A key operational arm of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Energy Division (ED), which regulates Great Britain’s on and offshore oil and gas industry, pipelines, mines, diving and renewables sector. Respected internationally for our independent status and integrity, we have a long-standing reputation for technical expertise which can be applied logically to deliver effective, proportionate solutions enabling hazardous activities to be managed safely.
Energy Division’s Gas & Pipeline teams regulate the GB onshore natural gas transmission and distribution networks, as well as onshore chemical, hydrocarbon and petrochemical pipelines, and offshore subsea pipelines.
As a Pipeline Engineering Specialist Inspector, you will play a key role in delivering this regulatory function, providing technical oversight of high‑hazard onshore and offshore pipelines transporting natural gas, hydrocarbons, petrochemicals and other hazardous products. Your expertise will help ensure the safe and compliant operation of critical energy infrastructure across GB and offshore waters.
This is an important and rapidly evolving time for the sector, with new challenges arising from the use of hydrogen in networks and the development of CCS infrastructure onshore and offshore. The successful candidate will contribute to regulating innovative projects that support the Government’s Clean Growth Strategy and the UK’s transition to a low‑carbon energy system.
Please note that due to the nature and volume of the work and travel, this role is only suitable for full time working.
Key Responsibilities
- Assessment of safety cases drawing conclusions on the adequacy of the demonstration, raising issues, or considering future inspection work.
- Investigation of incidents or complaints as part of a multi-discipline team, leading or contributing specialist technical expertise where required.
- Inspections (on and offshore) as part of a multi-disciplinary team, working collaboratively and producing accurate, evidence-based reports.
- Recommend and apply proportionate enforcement action in line with HSE policy and legal requirements
- Preparation of technical reports / expert evidence for various levels of legal proceedings.
- Representing HSE or acting as an independent Specialist in legal proceedings.
- Provision of expert advice on health and safety matters associated with Pipeline Engineering within Energy Division, HSE, industry and other relevant stakeholders.
Training & Support
From day one, you will be supported by your manager, team, and wider colleagues to understand and develop in your role in HSE. We support your continuing professional development directly through formal training and through stakeholder support.
You will join our Regulatory Learning Academy and undertake the learning pathway relevant for your role. This pathway will reflect the core operational functions and skills required in this role.
Location
This role can be based in any of the advertised locations however, you will be required to travel for offshore and onshore inspections. For details on HSE locations please see here.
Travel
In role, you will spend on average stays offshore (subject to weather) approximately 4-6 times a year. You will also spend on average stays onshore approximately 10-12 times a year for proactive inspection or reactive investigation work, potentially at short notice and may include overnight stays.
As travel to offshore environment / installation is expected, you will be required to travel by helicopter and, are expected to be medically fit for offshore travel and be able to work in an offshore environment. You must satisfy the safety standards and health requirements as required by the UK offshore energy industry.
When not working offshore or on site, your office attendance would be in accordance with HSE’s Hybrid Working Policy.
Medical Requirements
You must be able to satisfy the OEUK approved offshore medical & OPITO approved survival training requirements (BOSIET/MIST).
Person specification
Essential skills and criteria
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate:
- A breadth of practical Pipeline Engineering/Pipeline Integrity Management experience gained whilst working in an onshore or offshore environment. (lead criterion)
- Substantial experience in the management of the integrity of onshore or offshore pipeline networks and associated equipment. This should include an in-depth understanding of:
- Pipeline engineering principles – including initial/ongoing integrity management, safe design and use, risk assessment, etc (lead criterion).
- Knowledge and application of relevant pipeline engineering codes and standards.
- Pipeline and associated equipment inspection – including risk-based inspection schemes, inspection management, inspection methods, inspection reporting, etc.
- Anomaly Management – including key fitness-for-service assessment codes and potential repair options.
- Maintenance – including maintenance planning and execution, condition monitoring techniques, backlog and deferrals processes, etc.
- Pipeline failure – including failure mechanisms, degradation of materials and life extension methodologies.
- They are self-motivated and able to work independently to contribute to a busy and supportive team, working flexibly, with frequent travel.
- They can plan and manage delivery of priorities against very challenging deadlines.
- They can network and communicate effectively as part of a team.
- They are articulate with well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to establish professional credibility and authority.
- The ability to present to technical audiences on offshore and onshore pipeline engineering topics such as the regulation of pipeline systems integrity.
- The ability to represent HSE as an expert within onshore or offshore pipeline engineering related standards bodies and stakeholder groups.
At HSE, we are proud to be able to offer our people the opportunity to work in a hybrid way which combines working from home and the office. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement, and your allocated office will be your contractual place of work.
There will be a requirement to travel to the office for various activities, e.g., collaborative working, supporting and training colleagues. If hybrid working is suitable for you and your role, you will be expected to attend the office, or other business-related site, for 60% of your working week. The arrangements will be determined primarily by business need, but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account.
Therefore, we would encourage candidates to consider if the commute from home to the office is a feasible distance to travel before making an application. Please note that if you are successful, hybrid working will be discussed prior to taking up the post.
Licences
Full driving licence that permits driving within GB.
Qualifications
A degree or equivalent qualification in Pipeline Engineering - or a closely related subject.
