Develop a local flood risk management strategy

This diagram shows the circular process for developing a local flood risk management strategy, reflecting that things continually change and that the starting point for a local flood risk management strategy may not be the same each time it is updated. The process has five steps, in the order:

1. understand flood risk

2. set objectives

3. choose measures

4. implement; and

5. monitor and review.

The centre of the diagram says ‘work with others’, indicating that effective local flood risk management strategies will involve many partners and contribute towards the achievement of multiple interlinked outcomes for a given place or community.

Appreciate how understanding has developed since the previous strategy was developed.  Why it is important to understand flood risk from all sources, links to working with others, and approaches to gather and develop information on flood risk. Ensure that the strategy:

• Explains and defines the flood risk issues in your area
• Incorporates the understanding of all flood risk management authorities working in your area

These should align with the national FCERM strategy. Understand what good objectives look like and how to set them. Work with others to set joint objectives that address multiple issues in a community as these can achieve more. To develop the strategy:

• Review and update the objectives in the strategy to reduce local flood risk

These should meet the local needs and link to the objectives set. They should be appropriate to the local setting and the consequences of flood risk. Work with others to maximise the outcomes (flood risk or other benefits) that can be achieved. To develop the strategy:

• Review measures or actions in the strategy – do they align with updated objectives?
• Include any linked measures in other flood risk plans
• What new measures are needed?
• Which measures can also facilitate better outcomes for others?
• Consider funding from a range of sources
• Consider the costs and benefits of each element

This should set out how you will develop a workable plan, with a clear programme, that is able to gain funding. To develop the strategy:

• Develop an implementation plan

Sets out how you will monitor success of the strategy and anything that triggers a review. To develop the strategy:

• Determine a monitoring and review process.