James Mead is Flood & Water Manager at Sheffield City Council heading up the Lead Local Flood Authority as the city reimages itself as a City of Rivers for the 21st century. Client for Sheffield’s £90m Flood Protection Programme and lead for the Connected by Water Partnership, promoting sustainable drainage, such as the awarding winning Grey to Green scheme, and nature-based solutions at the forefront of sustainable and resilient flood risk reduction.

He has over 20 years’ experience in Flood Risk Management partnership flood risk projects, including Sheffield’s £21m Lower Don Valley Scheme with its unique Business Improvement District, Rotherham MBC’s “Rotherham Renaissance” Flood Scheme and the £30m, award winning, Redcar Coastal Management and Seafront Regeneration Scheme delivered in Partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Council. He has contributed to UK guidance on Partnership Funding, Flood Risk and Planning and the Economic Growth benefits of flood risk investment.