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 other public authorities to account.
About us
The OEP was legally created in November 2021, under the Environment Act 2021.
Our work covers England and Northern Ireland. We also cover reserved matters across the UK (a matter on which only the UK Parliament in Westminster can make legislation).
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 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 and open to everybody.
What can I complain about
Check to see if we are the right people to help with your problem.
Find out what’s involved
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.
OEP launches investigation into the regulation of combined sewer overflows (CSOs)
27.06.2022The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) announced on Tuesday, June 28 that it is to carry out an investigation into the roles of Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Defra Secretary of State in the regulation of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in England.
OEP publishes its first Corporate Plan
23.06.2022The Office for Environmental Protection has today (Thursday, June 23) published its Corporate Plan, setting out a work programme for its first operational year.
OEP calls for urgent action to meet the ambitions of the 25 Year Environment Plan
12.05.2022The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has today called for the government to aim high and act now to ensure it achieves its ambitions for the environment.
OEP response to consultation on environmental targets
04.07.2022We have provided advice to government in response to its consultation on environmental targets. We are calling for targets to be set that are comprehensive and ambitious, to meet the urgent need for action to protect, restore and improve the environment.
Letter to the Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee on the draft EPPS
29.06.2022OEP letter to the Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee on the draft Environmental Principles Policy Statement
Our Strategy and Enforcement Policy
23.06.2022Our Strategy and Enforcement Policy sets out how we will carry out our work to protect and improve the environment.