The Environment Agency's National Flood & Coastal Defence Database (NFCDD) was built to provide a single, easily accessible and definitive store for all data on flood and coastal defences, which is made available to all operating authorities to allow them to make better-informed, risk-based decisions on the implementation of flood and coastal erosion management.
Accurately Assessing Flood Risks
The NFCDD contains data provided by, and makes information directly available to, the Agency itself as well as local authorities and internal drainage boards (IDBs), and the Government. Linking these organisations with one common data source gives rise to potential benefits in terms of consistent policy development and improved procurement opportunities
By utilising the latest developments in technology to replace and update existing methods of data collection and information analysis, NFCDD will also provide smarter knowledge management, improve access to data, and increase electronic dealings between stakeholders.
In addition, DEFRA will rely on NFCDD to generate and monitor changes in the UK river and costal assets, while also assessing risk from flooding and costal erosion in the future.
National Coverage for a National Solution
Computerworld was awarded the contract to design and support training delivery across the Environment Agency's 8 regional locations and to Local Authorities across the UK. This vital training is held both on-site and at training centres across the country.
One of the reasons why Computerworld were chosen was that we recognised one of the fundamental requirements to the success of NFCDD: good quality data. We understood that when assessing the integrity of defences, it is important that all operating authorities use the same standards and formats.
Two NFCDD courses were developed as part of the initial brief. Computerworld instigated a mobile classroom, ensuring that training could happen at almost any location whilst the same high standard of data and delivery. Since being awarded the 3 year training project over 70 courses have been delivered to approximately 600 Agency and local authority staff at 19 different locations.
