New Chairs Appointed for Regional Flood and Coastal Committees
This week, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced the appointment of new Chairs for the Trent, Southern, and North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (RFCCs). David Hickman, Dave Throup, and Elizabeth Grey will lead these committees in managing flood risks and coastal erosion in their respective regions.
Responsibilities of the RFCCs
The Regional Flood and Coastal Committees play a crucial role in overseeing the Environment Agency’s flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) functions. Their objectives include:
- Developing cohesive strategies for identifying and managing flood and coastal erosion risks across various catchments and shorelines.
- Encouraging efficient investment strategies based on risk assessments to ensure optimum value and community benefit.
- Facilitating collaboration among the Environment Agency, lead local flood authorities, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance understanding of flood risks in the areas they serve.
These appointments have been made based on merit in line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments, with a requirement for new appointees to disclose significant political activities, if any.
Tenures and Remuneration
The newly appointed chairs will serve fixed terms: David Hickman for Trent RFCC from 6 February 2026 to 5 February 2029, Dave Throup for Southern RFCC from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029, and Elizabeth Grey for North West RFCC from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2029. Each appointment will receive an annual remuneration of £18,927 for a commitment of five days per month.
Profiles of the New Chairs
David Hickman – Trent RFCC Chair
David Hickman brings over two decades of experience in public service management, specifically in flood risk and environmental partnership roles since 2010. He currently works as an independent consultant in the East Midlands and has held several significant positions, including Head of Environment at Lincolnshire County Council. Hickman was instrumental in establishing the Lincolnshire Flood Risk Management Partnership and has served in advisory capacities for various governmental and environmental boards.
Dave Throup – Southern RFCC Chair
With more than 30 years of expertise across both public and private sectors, Dave Throup is a dedicated advocate for climate resilience. He previously served as the Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, providing crucial risk management insights during significant flooding events. Since his retirement in 2021, Throup has remained active in environmental advocacy through various roles, including as a Trustee for the Heart of England Forest.
Elizabeth (Liz) Grey – North West RFCC Chair
Liz Grey is currently a senior councillor and Chair of Wirral Council’s Environment, Climate Emergency, and Transport Committee. With extensive experience in community leadership and environmental decision-making, Grey has a strong understanding of local challenges related to climate and sustainability. Educated as a UN-trained climate change teacher, she engages deeply with her community and promotes environmental wellbeing in her region.
Importance of Flood and Coastal Management
As climate change continues to pose significant challenges, effective flood and coastal management is vital for protecting communities and infrastructure across the UK. The appointment of these seasoned professionals is seen as an essential step in enhancing the country’s resilience to flooding and coastal risks, ensuring that local authorities can manage these challenges more effectively.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/regional-flood-and-coastal-committee-chair-appointments–6
