1. Corporate scorecard summary page
The Environment Agency use a red, amber, green system to see how we are performing at a glance. They are:
- green which means we are performing at or above the target(s) set
- amber which means we are falling slightly short of the target
- red which means there are improvements to be made
This table shows the red, amber, green scores for the 13 measures plus the actual and target figures.
1.1 A nation resilient to climate change
By 2025 we (the Environment Agency) will have created more climate resilient places and infrastructure, by ensuring the nation is prepared for flooding, coastal change and drought
Measure title |
Units |
Q3 actual |
Q3 target |
Year end target |
Year end forecast |
Q3 status |
We reduce the risk of flooding for more properties |
Number of properties better protected |
17,162 |
12,000 |
45,000 |
Red |
Green |
We maintain our flood and costal risk management assets at or above the target condition |
% of high risk assets at target condition |
TBC |
98% |
98% |
Red |
Red |
By 2025 we will be a stronger leader on climate adaptation and resilience, encouraging others to act now on the climate emergency
Measure title |
Units |
Q3 year to date actual |
Q3 year to date target |
Year end target |
Year end forecast |
Q3 year to date status |
We will deliver our strategic adaptation actions to tackle the climate emergency |
Actions |
Reports in Q4 |
Reports in Q4 |
90% minimum |
Red |
Red |
By 2025 we will be a recognised and trusted incident management organisation responding rapidly to environmental emergencies to protect people and the environment
Measure title |
Units |
Q3 year to date actual |
Q3 year to date target |
Year end target |
Year end forecast |
Q3 year to date status |
We have a first class incident response capability - proportion of trained staff employed in core incident roles |
Number of people |
82% |
80% |
80% |
Green |
Green |
1.2 Healthy air, land and water
By 2025 our air will be cleaner and healthier
Measure title |
Units |
Q3 year to date actual |
Q3 year to date target |
Year end target |
Year end forecast |
Q3 year to date status |
Air quality is improving - Monitor the reductions across 5 priority pollutants: NOX (oxides of nitrogen), SOX (oxides of sulphur), NMVOC (non-methane volatile organic compound), NH3 (Ammonia) and particulates in the refineries sector |
% reduction grams per tonne |
Reports in Q4 |
Reports in Q4 |
<431 SOX / <203 NOX
|
Amber |
Amber |
By 2025 our rivers, lakes, groundwater and coasts will have better water quality and will be better places for people and wildlife
Measure title |
Units |
Q3 year to date actual |
Q3 year to date target |
Year end target |
Year end forecast |
Q3 year to date status |
Our rivers and coasts have better water quality and are better places for wildlife. |
Kilometres (km) |
1,347 |
1,650 |
1,650 |
Green |
Amber |
By 2025 our air, land and water is better protected and enhanced
Measure title |
Units |
Q3 year to date actual |
Q3 year to date target |
Year end target |
Year end forecast |
Q3 year to date status |
We increase biodiversity and encourage an environmental net gain by creating more and better habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife |
Hectares (ha) created and habitat restored |
Reports in Q4 |
Reports in Q4 |
620 Hectares total |
Amber |
Green |
1.3 Green growth and a sustainable future
By 2025 we will achieve cleaner growth by supporting businesses and communities to make good choices, through our roles as a regulator, adviser, operator and enabler
Measure title |
Units |
Q3 year to date actual |
Q3 year to date target |
Year end target |
Year end forecast |
Q3 year to date status |
We successfully influence planning decisions by local authorities |
% decision notices successfully influenced |
98.7% |
97% |
97% |
Green |
Green |
By 2025 we Will have cut waste crime and helped develop a circular economy
Measure title |
Units |
Q3 actual |
Q3 target |
Year end target |
Year end forecast |
Q3 status |
We reduce the number of high risk illegal waste sites |
Number of high waste sites |
201 |
205 |
200 |
Red |
Green |
By 2025 we will be on track to deliver our sustainable business commitments, including to be net zero by 2030
Measure title |
Units |
Q3 actual |
Q3 target |
Year end target |
Year end forecast |
Q3 status |
A carbon net zero organisation by 2030 |
Tonnes of carbon dioxide |
14,724 |
20,507 |
27,342 |
Green |
Green |
1.4 Enabling outcomes: life enhancing organisation - how we will deliver our actions: our people and our values
Measure title |
Units |
Q3 year to date actual |
Q3 year to date target |
Year end target |
Year end forecast |
Q3 year to date status |
We manage our money efficiently |
% spend on budget |
97% |
100% |
100% |
Green |
Amber |
We have a diverse workforce: a) The proportion of our staff are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) |
% of workforce |
4.5% |
14% |
14% |
Red |
Red |
We have a diverse workforce: b) The proportion of our executive managers who are female |
