In 20 years we haven't taken a single step forward. Process, process, no action. This was the stark observation Lord de Ramsey DL, President of the Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA), shared with an audience of around 150 delegates at ADA's 82nd annual conference.
Held in London in November, the event featured an exhibition, networking breakfast and speakers included: Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Sue Hayman MP, John Curtin from the Environment Agency and Robert Hossen, an expert in Crisis Management, Holland. ADA's Chairman Robert Caudwell said: "Climate change is not something that will happen in the future, it is happening now." On funding, Mr Caudwell encouraged Government to give this a "fresh review", saying, "we need a formula that works for everyone."
Mr Curtin said: "Our thinking needs to change quicker than the climate." The thought-provoking presentations were followed by a Q&A session. ADA's 7 office holders, 5 male, 2 female, happen to be white, as are its 16 directors, 3 female, 13 male, which includes Neil Parish MP.
While the ADA Board and membership remains undiverse, it is fully committed to embracing diversity, in its broadest definition. "One of the things we have been tackling at ADA, " said its Chief Executive Innes Thomson, "is a regime of openness and public transparency that allows the wider public to understand the good work of our members and, through that, to take an active interest and to get involved at a local level."
He added: "ADA works hard to ensure that our industry is an inclusive, diverse one." For the second year running, ADA invited 12 first-year intake of Flood Foundation students from Brunel University, 6 women and 3 from a Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) background.
Of the latter, Catherine Nankumba, 21, is originally from the Ugandan capital Kampala. An aspiring chartered engineer, Catherine, pictured, said: "I wish to live a life of serving others through my acquired skills especially the civilians. "
She added: "I know we can't put an end to the natural hazards affecting us but we can at least emphasise and work together to adapt to the changes we are facing." With limited resources and a small team, ADA, which represents over 230 members nationally, is an organisation that is clearly making a difference. Well done ADA!
The conference featured ADA's AGM and also saw the launch of 'Good Governance' a 72-page informative and fantastic members’ guide.
Established in 1937, ADA is a membership organisation for drainage, water level and flood risk management authorities in the UK. Its purpose is to champion and campaign for the sustainable delivery of water level management.
To find out more visit www.ada.org.uk
