Two sets of information on public dialogue and participation. Getting the ‘people’ part right of any project can transform outcomes and perceptions. The first on the outputs of a major EA funded project on flooding.  The second reflects principles that Involve – an organisation specialising in participation – have used for many years but which work. 

Public dialogue on flooding

The outputs of this major piece of work on what still remains a huge challenge. Nearly one in six properties in England is at risk of flooding. However, many people at serious risk of being affected by flooding are not aware of the extent of that risk. Many are also not aware of what they can do to reduce the effects of flooding, if it does occur. A major public dialogue project on flood risk communication, funded by the Environment Agency and Sciencewise, has investigated what type of communications will improve public understanding of flood risk and encourage people to take action. This has been done in partnership with Defra, the Met Office, the Cabinet Office, Public Health England, the Flood Forecasting Centre and the National Flood Forum. The dialogue with members of the public considered the meaning of messages about flood risk, including the link between understanding the risk and taking action. The dialogue also covered innovative methods and techniques to help individuals and communities understand their risk of flooding. Click here to go to download the reports.