% of executive manager workforce |
45% |
50% |
50% |
Amber |
Amber |
We have the lowest possible lost time incident (LTI) frequency rate |
LTI frequency rate per 100,000 hours |
0.06 |
0.11 |
0.11 |
Green |
Green |
2. We reduce the risk from flooding for more properties.
Q3 Status |
Actual |
Cumulative target |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
Green |
17,162 |
12,000 |
Red |
45,000 |
In 2021 to 2022 it is the first year of a new 6 year programme, with the aim of better protecting 336,000 properties from flooding and coastal erosion. This is through investment of £5.4 billion in government funding in around 2,000 schemes.
In quarter 3 we protected 6,483 properties, including the following projects:
- Team 2100 Programme - Thames Estuary (1,770)
- Hythe to Folkestone Beach Management 2020/21 to 2024/25 (560)
- Pett Level Beach Management, East Sussex (469)
The current 2021 to 2022 forecast is now below the 45,000 properties target. The most likely forecast is 34,000 properties. The properties delayed from 2021 to 2022 will remain in the 6 year programme and still contribute towards the 336,000 target.
The main reasons behind the delays are :
- previous and continued effects of COVID-19
- 2020 to 2021 winter flood events and the recent storm Arwen
- challenges on staff resources for both the Environment Agency and other risk management authorities (linked to recruitment and retention issues and, in certain cases, supplier capacity)
- delays in obtaining external permits and approvals (we are now engaging at senior level to resolve this with partner organisations)
Properties protected
2021 to 2022 programme cumulative target = 45,000
Quarter |
Total |
Q1 2021 to 2022 |
7,198 |
Q2 2021 to 2022 |
10,679 |
Q3 2021 to 2022 |
17,162 |
Actions |
Owners |
Deadlines |
Understand the effects on 2022 to 2023 work and develop narrative around 6 year work/confidence. |
Flood and Coastal Risk Management Manager |
31/03/2022 |
3. We maintain our flood and coastal risk management assets at or above the target condition
Q3 Status |
Actual |
Target |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
Red |
TBC |
98% |
Red |
98% |
The figure for reported asset condition has dropped significantly over quarter 3 from 94.5% to 89.4% against the 2021 to 2022 published target of 98%. We do not believe that this figure is a reliable assessment of the real situation. It partly reflects data errors and delays resulting from transition to a new and better system for measuring the state of our assets. It also shows that we do not have up to date data for many assets due to a significant backlog in inspections. This is partly due to:
- COVID-19
- embedding the new system
- the need to prioritise incident response.
It may also be the case that our assets are deteriorating more quickly than previously, due to greater damage from heavier storms and rainfall and the changing climate.
We are not reporting a specific figure for asset condition this quarter, until we have had more time to improve and scrub the data and assess the actual state of our assets. We anticipate that once this is done the asset condition figure will once again be closer to 94%.
Asset condition is directly relative to maintenance funding, which is currently stretched. Whilst it is sufficient to maintain most of our high consequence system assets in their current condition, it is not enough to restore them to our 98% target. The difficulty of getting assets to the desired condition and maintaining them is compounded by:
- an ageing asset stock
- the increasing frequency and severity to which they are loaded by flooding
- the increasing number of assets to be maintained
We have therefore prioritised the maintenance and repair of the highest risk assets. Where needed, we have risk mitigation measures and contingency plans in place to manage any risk until any necessary repairs and maintenance are complete.
Where assets are below their required condition this identifies that work is required, this does not mean that they have structurally failed or that performance in a flood is compromised. If the performance of an asset is reduced, we will take action to ensure that flood risk is effectively managed until the asset is fully repaired or replaced.
