New CIRIA guidance empowers communities to reduce local flood risk

We have today released a new suite of free guidance documents designed to help communities and Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) work together to maintain local flood risk infrastructure.

Guidance on enabling community maintenance for local flood risk management (C821F) provides practical advice for community groups who want to get involved in maintaining watercourses, drainage, and flood defences, and for RMAs seeking to support them. The guidance responds to the growing need for local resilience in the face of increasing flood risks due to climate change.

The publication includes three tailored documents:

• C821a – A hands-on guide for community groups looking to organise and carry out maintenance activities.
• C821b – A guide for RMAs outlining how they can collaborate effectively with local groups.
• C821c – A policy briefing note showing how community-led maintenance aligns with wider flood risk strategies.

Developed in collaboration with community representatives, flood experts, and public bodies, the guidance reflects real-world experience and offers step-by-step support for safer, more sustainable local flood risk management.

Find out more and download the documents for free here.