Office for Environmental Protection
The Office for Environmental Protection
The Office for Environmental Protection (The OEP) is a new public body.
We protect and improve the environment by holding government and public authorities to account.
About us
The OEP was legally created in November 2021, under the Environment Act 2021.
We expect to be fully established early in 2022 after Parliament takes the steps needed for our functions and powers to be made available to us.
Our work covers England. In the coming months, the Northern Ireland Assembly may also decide that our work will cover Northern Ireland.
We are an independent non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Our people
Our staff and board are led by our Chair, Dame Glenys Stacey, and Interim CEO, Natalie Prosser.
Our vacancies
We are looking for people who are passionate about protecting and improving our environment.
Making a complaint
You can complain to us if you think that a public authority has broken environmental law. Our service is free for you to use.
What can I complain about
Check to see if we are the right people to help with your problem.
Find out what’s involved
Our complaints process is open to everybody. Read more about what you need to do and what you can expect from us.
Submitting a complaint
You can fill in our complaint form online or download a copy.
The Office for Environmental Protection is legally formed
17.11.202117th November 2021 marks a significant day for the Office of Environmental Protection (OEP) which has now been legally formed. This follows the passing of the Environment Act 2021 by Parliament last week. This is an important step towards the OEP becoming a fully operational and independent organisation, in the New Year, standing ready to hold government and public authorities to account.
Advertisement for the Appointment of a Northern Ireland Non-Executive Member to the Office for Environmental Protection
11.11.2021Parliament passes the Environment Act setting the legal framework for the OEP
10.11.2021The Environment Act 2021 has received Royal Assent, providing in law for the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) to be created as an independent body. We expect the OEP to be legally formed in the coming days, and for the government and Parliament to take the steps needed for our functions to be made available to us early in the new year.
OEP Governance Framework
17.11.2021The OEP Board has agreed its Governance Framework, which sets out how it will work to high standards of corporate governance and how it will make its decisions. It adopted this Governance Framework in November 2021.
Personal Information Charter
17.11.2021Our Personal Information Charter
Minutes and meeting papers of the meeting of the Interim OEP Board, on 1 July 2021
11.11.2021The Natural Capital Committee
The Natural Capital Committee (NCC) delivered independent advice to government on protecting and improving natural capital. In carrying out its scrutiny and advice functions, the OEP will build upon work undertaken by the NCC.