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River Basin Management Planning
- National Advisory Group in the Scotland River Basin District

The National Advisory Group (NAG) will:
  • oversee the river basin management planning process;
  • contribute to the preparation of the River Basin Management Plan for the Scotland River Basin District (RBD);
  • coordinate the work of Area Advisory Groups (AAGs).

The production of River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) will be a ‘top down’ and ‘bottom up’ process with clear links between each stage. The table below shows the main responsibilities and the links between the local and national levels.

WHAT
BODY
WHO
  • Approve RBMP and submit to European Commission
  • Integrate river basin planning national policy
  • Scottish Ministers
Blue Arrows
  • Oversee river basin planning process
  • Advise on and contribute to Scotland RBD RBMP
  • Coordinate work of AAGs
  • Resolve conflict and arbitrate
National Advisory Group (NAG)
  • Scottish Executive
  • Responsible authorities
  • National stakeholders
  • Representatives of key sectors and NGOs
  • Representatives of AAG network
Blue Arrows
  • Advise on and contribute to Area Management Plans
  • Ensure public participation and consultation
  • Assist in coordination & integration with statutory & non-statutory plans
  • Identify need for more detailed plans/programmes
Area Advisory Group (AAG)
  • Responsible authorities
  • Local representatives of key water use sectors and other interested parties
  • Representatives from detailed sub-basin planning initiatives
Blue Arrows
  • Provide local information
  • Review characterisation and significant water management issues (SWMI) reports
  • Contribute to options for measures and objectives
  • Contribute to Area Management Plans
Advisory Group Forum
  • Wide and open membership
  • Members of responsible authorities, interested organisations, stakeholders and the public


National Advisory Group Members

The National Advisory Group is made up of representatives from responsible authorities, national stakeholders and organisations working at a strategic level. There are clear links between the NAG and Scottish Ministers, who will ultimately approve the River Basin Management Plan. Clear links also exist between the NAG and the Area Advisory Groups, which will provide local expertise and input into geographical chapters of the plan.

National Advisory Group meetings

Links will shortly be provided to enable you to:
  • find out the dates of future NAG meetings
  • view agendas and minutes from previous NAG meetings

National Advisory Group – roles and remit

The role of the National Advisory Group is to advise on and support:
  • the development of river basin management planning in the Scotland RBD;
  • the preparation, delivery and implementation of the River Basin Management Plan for the Scotland RBD;
  • the identification of national priorities for environmental improvement and protection;
  • the need for national measures to deliver nationally agreed standards;
  • the coordination and integration of the River Basin Management Plan with other strategic plans and policies in order to better protect the water environment and promote its sustainable use.

The NAG has a number of roles with regard to Area Advisory Groups including:

  • providing support and guidance to ensure partnership working, participation, co-operation and consensus of the main stakeholders in the river basin management planning process;
  • providing strategic direction and guidance on the preparation of Area Management Plans to ensure a consistent approach is taken;
  • ensuring that Area Management Plans meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive;
  • resolving conflicts identified by Area Advisory Groups and acting as arbitrator if required.

The role of the National Advisory Group in the Solway Tweed RBD will be defined following the publication of the River Basin Planning Strategy for the Solway Tweed RBD.

Follow the links below to find out about a particular Area Advisory Group.
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