Quarter |
% Actual (rounded) |
% Target |
Q2 18/19 |
96.9% |
97.5% |
Q3 18/19 |
96.8% |
97.5% |
Q4 18/19 |
97.9% |
97.5% |
Q1 19/20 |
97.2% |
97.5% |
Q2 19/20 |
96.9% |
97.5% |
Q3 19/20 |
96.2% |
98% |
Q4 19/20 |
96.1% |
98% |
Q1 20/21 |
95.8% |
98% |
Q2 20/21 |
95.2% |
98% |
Q3 20/21 |
95% |
98% |
Q4 20/21 |
94.5 |
98% |
Q1 21/22 |
94.3 |
98% |
Q2 21/22 |
95.4% |
98% |
Q3 21/22 |
|
98% |
Number of high consequence assets passing
At or above required target condition (Environment Agency) |
Below required target condition (Environment Agency) |
31,913 |
3,774 |
Actions
Actions |
Owners |
Deadlines |
Repairing and maintaining flood defence assets remain a corporate priority during the current pandemic. |
Deputy Director, Asset Performance and Engineering |
31/03/2022 |
Ensuring mitigation measures are in place for below required condition (BRC) assets to manage risk pending repairs. |
Deputy Director, Asset Management Operations |
31/03/2022 |
Reducing the backlog of asset repair assessments during quarter 4. |
Deputy Director, Asset Management Operations |
31/03/2022 |
4. We will deliver our strategic adaptation actions to tackle the climate emergency
Q3 status |
Actual |
Target |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
Reports in Q4 |
Reports in Q4 |
90% |
Red |
90% |
This is red due to delays in delivering actions from the second adaptation report and delays in publishing the third adaptation report due to COVID-19 and diverting effort onto other activities. Now that the third adaptation report is published it offers a chance to reset our plans and from quarter 4, we will be reporting developments against the new report.
This will include both Environment and Business and Flood Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) actions and will thereafter be updated at quarter 2 and quarter 4, rather than quarterly as many of the actions will take time to deliver and show results.
Quarter |
% Actual |
% Target |
Q4 2019/21 |
76 |
90 |
Q2 2020/21 |
70 |
90 |
Q4 2020/21 |
72 |
90 |
Actions
Actions |
Owners |
Deadlines |
Continue with restart after COVID-19, resuming adaptation work. |
Adaptation Leads |
Ongoing |
Focus our efforts on our new adaptation report, ensuring that residual risks are picked up in a suite of ambitious actions against them. |
Executive Director of Environment and Business |
30/03/2022 |
Continue to consider climate change adaptation in our plans, policies and programmes. |
Executive Director of Environment and Business, Executive Director of Flood and Coastal Risk Management |
Ongoing |
5. We have a first class incident response capability
Q3 status |
Actual |
Target |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
Green |
82% |
80% |
Green |
80% |
Over the past 12 months there has been 3,680 trained staff who have responded to flood and other environmental emergencies in core out of hours roles for command and control, first and escalated response.
This is 82% of the total pool trained to carry out these roles that provide a critical service to reduce the effects of environmental incidents each year.
We continue to ensure all staff on incident rosters can work flexibly and feel supported and confident to volunteer particularly during escalated response periods.
Proportion of trained staff utilised in core incident roles
Quarter |
Number |
2021 Apr – June |
85% |
2021 Jul – Sep |
83% |
2021 Oct – Dec |
82% |
Actions
Actions |
Owners |
Deadlines |
We are establishing a future incident response framework to ensure availability of our essential services (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year) and establish reliable and resilient core and surge incident response arrangements. |
Director Incident Management and Resilience |
31/12/2023 |
6. Air quality is improving
6.1 Monitor the reductions across 5 priority pollutants: NOX, SOX, NMVOC, NH3 and particulates in the refineries sector (Defra)
Q3 status |
Actual |
Target (grams per tonne) |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
Reported at Q4 |
Reported at Q4 |
<431 target SOX & <203 target NOX
|
Amber |
<431 target SOX & <203 target NOX
|
Emissions of sulphur dioxides and nitrogen oxides are trending below the 2017 baseline, which have reduced due to revised limits in environmental permits during 2018.
Emissions of sulphur dioxide per tonne of oil processed are expected to meet the target. Although the total mass of nitrogen oxide emissions is reducing, relative to the quantity of crude oil processed this has not yet met the 10% target.
Audits of these emissions have been added to the sector plan to understand why the expected reductions have occurred for one pollutant, but not the other.
