SEPA is a non-departmental public body, accountable to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament, and an independent advisor on the environment. They have 1,2512 employees working in 22 offices, giving us a geographical presence across the whole of Scotland, from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders.

Their environment is a complex mix of materials and processes which, together, provide the natural resources and support systems, or ‘ecosystem services’, which sustain all life on earth.

Their society and the economy depend on these services, which is why protecting and improving the environment is absolutely essential.

Their role in protecting the environment and human health is wide-ranging, including environmental regulation, mitigating and adapting to climate change, monitoring and reporting on the state of the environment, raising awareness of environmental issues, engaging with the public through citizen science projects, and resolving environmental harms.

This section of their website explains more about who they are; the aims, objectives and values; how they work and what the people do; and how you can play your part in helping to protect the environment.

The broad framework within which SEPA operates is set out in a framework document, which also defines key roles and responsibilities which underpin the relationship between SEPA and the Scottish Government. While this document does not confer any legal powers or responsibilities, it forms a key part of SEPA’s accountability and governance framework.