Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Defra plays a unique and vital role at the heart of UK life. From the food we eat to the water we drink and the air we breathe – we exist to protect the environment and help the rural economy thrive. Our work ranges from supporting the UK’s world-leading food, farming and fishing industries to providing robust defences against natural threats. This is an exciting time to join Defra as we continue to deliver our ambitious agenda, setting global standards in protecting and enhancing our natural environment for future generations and leading the world in food, farming and fisheries, and animal welfare.

Defra is now looking for its next Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA). This is a critical role in the Department with responsibility for ensuring that science and engineering evidence and advice is robust, relevant and high quality and that there are mechanisms in place to ensure that policy making is evidence-driven and underpinned by science and engineering. As a member of the Defra Executive Team, you will provide expert advice and leadership directly to the Defra Secretary of State, Ministers, Permanent Secretary and Senior Officials across business areas, by promoting a scientific and evidence-driven approach to decision-making, and through building scientific capability.

The ideal candidate will bring a thorough understanding of the use of science and evidence in policy and operational decision-making. They must have an outstanding and recognised track record in a scientific area relevant to Defra policy and proven experience of setting strategic direction for science and research programmes. Crucially, candidates will be able to communicate complex scientific and evidence issues clearly and succinctly to decision makers, the public and media.

Diversity is vital to the success of this role, and to the Civil Service as a whole. We actively welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, with different experiences and perspectives – and we are committed to ensuring that we work in an inclusive way that means everyone in the Civil Service can perform at their best. ​

​Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Defra on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference OFRM. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by 23.55 on Wednesday 1st January 2025. ​