Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Group
DEFRA – Helping to build a brighter future
The DEFRA Group plays a unique and vital role at the heart of UK life. As one of our colleagues, so will you. 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. Whatever your background or specialism, you will find that this is work with a more profound purpose. As we navigate the challenges of delivering ‘A Green Future’, our 25 year plan to improve the Environment within a generation, our focus is on working in a transformative way, and we are embracing every opportunity to become more agile, efficient, focused and innovative than ever before.
Supporting apprentices at DEFRA
Learn how we enable our apprentices to succeed by listening to Michael’s story.
What does working for DEFRA entail?
Working for us promises a once-in-a-generation opportunity to impact on millions of lives, building a bright future for us all. It takes all kinds of people, in all kinds of roles and from all walks of life to fulfil our unique purpose.
The Defra Group is a collection of government agencies and departments, working closely with different partners, industries and communities, across the country. An outline of their different responsibilities is as follows; Natural England aims to protect, improve and encourage people to enjoy their surroundings. The Environment Agency protects and improves our environment by, for example, managing flood risks. The Rural Payments Agency supports agriculture and rural communities to create better places to live. The Animal Plant and Health Agency’s mission is to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of all.. The Marine Management Organisation ensures that marine activities in our seas are carried out in a sustainable way. Lastly, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate is the regulatory authority for veterinary medicine, aiming to protect animal health, public health and the environment. Our responsibilities are as varied and vital as the many lives, natural habitats and industries we protect. To reflect this, our workforce is equally diverse and critical. From Policymakers to Project Managers, from Economists to Scientists, and from Communications Specialists to Commercial Advisors, Defra is home to many talented individuals. Each bring a unique mindset to what they do. Together, we are constantly collaborating to arrive at better solutions for our environment, and the whole of the UK. This makes for truly fascinating work.
Perks and benefits
Bonus and reward scheme
Flexible working
Learning and development
Pension
Rewards and benefits
Wellbeing scheme
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Group
2 Marsham Street, London, United Kingdom, SW1P 4DF
Visit our websiteCompany information
- Headquarters:
- London
- Founded:
- 1996
Contact details
Locations
London
Bristol
York
Reading
Newcastle upon Tyne
Addlestone
Addlestone
Testimonials
Developing Digital Skills at DEFRA
Supporting Women in Leadership at DEFRA
I never thought that an apprenticeship would be for me but it turned out that it very much was.
University partners
Anglia Ruskin University
University of Cumbria
University of Exeter
Keele University
University of Kent
Values
At DEFRA, all employees work towards four behaviours. We are ambitious, striving to achieve our goals, innovating and taking risks to get there. We are outward-looking and have the confidence, humility and curiosity to look across and outside out organisations. We are professional and consistently reach high standards, doing our jobs to the best of our ability. We are inclusive and actively ensure a place where everyone thrives and feels part of a community.