FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In the wake of one of the wettest UK summer’s since records began – a new network, LANDFORM (Local Authority Network for Drainage and Flood Risk Management) has been launched to deliver improved communication and knowledge-sharing about flood risk and surface water management.
LANDFORM (managed by CIRIA and guided my a number of key stakeholders including the Environment Agency, Defra, DCLG and local government organisations) has been developed to disseminate good practice, research and policy relating to flood risk management to those that work in and with local authorities. The network provides an opportunity to discuss challenges, share knowledge and new approaches; and aids the identification of common solutions through events, web portal and the online forum.
LANDFORM will hold its first event, Delivering sustainable drainage on the ground on 20 September 2007 in London. Attendees will gain: an appreciation of the drivers for local authorities in the implementation of sustainable drainage; an insight into the links between local authority planning and engineering functions; and an understanding of approaches to successfully implementing sustainable drainage and overcoming the challenge of adoption.
The need for the network was recognised in 2006 and Steve Williams, Head of Planning and Development for South Holland District Council (and also representing the Planning Officers Society) said: "LANDFORM provides the ideal mechanism to facilitate communication between those that work in and with Local Authorities, helping them get to grips with the challenges of flood risk management in a changing climate. By registering an interest in LANDFORM local authorities can obtain useful information and ensure the network meets their needs."
To register an interest in LANDFORM and get more information about the event on 20 September 2007 visit www.ciria.org/landform or contact CIRIA, Classic house, 174-180 Old Street, London EC1V 9BP; Tel: 020 7549 3300; email: enquiries@ciria.org.
ENDS
For further press information, contact James Milne at the above postal address or email: press@ciria.org.
Local Authorities (LAs) are key stakeholders in the sustainable management
of flood risk and drainage. This network has been set up to disseminate good
practice, research outputs and policy relating to sustainable drainage and
flood risk management to planners and operational staff within LAs.
The network also provides those working within LAs the opportunity to discuss
issues and challenges, share knowledge and new approaches to facilitate the
identification of common solutions through events and the online forum. As
a result, participants of the network are able to keep abreast of good practice
and changes in policy, practices and research.
More specifically, the objectives of the network are to:
Provide a platform for sharing knowledge and experience: Network events provide a mechanism to improve communication within and between LA planners and engineers and provide a forum for discussion and consensus building;
Enable focused communication between key stakeholders: Events will enable non-LA key stakeholders (e.g. regulators, sewerage undertakers, developers, coastal groups) to liaise with LAs on technical, policy and management issues relating to sustainable drainage and flood risk management.
Provide tools and support mechanisms: The network events disseminate information on good practice from practical research.
Ensure LAs are kept updated on developments: The network provides a mechanism to ensure that LAs are aware of developments in policy and research and consider/evolve their wider role within the sustainable management of surface water and flood risk.
Assist with implementation: The network focuses on disseminating information that supports the practical implementation of flood risk management and sustainable drainage.
Clarifying roles and responsibilities: Discussions at the network events and the website will help provide clarity on the critical LA function in relation to flood risk management and sustainable drainage and any potential overlaps or gaps with the responsibilities of other key stakeholders.
CIRIA is a member-owned organisation that works with the construction industry, government and academia to provide performance improvement products and services in the construction and related industries.
It was founded in 1960 and currently engages with around 700 subscribing organisations. Activities include collaborative projects, networking, publishing, workshops, seminars and conferences. About 40 projects are run at any one time, about 100 events are staged every year, and 25 books published per annum.