Nick is a Senior Consultant within the Water Engineering team at Metis Consultants Ltd. Nick studied BSc (Hons) Geography and Natural Hazards at Coventry University, and wrote a dissertation on engagement and partnership working between local communities and Risk Management Authorities to tackle local flooding issues, identifying where there are strengths as well as areas for improvement from the perspective of all involved.

Nick has worked in the flood risk industry for over 7 years, amassing a wealth of experience in the design and implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to reduce flood risk and enhance sustainability, biodiversity and amenity. Nick recognises the wider benefits that SuDS can bring, and in his first role was responsible for preparing Flood Risk Assessments and Drainage Strategies for new-build developments. This involved ensuring that such developments adhered to national and local planning policy, while considering the most sustainable options for drainage on-site, to ensure the sites could provide betterment to the existing flood risk.

Since joining Metis, Nick has worked with many London Boroughs to support and develop their service offering as a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). This has involved working in-house with multiple LLFAs to ensure they are meeting their roles and responsibilities, as well as separate project work focussing on strategic and policy updates, including scheme design, programme development, funding applications and construction support of SuDS schemes.

Nick has vast experience in investigating significant flooding incidents, in accordance with Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act, as well assisting LLFAs in developing and implementing their Local Flood Risk Management Strategies. The completion and application of these investigations and strategies ensure that LLFAs are meeting their statutory responsibilities and working to protect their Boroughs’ and residents from the predicted future impacts of climate change and flooding.

Sustainability is at the heart of Nick’s work with LLFAs, promoting SuDS and working with wider Council teams, including Climate Change and Biodiversity to enhance the benefits that such features can bring. Nick has also been involved in mapping projects, considering a range of factors to better understand areas that would be suitable and benefit from the implementation of SuDS. Such projects focus on environmental factors, such as existing flood risk, as well as social, such as deprivation bandings, to ensure that a full criterion is reviewed to determine suitable SuDS implementation.