Corporate report

Environment Agency corporate scorecard 2022 to 2023 - quarter two

Published 26 January 2023

Applies to England

1. Corporate scorecard summary page

The Environment Agency use a red, amber, green system to see how we are performing at a glance. They are:

• green which means we are performing at or above the target(s) set
• amber which means we are falling slightly short of the target
• red which means there are improvements to be made

This table shows the red, amber, green scores for the 14 measures plus the actual and target figures.

1.1 A nation resilient to climate change

By 2025 we (the Environment Agency) will have created more climate resilient places and infrastructure, by ensuring the nation is prepared for flooding, coastal change and drought

Measure title	Units	Q2 actual	Q2 target	Year end target	Year end forecast	Q2 status
We reduce the risk of flooding for more properties	Number of properties better protected	35,878	35,000	65,000	Amber	Green
We maintain our flood and costal risk management assets at or above the target condition	% of high risk assets at target condition	93.9%	98%	98%	Red	Red

By 2025 we will be a stronger leader on climate adaptation and resilience, encouraging others to act now on the climate emergency

Measure title	Units	Q2 year to date actual	Q2 year to date target	Year end target	Year end forecast	Q2 year to date status
We will deliver our strategic adaptation actions to tackle the climate emergency	Actions	84%	90%	90% minimum	Green	Amber

By 2025 we will be a recognised and trusted incident management organisation responding rapidly to environmental emergencies to protect people and the environment

Measure title	Units	Q2 year to date actual	Q2 year to date target	Year end target	Year end forecast	Q2 year to date status
We have a first class incident response capability - proportion of trained staff employed in core incident roles	% Staff utilised	76%	80%	80%	Amber	Amber

1.2 Healthy air, land and water

By 2025 our air will be cleaner and healthier

Measure title	Units	Q2 year to date actual	Q2 year to date target	Year end target	Year end forecast	Q2 year to date status
By 2025 our air will be cleaner and healthier	% reduction grams per tonne	Reports in Q4	Reports in Q4	4 out of 4 pollutants showing a reduction on the previous year	Amber	Reports in Q4

By 2025 our rivers, lakes, groundwater and coasts will have better water quality and will be better places for people and wildlife

Measure title	Units	Q2 year to date actual	Q2 year to date target	Year end target	Year end forecast	Q2 year to date status
Our rivers and coasts have better water quality and are better places for wildlife	Kilometres (km)	1,548	1,548	2,058	Green	Green

By 2025 our air, land and water is better protected and enhanced

Measure title	Units	Q2 year to date actual	Q2 year to date target	Year end target	Year end forecast	Q2 year to date status
We increase biodiversity and encourage an environmental net gain by creating more and better habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife	Hectares (ha) created and habitat restored	Reports in Q4	Reports in Q4	660 Hectares total	Red	Reports in Q4
We protect people and the environment through effective regulation (new measure)	% compliance of permitted sites	Reports in Q4	Reports in Q4	97%	Green	Reports in Q4

1.3 Green growth and a sustainable future

By 2025 we will achieve cleaner growth by supporting businesses and communities to make good choices, through our roles as a regulator, adviser, operator and enabler

Measure title	Units	Q2 year to date actual	Q2 year to date target	Year end target	Year end forecast	Q2 year to date status
We successfully influence planning decisions by local authorities	% decision notices successfully influenced	95.4%	97%	97%	Green	Amber

By 2025 we Will have cut waste crime and helped develop a circular economy

Measure title	Units	Q2 actual	Q2 target	Year end target	Year end forecast	Q2 status
We reduce the number of high risk illegal waste sites	Number of high waste sites	180	190	180	Green	Green

By 2025 we will be on track to deliver our sustainable business commitments, including to be net zero by 2030

Measure title	Units	Q2 actual	Q2 target	Year end target	Year end forecast	Q2 status
Net zero by 2030 (total carbon)	Tonnes (carbon dioxide equivalents emissions)	121,056	109,215	218,431	Red	Red

1.4 Enabling outcomes: life enhancing organisation - how we will deliver our actions: our people and our values

Measure title	Units	Q2 year to date actual	Q2 year to date target	Year end target	Year end forecast	Q2 year to date status
We manage our money efficiently	% spend on budget	94%	100%	100%	Amber	Red
We have a diverse workforce: a) The proportion of our staff are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (B.A.M.E)	% of workforce	5%	14%	14%	Red	Red
We have a diverse workforce: b) The proportion of our executive managers who are female	% of executive manager workforce	43%	50%	50%	Red	Red
We have the lowest possible lost time incident (LTI) frequency rate	LTI frequency rate per 100,000 hours	0.06	0.11	0.11	Green	Green

