Robert Van de Noort to chair Thames Flood and Coastal Committee

Friday, 08 September 2017

Robert Van de Noort, the University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Planning & Resource, is the new Chair of the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC).

The Thames RFCC is one of the 12 committees across England, which help to provide governance for the Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Erosion risk management functions and cover all flood risks that are not the responsibility of the water companies.

The Chair of each committee is appointed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and requires a commitment of up to five days a month for the role.

Robert has previous experience of chairing the committee and headed the South West RFCC until June this year.

Following the news of his appointment, Robert said, “I am very pleased to be appointed the Chair of the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, and recognise the responsibility that comes with it. The committee plays a key role in reducing the flood risk in the Thames area; as the new Chair it will be my responsibility to ensure that the many communities and stakeholders are given a voice and that, through effective partnership working, we reduce the risk of flooding to all.”

The Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) is established by the Environment Agency under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 that brings together members appointed by Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) and independent members with relevant experience for 3 purposes:

• to ensure there are coherent plans for identifying, communicating and managing flood and coastal erosion risks across catchments and shorelines
• to encourage efficient, targeted and risk-based investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management that represents value for money and benefits local communities
• to provide a link between the Environment Agency, LLFAs, other risk management authorities, and other relevant bodies to build understanding of flood and coastal erosion risks in its area

More information on the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC), including the area it covers, its membership and its reports is here.