Northumbria RFCC

Northumbria RFCC is responsible for land stretching from the Scottish borders to North Yorkshire. The area is bounded by Cumbria to the west and the North Sea coast to the east. It covers a landscape of extraordinary beauty with the remote Kielder Forest and the Pennines to the north and west and a coastal landscape in the east which varies for sandy wild estuaries to rocky cliffs and bays stretching from the Tees in the south, north to the Scottish borders. 

Approximately 2.6 million people live in the Committee’s area, primarily in a concentration of urban areas around the River Tees corridor and within the Tyne and Wear conurbation, with more rural communities in Northumberland and West Durham. There are over 80,000 properties at risk of surface water flooding and over 35,000 receptors at risk from flooding and/or coastal erosion.

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. It’s your enthusiasm and commitment to your local community that is most important.

“Heavy rain can bring rapid changes to flow and many towns and villages remain at risk of flooding from the main rivers and the tributaries that feed them, especially so as climate change seems set to give us heavier rainfall in the coming years. If you add the problems of rising sea levels on a vulnerable yet economically very important coast our RFCC has a vital role to play in managing the long-term programme for flood and coastal risk reduction and in education and warning those of our communities that remain at risk.”

—Phil Rothwell, Northumbria RFCC Chair

Our vacancies and how to apply

We have 2 vacancies for independent members, ideally one with knowledge of agriculture and land management, and the other with knowledge of economics and construction.

You can apply using 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. Mention your skills and experience. 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, agriculture and land management

We are looking for an independent member with a knowledge of agriculture and land management issues.

You should be able to:

• provide a land management perspective at committee meetings
• help the committee understand issues affecting inland communities, landowners and farmers and how this impacts on river process and the coast
• provide a link between the committee, land management and farming groups
• advocate good soil management with the farming sector to benefit flood risk and reduce diffuse pollution

This role starts in July 2025.

Vacancies 2 – independent member, economic/construction

We are looking for an independent member with a knowledge of economic and construction issues.

It would be helpful if you have knowledge of:

• partnerships and collaborative projects in infrastructure and growth 
• finance and business 
• planning, economics, development, and/or regeneration 

This role starts on 1 April 2025.