Actions
Actions |
Owners |
Deadlines |
Include emissions audits in the Refineries Sector Plan |
Refineries and Fuel Sector Lead, Environment and Business |
31/03/2022 |
7. Our rivers and coasts have better water quality and are better places for wildlife
Q3 status |
Actual (km) |
Target (km) |
Year end forecast |
Year end target (km) |
Amber |
1,347 |
1,650 |
Green |
1,650 |
This measure brings together a broad range of activities that have been carried out by us and by partners to enhance the environment. So far this year, we have reported:
- habitat creation projects
- saltmarsh restoration,
- improvements to fish passage
- actions to reduce the effect of invasive species
- significant water company investments and other partnership projects
In Quarter 3, 101 km of enhancements on English rivers were reported. The hard work and effort from Environment Agency teams has resulted in 79 km of enhancements:
- on the River Mimram (one of Hertfordshire’s finest chalk streams) near Luton, unused abstraction licences have been revoked, reducing the pressure of over-abstraction in the catchment
- advice and guidance from local land and water officers has seen the installation of new and improved farm infrastructure, benefiting the River Eden, near Appleby in Westmorland, Cumbria
- the River Wye and Lugg Regulatory Action Plan has delivered actions at local farms to reduce sediment and phosphate inputs, enhancing the River Wye Special Area of Conservation
To date, we have achieved 82% of our 2021 to 2022 target to enhance 1,650 km of waterbodies.
Additionally, 13 km of groundwaters and rivers were protected from deterioration in quarter 3. These actions included:
- pollution reduction measures on the Louth Canal, Lincolnshire, where grazing regimes were changed to remove cattle and replace with sheep - this has reduced poaching of the canal bank whilst maintaining the management of flood defences
- actions to resolve misconnected discharges in Watford has protected the River Colne from elevated ammonia and phosphate
Kilometres of rivers, lakes and coastal waters enhanced this year
Quarter |
Actual km
|
Target km
|
Q1 2020/21 |
31 |
100 |
Q2 2020/21 |
4,193 |
1,509 |
Q3 2020/21 |
4,230 |
3,445 |
Q4 2020/21 |
4,551 |
3,900 |
Q1 2021/22 |
822 |
883 |
Q2 2021/22 |
1,245 |
1,272 |
Q3 2021/22 |
1,347 |
1,650 |
Insight cumulative totals
Quarter |
Actual km
|
Target km
|
Q2 2020/21 |
10,967 |
8,000 |
Q3 2020/21 |
11,004 |
8,000 |
Q4 2020/21 |
11,292 |
8,000 |
Q1 2021/22 |
12,167 |
8,000 |
Q2 2021/22 |
12,590 |
8,000 |
Q3 2021/22 |
12,799 |
8,000 |
Actions
Actions |
Owners |
Deadlines |
Nine areas have reported fewer km in Q3 than predicted, this is likely due to lack of area resources in Integrated Environment Planning and other area teams. |
Executive Director of Environment and Business |
31/03/2022 |
Q3 status |
Actual |
Target |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
|
Reports in Q4 |
620 |
Amber |
620 hectares (ha) |
Current projections show we are expecting to exceed the target by 70 hectares, but with medium confidence. There are big differences between areas hence amber overall.
Quarter |
Hectares created |
Target |
2018/19 |
460 |
410 |
2019/20 |
3,147 |
1,280 |
2020/21 |
1897 |
1200 |
9. We successfully influence planning decisions by local planning authorities
Q3 status |
Actual |
Target |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
Green |
98.7% |
97% |
Green |
97% |
Performance in quarter 3 was 98.7% against a target of 97% and therefore green. Of the planning decisions recorded in quarter 3 there were 6 applications not determined in line with our advice. There were 2 for major development:
- the proposed erection of 5 ha of glasshouses
- the use of land to reduce the density of an existing caravan park
Flood risk was the cause for our concern on all the applications that were recorded as contrary to our advice:
- 5 were approved despite our objection
- 1 where a requested condition wasn’t included as part of the final decision
- only 1 application related to residential development (an extension to an existing house)
- other applications were for changes of use of land to a:
- scrap yard
- the erection of a new footbridge
- a small extension to an existing industrial building
A recent notable success has been the dismissal, on appeal, of 3 planning applications we objected to on flood risk grounds. These sought to extend caravan park opening times over the winter period. The local planning authority (LPA) was prepared to approve the applications, but because of our sustained objection the Secretary of State (SoS) requested the applications to allow him to make the decision. The SoS agreed with how we view flood risk on the coast. He refused 2 of the cases and was ready to refuse the third, subject to the resolution of a legal matter, on which further representations were sought. A further 30 similar planning applications regarding winter occupancy where the LPA was inclined to grant permission, which were due to go to public inquiry, have now subsequently been withdrawn by the applicants.
