Transformational Change in SEPA James Curran Chief Executive 8 March 2013

Who we are Non Departmental Public Body, est Scotland’s & Gov’s env’nmental pollution “watchdog” & advisor & flood warning agency 1200 staff 22 offices c£80m budget ….going through change; alignment and reform of public sector; focussing on outcomes

What we do Our responsibilities are to regulate: Activities that may pollute water; Activities that may pollute air; Storage, transport and disposal of waste; and Keeping and disposal of radioactive waste

…and… We are Scotland’s Flood Warning agency We are a Civil Contingency Responder, Cat 1 We work in partnership with companies and communities across Scotland …to.. Protect Scotland’s environment and public health

SEPA is evolving in an increasingly complex world

We want to deliver multiple benefits for sustainable development

Re-engineered science Better environmental regulation A new funding model A new approach based on ecosystem services Citizen science How are we going to do this?

Better Regulation: a new integrated regulatory model which rewards best practice

SEPA is developing a new funding model, based on the polluter pays principle

65% of consultees support a move to a risk- based approach to charging.

Ecosystem services… Ecosystem services in Scotland worth c.£23billion/year (£9,400/household/year) Environmental protection costs c.£350m/year (£150/household/year) Cost : Benefit for environmental protection of 1:66

Benefitting from level playing field Environment Clean air Clean water Land and soil Stable climate Nutrient recycling etc Businesses covered by environmental regulation Benefitting from clean, safe, sustainable environment Impacting via resource flows Impacting via pollution Environmental protection, secures benefits, controls impacts …more than value for money!

Engaging citizens in their environment through citizen science

Connections to Public Health White Cart Water flood prevention scheme upstream storage areas that hold back the flood water mean lower walls downstream in Glasgow

Public or citizen action Positive action by the public to protect and improve the environment’. The LIFE Project seeks to test the premise that public engagement in monitoring or action can influence environmental attitudes and behaviours.

New Agency structure

What next? Continuing transformational change programme Angus Smith Building migration in July 2013 Bill planning and delivery of new regulatory model Engagement and delivery