ADA publishes the second edition of its Guide on Good Governance for Internal Drainage Board Members

ADA (the Association of Drainage Authorities) has published an updated guide to Good Governance for Internal Drainage Board Members. Following the inaugural edition published in 2018, board members of internal drainage boards (IDBs) now have a revised authoritative and comprehensive guide to their role and functions as democratic water managers serving their local community, economy, and landscape.

The fully updated guide has been made possible with the financial support of Smaller Authorities’ Audits Appointments Ltd (SAAA), and very helpful professional oversight from Wilkin Chapman Rollits LLP.

What is an IDB?

Each IDB is a public body made up of local representatives (board members) with collective responsibility for managing water levels in an area, known as an internal drainage district. These districts cover approximately one tenth of England’s land area, and you can find out where they are here. IDBs undertake works to reduce flood risk to people and property, and manage water levels for agricultural and environmental needs within their district.

It remains more efficient to build and maintain our water environment together, and to delegate the design and execution of works to professional well governed organisations. A successful IDB is built upon active, interested and committed people with local and relevant knowledge. IDBs are both part of the democratic framework of this country representing the interests of their community, and the long and eventful history of living and working with water in lowland England.

About the Guide

The updated guide will enable current and prospective IDB members to understand the value and importance of getting involved with their local IDB. It will provide them with expert knowledge, helping to expand their grasp of the role, and how best to execute their responsibilities as an active and interested board member.

The guide follows very similar principles of governance and accountability to guidance offered to local authority councillors. This version of the guide continues to offer operational common-ground with other local authorities, and is designed to facilitate close collaboration between elected and appointed members of IDBs, and other public authorities.

Many of these principles in the guide are good, common sense and it has been written to serve as a practical ready-reference to help board members and their officers to do the right thing. The updated Guide is organised around 11 thematic chapters, including: roles and responsibilities, meetings and governance, delivery, funding and financial management, transparency and accountability, and the management of risks and hazards.

Download the guide

Launching the Updated Guide

ADA is launching the new guide at the Flood & Coast 2025 conference and exhibition taking place at the Telford International Centre on 03-05 June 2025, which brings together from across the UK to share, debate and celebrate innovative solutions aimed at helping the people and places most at risk from flooding and coastal erosion. ADA is a strategic partner in this year’s event.

With our professional partners, ADA will look to run training for members over the coming 12 months. Further information on any workshop events will be shared in due course.

ADA’s chair, Robert Caudwell said: “IDBs remain a cornerstone of the democratic governance of water in England today. IDBs need active, interested and committed people with local and relevant knowledge to serve and get involved in their work. This guide will help them to expand their knowledge and build their confidence in their role as board members. Through good governance they can make a positive difference for their local community and water landscape, as well as engaging with others in a positive and proactive way.”

Innes Thomson, ADA’s chief executive, said: “My special thanks go to the authors and editors for their hard work in bringing this updated version of the guide together, and to SAAA Ltd for their financial support in its preparation. It is once again designed to be an accessible reference guide that I know all IDB Members will value and I hope that it increases the recognition for the essential and valued public service freely given by IDB Members.”

Notes to Editors

About ADA

ADA is the membership organisation for those involved in drainage, water level and flood risk management. Its members include Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), the Environment Agency, Regional Flood Defence Committees, Local Authorities, Natural Resources Wales, the Northern Ireland Rivers Agency, Consultants, Contractors and Suppliers.

ADA is involved in a wide range of work for and on behalf of its members helping to exchange ideas towards solving common problems and finding new, better ways of working. ADA responds to consultations from the Government, either on behalf of members or assisting with individual member responses. It represents all interests nationally and locally in relation to drainage, water level and flood risk management, for example, in relation to legislation and public inquiries. ADA acts together with other organisations to pursue the Association’s objectives, including linking to Europe through ADA’s membership of EUWMA, the European Union of Water Management Associations.

ADA obtains and shares information on matters of importance and interest to members, and provides advice on technical and administrative problems. ADA is supported by a volunteer network of branches which bring together members for meetings at a regional level. ADA organises exhibitions and meetings for the benefit of members, maintains a website at www.ada.org.uk and publishes the quarterly ADA Gazette.

ADA is a limited company with offices based at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. ADA welcomes enquiries from the press and can be contacted during normal weekday office hours on 02476 992889 or by e-mail at admin@ada.org.uk.

About SAAA Ltd

Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd (SAAA) is an independent, not for profit, limited company established to procure external audit services and appoint external auditors for smaller authorities. A smaller authority is defined as an authority where the higher of gross annual income or expenditure does not exceed £6.5 million, and includes Town and Parish Councils, Parish Meetings, and Internal Drainage Boards. The principal legislation governing the statutory functions of SAAA is the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014. For more information please visit: www.saaa.co.uk

About Wilkin Chapman Rollits LLP

Recommended by the UK’s leading legal directories, including The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, Wilkin Chapman Rollits is the largest law firm in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

We have more than 500 partners and staff located across a network of locations in Grimsby, Lincoln, Louth, Hull, York and Beverley providing a balance of trusted legal advice to private and commercial clients. As the region’s largest law firm, with national capability, we’re uniquely positioned to offer the strength of a big firm with the personal, client-centred approach of a trusted partner. Our team combines deep local and sector knowledge with the resources and reach to handle any opportunity or challenge. Distinguished by our approachability, collaboration, and commitment to providing outstanding service, as a firm or individuals we are proud to achieve and maintain quality standards such as Lexcel, The Law Society’s accreditation standard, The Law Society’s accreditation for quality marks in residential conveyancing and personal injury and the ISO9001:2015 certification in our recoveries department. For more information, please visit our website: www.wilkinchapmanrollits.co.uk

For press enquiries please contact:
Eur Ing J Innes Thomson BSc CEng FICE
Chief Executive
Association of Drainage Authorities
Rural Innovation Centre, Avenue H, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LG
e-mail: innes.thomson@ada.org.uk
Website: www.ada.org.uk

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