By providing strong planning advice, based on good quality data and evidence we have reduced the risk of flooding to over 1,800 caravans and their occupants. The risk and consequence of flooding on the east coast must not be underestimated. Allowing people to stay in particularly vulnerable caravans, below sea level, during the winter’s riskiest months, would have presented an unacceptable threat to life.
Quarter |
Total |
2020/21 |
97.8% |
Q1 2021/22 |
98% |
Q2 2021/22 |
98.6% |
Q3 2021/22 |
98.7% |
10. We reduce the number of high risk illegal waste sites
Q3 status |
Actual |
Target |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
Green |
201 |
205 |
Red |
200 |
The number of high risk illegal waste sites (IWS) fell in quarter 3 and the numbers remain below our ceiling target. This quarter saw the lowest number of IWS added of any quarter, only 16 of them were high risk sites.
Overall, there were 7 fewer high risk IWS and 22 fewer active IWS than the previous quarter. However, we should continue to be cautious in how these numbers are interpreted. The picture on the ground may be considerably worse than these figures suggest and it is likely the true figure is greater as we emerge from the pandemic.
Quarter |
Total |
Ceiling target |
Baseline 19/20 |
233 |
233 |
Q1 20/21 |
250 |
233 |
Q2 20/21 |
237 |
227 |
Q3 20/21 |
218 |
222 |
Q4 20/21 |
206 |
216 |
Q1 21/22 |
201 |
216 |
Q2 21/22 |
208 |
211 |
Q3 21/22 |
201 |
205 |
Actions
Actions |
Owners |
Deadlines |
Tackling illegal waste remains a corporate priority during the current pandemic |
Lead Area Director for Enforcement |
31/03/2022 |
11. A carbon net zero organisation by 2030 (Defra)
Q3 status |
Actual |
Ceiling target |
Year end target |
Year end forecast |
Green |
14,724 |
20,507 |
27,342 |
Green |
At the end of quarter 3, we are at 72% of our quarter 3 ceiling target and 54% of the annual target. This is due primarily to the effect of the pandemic, but also some operational changes.
We continue to see a significant decrease of 42% in our emissions from operational electricity (pumping) compared to quarter 3 last year. The decrease is mainly due to reduced usage of the Ely Ouse Water Resource scheme this year. These pumps had operated under prolonged dry weather conditions last year. We are starting to see the anticipated increase in our emissions from business travel:
- +49% especially from badged and hire travel, compared to this time last year
- 68% of quarter 3 hire car journeys were for operational activities and incident response
Carbon emissions from our office buildings remain very similar, with a slight increase (+3%) compared to this time last year. We continue to work with the Defra Group Property team, to deliver their net zero programme actions. This programme will last 4 years and support energy efficiency improvements, heat decarbonisation and on-site renewables, where appropriate.
Carbon emissions from our National Labs remain comparable to last year, with a slight increase of 2% despite now including extra buildings with the COVID-19 in waste water laboratory at the Exeter Science Park and the Brampton fish laboratory.
