Secretary of State for Defra, informs the EFRA Committee that she intends to launch a recruitment campaign for a new Environment Agency Chair, with adverts going live in two weeks and a preferred candidate announced by early November. The letter outlines the selection process, criteria, and publicity strategy, noting the role's significance in delivering environmental protection, growth support, and flood defence while managing organisational change.
Key findings
- Recruitment campaign to launch imminently, with adverts live within two weeks and preferred candidate announcement targeted for early November 2026
- Executive search firm will be commissioned to attract diverse, high-quality candidates; opportunity will be advertised on Cabinet Office public appointments website and promoted through departmental and external channels
- Six essential criteria identified: Strategic Leadership, Change Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Judgement, Commercial/Financial Acumen, and Integrity/Governance
- New Chair will lead the Environment Agency through a period of significant change, including creation of a new integrated water regulator
- Role requires balancing environmental protection with Government's growth mission while managing constrained fiscal environment
Tone
ProceduralTopics
public-appointmentsenvironmental-regulationgovernancewater-managementpublic-finance
Key actors
Emma Reynolds, Alistair Carmichael, Toby Perkins, Environment Agency, Cabinet Office, Defra
Notable line
“I am seeking a new Chair who is passionate about protecting and improving the environment through effective regu- lation while supporting sustainable development and the Government's growth mis- sion.”
Key Quotes
“I intend to shortly launch a recruitment campaign for a new Chair of the Environment Agency.”
“As such, this is a significant role in terms of scale and com- plexity which requires a proven leader with specialised experience and expertise.”
“My intention is for the advert to go live in two weeks' time and announce my preferred candidate by early November.”
“Lead the EA at a time of significant change, working with Government and other regula- tors to support the creation of a new integrated water regulator, while ensuring the EA de- livers effectively through this period of change.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