Upper Ouse Water Management Board Order 2026: implications for UK health and safety compliance for business

Upper Ouse Water Management Board Order 2026 and UK health and safety compliance for business

What has changed

The Upper Ouse Water Management Board Order 2026 confirms, with modifications, the amalgamation of the Alconbury and Ellington Internal Drainage District, the Bedfordshire and River Ivel Internal Drainage District and the Buckingham and River Ouzel Internal Drainage District into one new internal drainage district known as the Upper Ouse Internal Drainage District. The three existing Internal Drainage Boards are abolished and a new governance body, the Upper Ouse Water Management Board, is constituted for the expanded district.

Why this matters for UK health and safety regulation

The change centralises oversight of flood risk management and drainage responsibilities in one body. This has direct implications for organisations that own, lease or operate land within the new district or rely on drainage infrastructure. Clear governance and consistent procedures across the district can influence how risk is identified, controlled and reviewed in relation to flood and water management, potentially affecting obligations under UK health and safety law and related HSE expectations during works near drainage channels or during flood events.

Who is affected

Landowners, occupiers, developers, infrastructure operators, contractors and local authorities within the Upper Ouse Internal Drainage District are likely to be affected. Organisations with responsibilities for maintaining drainage works, carrying out excavation or construction near watercourses, or managing flood response plans should review their arrangements in light of the new governance structure.

Key duties for organisations

Key duties include ensuring appropriate governance and oversight for drainage and flood risk, coordinating with the Upper Ouse Water Management Board, and reviewing risk assessments and control measures for drainage works. Organisations should ensure competent advice where required, maintain up to date records of drainage assets, and integrate flood risk management with broader health and safety planning. Update contractor management to reflect the new district arrangements and maintain clear lines of communication with the board.

Enforcement and sanctions

As with other UK health and safety regulations, enforcement and compliance will be guided by statutory duties and local regulation. Aligning drainage management with HSE expectations requires clear governance, documented risk management and demonstrated due diligence in flood risk controls.

Steps to achieve compliance

Consider the following actions to align with the change:

• Map ownership and responsibilities for drainage assets within the new district
• Review and update risk assessments for drainage works and flood risk scenarios
• Engage with the Upper Ouse Water Management Board to confirm requirements and reporting
• Update procedures for plant and equipment used near watercourses and in flood events
• Consult workers and contractors on new governance arrangements and training needs
• Integrate the new district governance with an ISO 45001 health and safety management system

For practical guidance on systematic control of workplace risk and legal compliance, organisations may consider health and safety risk assessments, Competent Person support and ISO 45001.

Wrap-up

The amalgamation under the Upper Ouse Water Management Board Order 2026 represents a significant shift in drainage governance with direct implications for health and safety management. By establishing centralised oversight, it creates a clearer point of accountability for flood risk and drainage operations. Organisations should act promptly to align governance, risk assessment, contractor management and training with the new structure to minimise disruption and strengthen regulatory compliance.