Quarter |
Total |
2018/19 |
30,930 |
Q1 19/20 |
8,529 |
Q2 19/20 |
14,019 |
Q3 19/20 |
22,297 |
Q4 19/20 |
31,217 |
Q1 20/21 |
5,078 |
Q2 20/21 |
4,243 |
Q3 20/21 |
4,748 |
Q4 20/21 |
5,558 |
Q1 21/22 |
5,558 |
Q2 21/22 |
4,082 |
Q3 21/22 |
14,724 |
Actions
Actions |
Owners |
Deadlines |
This year the Sustainable Business Team (SBT) is evolving our corporate carbon reporting for the future. As agreed with Executive Directors Team (EDT) in January 2021, the SBT is tracking the actions in the net zero roadmap through the relevant business boards. Reporting of progress and risks quarterly to the Organisational Business Board (and exceptions to EDT) via a new RAG (Red, Amber, Green) report. The efficacy of the roadmap actions will be tracked internally in 2021 to 2022 via a new net zero scorecard measure to be reported upon next year. |
Executive Directors Team and Operational Business Board oversight. Sustainable Business Team, Environment and Business, Flood and Coastal Risk Management and Operations Leadership Team delivery. |
Ongoing |
12. We manage our money efficiently
Q3 status |
Actual - £million |
Budget - £million |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
Amber |
£1,143m |
£1,182m |
Green |
100% |
The measure is used to report on effective management of our money to achieve our outcomes and is based on the percentage of our full year budget that we have invested. The Environment Agency has a major capital and resource programme of investment projects and conducts a very detailed planning process to ensure appropriate prioritisation of these investments. We are subject to a series of strong financial and governance controls that both protect this investment and provide a logistical challenge in delivering the programme of expenditure. This is considered an appropriate measure, with expenditure being a proxy for delivery of environmental outcomes and this measure is therefore inextricably linked to most of the other scorecard measures.
This measure is also used because any material under spend against available funding for a year means missed opportunities to improve the environment. Meanwhile any over spend could mean Defra breaching its budgetary control totals as sponsoring department, given the Defra group accounts include the Environment Agency’s accounts. Such a breach would trigger a National Audit Office (NAO) audit qualification.
The Environment Agency has invested £1,143 million in the first 3 quarters of 2021 to 2022, a higher amount than invested at this point last year. Investment is accelerating as the year advances, reflecting a larger budget allocation for project programmes to be delivered this financial year. Forecasts are being evaluated and reviewed by executive directors regularly to manage any financial risks and issues identified and ensure best use of available funding for the environment.
Cumulative expenditure against YTD budget (%)
Quarter |
Total |
Q4 19/20 |
100% |
Q1 20/21 |
103% |
Q2 20/21 |
93% |
Q3 20/21 |
96% |
Q4 20/21 |
96% |
Q1 21/22 |
98% |
Q2 21/22 |
95% |
Q3 21/22 |
97% |
Cumulative expenditure against YTD budget (£million)
Quarter |
Planned profiled cumulative expenditure (£million) |
Actual cumulative expenditure (£million) |
Q4 19/20 |
£1,305 |
£1,303 |
Q1 20/21 |
£304 |
£313 |
Q2 20/21 |
£707 |
£654 |
Q3 20/21 |
£1,117 |
£1,073 |
Q4 20/21 |
1,630 |
1,563 |
Q1 21/22 |
£321 |
£316 |
Q2 21/22 |
£750 |
£716 |
Q3 21/22 |
£1,182 |
£1,143 |
Actions
Actions |
Owners |
Deadlines |
Highlight risks and issues affecting ability to deliver to budget to executive directors and Defra, supporting the Environment Agency to make best use of available funding. |
Director of Finance |
31/03/2022 |
13. We have a diverse workforce
The proportion of our staff who are from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background (BAME %)
Q3 status |
Actual |
Target |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
Red |
4.5% |
14% |
Red |
14% |
Our current target is that 14% of all employees are Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME). We will review data and intelligence and the need for any changes when new census data is available at the end of March 2022. We aim to complete consultation and secure approval for any needed changes to our current BAME target by December 2022.
In quarter 3 the proportion of BAME employees in the Environment Agency stood at 4.5%. In quarter 3, 11 (5%) of our 230 external recruits, and 7 (5%) - of our 146 leavers were from BAME backgrounds. No one from a BAME background completed an exit interview, compared with 58 out of 137 (42%) of white colleagues. The top reasons for leaving were lack of progression and career development opportunities. Additional reasons were:
- job dissatisfaction
- not meeting expectations
- relationships with manager and/or colleagues
Of those people who completed an exit interview 79% agreed that the Environment Agency encourage an open and inclusive culture.
The Environment Agency will launch our refreshed equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) strategy to 2025 in May. We have already started to implement our race action plan. We are bringing about cultural change through a ‘Big Conversation’ on race. We have developed a series of learning bursts which have received positive feedback and trained race ambassadors to facilitate and support everyone in the organisation to understand the issues by talking more openly about race.