Memberships
Chartered or Incorporated Engineer – a professional membership of an appropriate institution.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Pipeline Integrity management
- Pipeline transportation systems
- Supporting the Net zero agenda
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £73,335, Health and Safety Executive contributes £21,245 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
We invest in our people with:
- Competitive rates of pay
- Access to the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme to which HSE contribute 28.97% far more than in the private sector
- Family friendly policies and working hours to help balance your home life and career
- Carer friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture
- 25 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays and 1-day Civil Service privilege leave
- Parental leave benefits
- As a member of HSE you will gain access to a wide range of fantastic benefits that you can take advantage of such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, E-Gift Cards, and Vouchers via our partner EdenRed.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience.
Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Application Information
As part of your application, you will be asked to complete an anonymised CV, which should include your career history, skills, experience and qualifications. Please ensure you tailor your CV to match the Essential Skills and Criteria as listed within the advert.
You will also be asked to complete a Personal Statement, of no more than 1,000 words, that demonstrates how you meet the Essential Skills and Criteria for the role.
Application Guidance
Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply and how to complete a personal statement How to apply.
It is recommended that candidates use the STAR approach in your answers - Situation, Task, Action, Result to structure your example, guidance about the STAR method can be found here and, to refer to the Success Profiles.
Sift Information
The sift will take place during week commencing 13th July 2026 where you will be assessed on your CV and Personal Statement.
An initial sift will be conducted on the lead criteria:
- A breadth of practical Pipeline Engineering/Pipeline Integrity Management experience gained whilst working in an onshore or offshore environment. (lead criterion)
- Substantial experience in the management of the integrity of onshore or offshore pipeline networks and associated equipment. This should include an in-depth understanding of:
- Pipeline engineering principles – including initial/ongoing integrity management, safe design and use, risk assessment, etc (lead criterion).
- Knowledge and application of relevant pipeline engineering codes and standards.
- Pipeline and associated equipment inspection – including risk-based inspection schemes, inspection management, inspection methods, inspection reporting, etc.
- Anomaly Management – including key fitness-for-service assessment codes and potential repair options.
- Maintenance – including maintenance planning and execution, condition monitoring techniques, backlog and deferrals processes, etc.
- Pipeline failure – including failure mechanisms, degradation of materials and life extension methodologies.
If you meet the benchmark for this element, you will be progressed to a full sift of your Personal Statement and CV.
Interview Information
Interviews will take place during week commencing 27th July 2026. The interviews will be held in-person at either our Bootle or London office however, online interviews via Microsoft Teams can be arranged in exceptional circumstances.
At interview, you will be assessed on your experience and the advertised behaviours and technical skills.
Technical skills - during interview we will assess you against:
- Pipeline Integrity management Detailed knowledge of pipeline integrity management for both major accident hazard (MAH) and non-MAH pipelines across onshore and offshore environments.
- Pipeline transportation systems Detailed knowledge of pipeline transportation system, with experience in, for example:
- Pressure regulation and overpressure protection systems
- Cathodic protection and integrity monitoring techniques
- Emergency shutdown and pipeline isolation systems
- Flexible and rigid pipeline designs and their operational considerations
- Principles of asset life extension and decommissioning, including ageing pipeline infrastructure and onshore iron mains replacement policy.
- Supporting the Net zero agenda Knowledge and understanding of hydrogen and CO2 pipeline transportation systems.
You will be asked to deliver a five-minute verbal presentation for the interview panel. Further information for the presentation will be provided to candidates invited to interview.
Sponsorship
This role is not open to application from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship your application will be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment will be withdrawn.
Further Information
Due to the nature of security checks undertaken, applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and, Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.
Please note that a Reserve List will be held for the period of up to 12 months. There is no guarantee you will be offered a role from our reserve lists, so if you see a vacancy on Civil Service Jobs that you are interested in, we recommend you apply.
HSE reserve the right to conduct additional checks, including Google and social media checks, when recruiting candidates into a role within HSE. These checks will be carried out in line with the Civil Service Commission Principles and, if used all candidates will be subject to these additional checks.
From 23rd June 2025, if you are successful at interview, as part of your pre-employment checks, HSE’s Recruitment Team are required to check your details against the Internal Fraud Hub (IFH), using your personal details – name, NINO, and date of birth. If you are included on the database, you will be refused employment. If you believe that there has been an error in the inclusion of your data and wish to make an appeal, please contact the CO email box [email protected].
Details of the types of internal fraud/dishonesty covered by this process are defined by the Cabinet Office and can be found here Internal Fraud Register privacy notice - GOV.UK.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful in their application. For a summary of HSE terms and conditions as part of Civil Service Reform, please see the attached HSE Terms and Conditions document.
Progression through pay ranges is subject to annual pay awards as permitted within annual Civil Service pay remit guidance and negotiations with Trade Unions.
HSE is proud to be a part of the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS). As a Disability Confident employer, we positively welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to making workplace adjustments to ensure anyone can participate in the recruitment and selection process.
If, during the application or interview process, you require any assistance due to a disability or a medical condition, please contact us at the email address below to discuss how we can support you. For example, if you have a disability, and you need an application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please contact: [email protected]
If successful in securing your role, HSE can provide suitable workplace adjustments to support you throughout your career with HSE.
Any move to HSE from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.
Please note, if you are a current civil servant and you are currently undergoing any of the following formal actions your application will not be progressed any further; Formal discipline action, any formal action regarding attendance, poor performance or any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window).
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact
Recruitment team
Further information
If you believe that Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition have not been met, you can raise a complaint by emailing: [email protected] or by writing to HSE at the following address: HR Resourcing Team, 2.3 Redgrave Court, Merton Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 7HS.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact Civil Service commissioners: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/code/civilservicecodecomplaints/.
Attachments
HSE Terms and Conditions - CSJ Advert Annex - Opens in new window (pdf, 116kB)
