Bridging the Skills Gaps for Flood Resilience and Climate Readiness
The Blue Green Infrastructure Training Programme (formerly SCRIMP) is part of the West Yorkshire Flood Innovation Programme (WYFLIP).
It provides a coordinated series of training opportunities designed to build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to deliver effective flood risk management and climate resilience across Yorkshire and beyond.
Developed collaboratively by partners across the iCASP network, this training responds directly to sector demand for practical, applied learning in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), Natural Flood Management (NFM), and wider Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).
Upcoming Training Opportunities
We will continue delivering targeted training sessions to support practitioners involved in flood risk management, planning, infrastructure delivery, and environmental management. These sessions are designed to build practical skills, share best practices, and help organisations respond effectively to climate and resilience challenges.
Introduction to Nature-Based Solutions and Risks in the Urban Drainage Industry – 15th April 2026
Upcoming Training Opportunities
Additional sessions will be added as the programme develops.
View details of previous training
Unlocking Policy for Nature-Based Solutions – 26th March 2026
NFM Monitoring Session – 18th March 2026
Floods, Carbon, Water Quality and Ecology – Redesigning Peatland Restoration for Multiple Benefits – 3rd March 2026
Blue–Green Infrastructure Training to Cope with Flooding and Climate Change – 22nd October 2025
About the Training Initiative
The Board members of WYFLIP secured £286,293 in levy funding from the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (YRFCC) to address emerging skills demands, mitigate associated risks and support the delivery of WYFLIP over two years.
The initiative addresses a critical capacity gap affecting delivery of flood reduction and climate resilience benefits across Yorkshire—particularly in relation to the Flood and Water Management Act Schedule 3 (SuDS) requirements and the development of green skills.
Training is delivered by leading flood and water research, innovation and skills providers hosted by water@leeds at the University of Leeds, working in conjunction with regional partners through WYFLIP and iCASP.
The aim is to equip professionals with the knowledge needed to design resilient infrastructure, deliver environmentally beneficial projects and respond effectively to climate challenges.
How the Training Was Developed
Phase 1 – Training Needs Analysis
The project team consulted partners across the region to understand priority skills gaps, existing strengths and future training needs. This engagement informed a comprehensive audit of capacity requirements and identified key stakeholder groups.
Phase 2 – Programme Development and Delivery
Partners, including the University of Leeds, Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authorities, Yorkshire Water and the Yorkshire & Humber Climate Commission, used the findings to shape a structured training offer running from September 2025 to March 2026.
Who the Training Is For
- Local authority teams (flood risk, highways, planning, housing, regeneration)
- Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water staff
- Rivers Trusts and environmental organisations
- Practitioners delivering climate resilience and infrastructure projects
Delivery Approach
Training is delivered through a blended model:
- Introductory online sessions
- Practical, in-person workshops
- Case-study-led learning
- Recorded sessions for continued access
Continuing Development
This training forms part of the evolving iCASP partnership approach to knowledge exchange—bringing together research, policy and practice to accelerate delivery of blue-green infrastructure and climate adaptation solutions.
Further sessions and specialist modules will be announced as the training programme expands.