Research Forum and Other Groups

• The Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum For Environmental Research (SNIFFER)
  
  This Forum identifies and manages environmental research on behalf of its members who comprise the Scottish Government, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Environment and Heritage Service Northern Ireland, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders. Key areas include the implementation of the WFD, air quality, land quality and the urban environment.
  Further information is available from: 
  
  (http://www.sniffer.org.uk/)
   

• Scottish Advisory & Implementation Forum for Flooding (SAIFF)
  
  To support the implementation of the new Flood risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, the Scottish Government has established a Scottish Advisory and Implementation Forum on Flooding (SAIFF). SAIFF comprises representatives from the government, government agencies, local authorities and other stakeholders. In addition to supporting the work of the Scottish Government, SAIFF will provide technical support to all parties involved in the implementation of the Act and the EC Floods Directive.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Water/Flooding/advisory-groups/saif/

Advice on flooding matters has been provided to the Scottish Government through a variety of groups and Committees. This advice has helped the Scottish Government and public bodies take forward important improvements to how flooding is assessed and managed across Scotland. Archives from the Flooding Bill Advisory Group (FBAG), the Flooding Issues Advisory Committee (FIAC) and the National Technical Advisory Group on Flooding Issues (NTAG) are  available on the Scottish Government website.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Water/Flooding/advisory-groups/

The WEWS Act also requires all designated authorities to have specific regard to sustainable flood management in the exercise of their functions. The Flooding Issues Advisory Committee  (FIAC) advises the Scottish Government on the implementation of the National Flooding Framework and produces technical guidance for local authorities on flood prevention schemes and sustainable flood management:

(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Water/Flooding/advisory-groups)

The Scottish Government's Environment Group has commissioned the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER) to provide a research and knowledge management service in relation to flood risk management. RISE (Research Information Service for Flood Risk Management), is one of the main tools for delivering this service. It provides a one-stop shop for information on flood risk management research, particularly targeted at Scottish stakeholders.

It describes the legislative framework, gives details of statutory roles and responsibilities and maintains a knowledge inventory.

(http://www.sniffer.org.uk/rise/)
 

• Scottish Environment LINK
  
  This Forum is for Scotland's voluntary organisations representing a broad spectrum of environmental interests with the common goal of contributing to a more environmentally sustainable society.
  
  Further information is available at:  (http://www.scotlink.org)
   
• The WFD- UKTAG (United Kingdom Technical Advisory Group
  
  This Group is a partnership of UK and Ireland environment and conservation agencies which provides co-ordinated advice on technical aspects of the implementation of the WFD.
  
  (http://www.wfduk.org)