From the Chief Executive, Environment Agency
‘Coronavirus is causing concern across the country for everyone, both personally and professionally. I want to let you know about the steps the Environment Agency is taking at this difficult time.We have put in place arrangements to ensure that as far as possible we can:
- Continue to respond effectively in the event of a major flood, pollution or other incident;
- Carry out our regulatory activities in a safe, secure and effective way;
- Keep our operational sites, such as flood barriers, up and running;
- Support businesses who face their own operational difficulties;
- Sustain our cooperation with the emergency services, local authorities and other partners, including in the Local Resilience Forums which are helping manage the current crisis.
In line with government advice most of our teams are now working from home and making use of virtual meetings where possible, and working in shift or staggered work patterns to minimise social contact where this isn’t. Where we have staff out on the ground, for example inspecting assets we operate or other parties’ sites which we regulate, they will be adhering to the latest advice from Public Health England.
While we will aim to provide the best possible service that we can, you will understand that in current circumstances we will not be able to operate as normal. We will need to stop or slow some of our normal activities in order to focus on the most important and urgent.
This is a fast-moving and challenging situation. But by working together we are confident we can find the solutions we need to meet those challenges.
Yours sincerely,
Sir James Bevan KCMG
Chief Executive
Environment Agency’ |
