Farming and Countryside Development, Delivery and Compliance Manager

Are you passionate about improving services, compliance and outcomes for the farming community?Are you motivated by leading collaborative change across APHA, Defra and the wider regulatory network? If so, we would love to hear from you! The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions. We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups. The APHA Farming and Countryside Development, Delivery and Compliance Manager is responsible for identifying and delivering opportunities to improve the regulatory system by working collaboratively with policy teams, other regulators, the farming community and Defra partners. The role focuses on improving engagement, communication and compliance through a joint service improvement approach, while ensuring APHA contributes proactively to regulatory reform and the Delivering Sustainable Future (DSF) transformation programme. The postholder will lead the development and implementation of Defra Farming Directorate's Farming, Innovation and Regulatory Services workstream, overseeing projects that explore alternative approaches to regulation, compliance and enforcement. The role also involves engaging with frontline inspectors and stakeholders to improve customer experience and operational effectiveness. Key Responsibilities to include:

• Leading projects across Defra agencies to improve engagement with farmers and establish best practice in written and verbal communications
• Working closely with the APHA Delivering Sustainable Future programme to gather and utilise customer insight to inform service improvements
• Supporting joint learning and development initiatives across Defra regulators, identifying opportunities for shared training, particularly in generic and interpersonal skills
• Managing and promoting the use of the Eyes and Ears app, identifying opportunities to improve its effectiveness and uptake
• Leading APHA's participation in Regional Field Officer Forum pilots, working with Defra regulators to expand the initiative and deliver positive outcomes
• Contributing to the development and delivery of the Defra Joint Service Improvement Plan, including implementation of data-sharing and geospatial improvement initiatives
• Evaluating current regulatory practices and identify opportunities to strengthen engagement with the farming community and improve compliance outcomes
• Line managing the Farming and Countryside Delivery Manager (HEO)
• Providing management oversight of Regulatory Affairs,Compliance and Enforcement (RACE) team compliance functions and associated teams where required