Middlesex course improves flood defence inspection
Flooding poses a major humanitarian and economic risk in the UK. Large-scale flooding in England in 2007 resulted in the loss of thirteen lives and caused major health problems, as well as serious damage to infrastructure. The disaster cost the UK economy over £3.2billion.
Business challenge
The Environment Agency, an executive non-departmental Public Body that protects the environment, has a supervisory role for flood defence assets in England & Wales, though some are managed by other risk management authorities, such as local authorities and private landowners.
It prompted the Environment Agency to create a course that would be seen as the standard for visual assessment and monitoring of flood defences, not just for EA inspectors but also other organisations.
“We wanted to make sure inspectors were capable of visually assessing the state of flood defence infrastructure in a consistent manner. We wanted to test people’s understanding of the principles involved in visual asset assessment and put them into practice,” says Hugh Burchard, Environment Agency’s Learning and Development Advisor. “We also wanted the same assessment criteria to be standardised across England and Wales, which we felt the accreditation would do.”
Hugh says the Agency approached Middlesex because the University has expert individuals with knowledge in the area: “Middlesex’s Flood Hazard Research Centre (FHRC) has the base of knowledge. It is well known for its flood and water management approach. The Centre had already done some work with the Environment Agency beforehand, so we knew the quality of the work would be good.”
How Middlesex helped
Following a successful tender and bid process, FHRC and the Environment Agency worked together to create a course that would provide a standardised approach for inspectors to check flood defences.
“The Environment Agency wanted the course to be accredited independently. As course examiners, we are analysed yearly by an independent chartered engineer, and the course has been checked by the national audit office,” says Dr Simon McCarthy, the course leader and examiner at Middlesex’s Flood Hazard Research Centre (FHRC).
Inspectors are trained to report on the condition of their local flood defences. Training involves an initial e-learning and e-assessment which uses 3D interactive graphics. A period of on-the-job mentoring then follows, culminating in a final written and in-field examination for certification or further training.
The course is now established within the Environment Agency and is also being used by local authorities and large engineering consultancy firms. Hugh says the long duration of the partnership is testament to how well the collaboration with Middlesex is working.
Results summary
- Providing an auditable high standard of training. “Middlesex is delivering for us. It is managing the e-assessment element for the course – providing the knowledge, testing and independent assessment.” Hugh Burchard, Environment Agency’s Learning and Development Advisor.
- Creating a unique course. “This is the only UK course to provide accreditation in this field. The course has run for the last three years and is now established within the Environment Agency and is also gaining momentum within other UK organisations.” Dr Simon McCarthy, course leader and examiner at Middlesex University’s Flood Hazard Research Centre.
- Expert knowledge. “Middlesex’s Flood Hazard Research Centre is a knowledgeable and skilled supplier who can provide consistent assessment across the Environment Agency.” Hugh Burchard.
