North West RFCC

North West RFCC runs from the Scottish border in the north to Cheshire in the south. Its western border is the Irish Sea and eastern border is the Pennines. Around seven million people live and work in our region.

Our region has an incredibly diverse environment. From industrialised and urban areas in Manchester and Liverpool to the beautiful countryside of the Lake District, rural Lancashire and Cheshire.

Around 370,000 people are at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, and over 600,000 people at risk of flooding from surface water. There is a history of flooding with the major events of 2015 and 2020 having particularly significant and widespread impacts.

We’re committed to reducing flood risk in our area, making communities more resilient and adapting to the challenges of a changing climate. We can’t do this without our RFCC members. By joining our committee, you can help us achieve these goals.

We’re looking for candidates who:

• have an active interest in flood and coastal risk management
• can represent the interests of communities across our region
• come from a diverse range of backgrounds
• are impartial and not representatives of any particular organisation
• have a real enthusiasm and commitment to your local community

You don’t have to be a technical expert or have specific qualifications for most roles, though a background in certain areas could be an advantage. It’s your enthusiasm and commitment to your local community that is most important.

Our vacancies and how to apply

We are recruiting for 3 independent member vacancies.  

You can apply by filling out our simple online application form. Explain why you’re interested in being an independent RFCC member and what you think you would bring to the role. You should also mention any specific qualifications or experience that relate to the role specialism.

The closing date to apply is 15 December 2024.

Vacancy 1 – independent member, business and assurance

We are looking for an independent member with a business and assurance background. This role starts on 30 June 2025.

As well as having an active interest in flood risk management, you will support the committee’s general business and assurance activities. You will have the opportunity to chair the committee’s finance and business assurance sub-group.

Vacancy 2 – independent member, agriculture and land management

We are looking for an independent member with a knowledge of agriculture and land management issues. This role starts on 30 June 2025.

You should be able to:

• provide a land management perspective
• help the committee understand issues affecting rural communities, landowners and farmers
• understand how these impact on river processes
• use your network to provide a link between the committee, land management, forestry, conservation and farming groups in the North West

Vacancy 3 – independent member, planning and design

We are looking for an independent member with knowledge of planning and design issues. This role starts on 1 February 2025.

You should be able to:

• help the RFCC influence the planning and development communities in fully appreciating the flood and coastal erosion risks and opportunities posed by development in our climate changing world
• identify how links can be further strengthened between Risk Management Authorities and Local Planning Authorities
• advise how the planning process and documentation can be further adapted to increase the consideration of climate change and use of high quality sustainable drainage systems