BAME staff as % of all staff
2021 to 2022 target = 14%
Quarter |
Total |
Q1 2020/21 |
4.4% |
Q2 2020/21 |
4.5% |
Q3 2020/21 |
4.4% |
Q4 2020/21 |
4.5% |
Q1 2021/22 |
4.4% |
Q2 2021/22 |
4.5% |
Q3 2021/22 |
4.5% |
The proportion of our executive managers who are female
Q3 status |
Actual |
Target |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
Amber |
45% |
50% |
Red |
50% |
We have a target for 50% of executive managers to be female. The percentage of executive managers (EMs) who are female is currently 45% (45). The percentage of grade 7 employees who are female has remained at 36% (195). This has enabled an increase in the internal talent pipeline to executive manager roles.
Our refreshed EDI strategy will improve the delivery of EDI across the Environment Agency:
- we have a planned recruitment pilot with Lexxic to improve the way we recruit for those who are neuro diverse
- we will also pilot a program with proud employers to help us improve our attraction to those from the LGBTQ+ community
- we will continue to build and develop a more inclusive culture, increase the diversity of our workforce and ensure equity of opportunity in performance, development, progression and pay
- we will improve our ability to confront the climate emergency by providing equitable services and environmental outcomes in the communities we serve.
Work is ongoing to ensure all capability and development frameworks are consistent through a critical review and that we act on the insight from exit interviews. Our current investment in EDI resources and action provides positive momentum.
Proportion of Executive Managers (EMs) who are female %
2021 to 2022 target = 50%
Quarter |
Total |
Q1 2020/21 |
44% |
Q2 2020/21 |
42% |
Q3 2020/21 |
43% |
Q4 2020/21 |
44% |
Q1 2021/22 |
44% |
Q2 2021/22 |
45% |
Q3 2021/22 |
45% |
Actions
Actions |
Owners |
Deadlines |
Refreshed equity, diversity and inclusion strategy |
Chief Operating Officer |
30/04/2022 |
BAME encourage inclusive cultures: Big conversation on race |
Chief Operating Officer |
30/08/2022 |
Summer diversity internship programme |
Chief Operating Officer |
30/08/2022 |
Career development program: focus BAME employees |
Chief Operating Officer |
30/09/2022 |
14. We have the lowest possible lost time incident (LTI) frequency rate
Q3 status |
Actual |
Ceiling rate |
Year end forecast |
Year end target |
Green |
0.06 |
0.11 |
Green |
0.11 |
Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate (LTIFR) is a universally accepted lagging indicator of health and safety performance. We define lost time incidents as work related injuries resulting in a day or more lost time. Such a conservative definition, plus a very low ceiling of 0.11 injuries per 100,000 hours worked, sets a challenging ambition.
In quarter 3 we sustained our downward pressure on health and safety incidents by implementing the lessons from the review into the tragic fatality we experienced in February 2021. The resonance in the business of the effect of the incident and the positive action taken to address hazardous activities is having a positive effect on culture and behaviours. The number of LTIs is no longer influenced by COVID-19 safe working since we are undertaking normal levels of activity in the field. We can therefore compare the data with pre-pandemic data and consider the trends as truly representative of our performance.
Lost time incident frequency rate
12 month rolling average
Quarter |
Number |
October 2020 |
0.08 |
November 2020 |
0.07 |
December 2020 |
0.08 |
January 2021 |
0.10 |
February 2021 |
0.10 |
March 2021 |
0.10 |
April 2021 |
0.10 |
May 2021 |
0.11 |
June 2021 |
0.11 |
July 2021 |
0.09 |
August 2021 |
0.09 |
September 2021 |
0.08 |
October 2021 |
0.07 |
November 2021 |
0.06 |
December 2021 |
0.06 |
Number of LTIs
Quarter |
Number |
Q1 2020/21 |
1 |
Q2 2020/21 |
9 |
Q3 2020/21 |
3 |
Q4 2020/21 |
8 |
Q1 2021/22 |
3 |
Q2 2021/22 |
4 |
Q3 2021/22 |
3 |
Actions
Actions |
Owners |
Deadlines |
Implement the health, safety and wellbeing plan for 2021 to 2022 |
Chief Operating Officer |
Ongoing |
Implement the recommendations from the Shepperton lessons learned review |
Chief Operating Officer |
Ongoing |