2. We reduce the risk from flooding for more properties.

Q2 Status	Actual	Cumulative target	Year end forecast	Year end target
Green	35,878	35,000	Amber	65,000

Commentary

During quarter 2 of 2022 to 2023, there were 2,655 properties better protected from flooding and coastal erosion due to completion of 9 schemes including:

• Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Beach Management, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire Area (2,338 properties)
• Culvert refurbishment programme, Cumbria and Lancashire Area (104 properties)

This takes the cumulative total since April 2021 to 35,878 properties. We are forecasting to reach a total of around 60,000 by the end of March 2023. Several projects have reported delays, with forecasts indicating around 13,000 properties will have their improved protection carried out in a later year of the programme instead of 2022 to 2023. Around three quarters of these delays are on projects led by local councils. We are providing more support to local councils to help resolve these issues.

Properties protected

2022 to 2023 programme cumulative target = 65,000

Quarter	Total
Q1 2021 to 2022	7,198
Q2 2021 to 2022	10,679
Q3 2021 to 2022	17,162
Q4 2021 to 2022	32,908
Q1 2022 to 2023	33,223
Q2 2022 to 2023	35,878

Actions

Actions	Owners	Deadlines
Work with Defra to agree new profile and target	Flood and Coastal Risk Management Manager	31/03/2023
Working with delivery managers / programme specialists to derive the best method for measuring properties better protected to 2040 (for example effects of climate change)	Flood and Coastal Risk Management Manager	31/03/2023
Continued national priority programme (NPP) calls and a re-affirmation of the risks, issues and opportunities group alongside local integrated delivery teams support	Flood and Coastal Risk Management Manager	31/03/2027
Developing dashboards to measure various risks against the 6 year programme	Flood and Coastal Risk Management Manager	31/03/2023

3. We maintain our flood and coastal risk management assets at or above the target condition

Q2 Status	Actual	Target	Year end forecast	Year end target
Red	93.9%	98%	Red	98%

Commentary

Our reported asset condition has improved over quarter 2 to 93.9% from 91.8% in quarter one. Significant data quality improvement works have been undertaken by area teams to resolve many of the data errors from the transition to a new asset system, which were affecting our position. Area teams have completed 78% of targeted data corrections. Asset inspections have also increased during this period and a growing number of below required condition assets are being identified because of drought and deterioration through ageing.

Asset condition is directly related to maintenance funding, which is currently lower than required. While it is sufficient to sustain asset condition between 94% and 95% (current performance is close to this) it is not currently enough to restore them to our 98% target. This is compounded by an ageing asset stock and increasing asset base. Where assets are below their required condition this identifies that work is required. This does not mean that they have structurally failed or that performance in a flood is compromised.

We have prioritised the maintenance and repair of the highest risk assets. Where needed, we have risk mitigation measures and contingency plans in place to manage any risk until any necessary repairs and maintenance are complete.

Quarter	% Actual (rounded)	% Target
Q1 19/20	97.2%	97.5%
Q2 19/20	96.9%	97.5%
Q3 19/20	96.2%	98%
Q4 19/20	96.1%	98%
Q1 20/21	95.8%	98%
Q2 20/21	95.2%	98%
Q3 20/21	95%	98%
Q4 20/21	94.5	98%
Q1 21/22	94.3	98%
Q2 21/22	95.4%	98%
Q3 21/22	0%	98%
Q4 21/22	91.8	98%
Q1 22/23	91.8	98%
Q2 22/23	93.9	98%

Number of high consequence assets passing

At or above required target condition (Environment Agency)	Below required target condition (Environment Agency)
33,922	2,217

Actions

Actions	Owners	Deadlines
Repairing and maintaining flood defence assets remains a corporate priority.	Deputy Director, Asset Performance and Engineering	31/03/2023
Ensuring mitigation measures are in place for below required condition (BRC) assets to manage risk pending repairs.	Deputy Director, Asset Management Operations	31/03/2023
Reducing the backlog of asset repair assessments	Deputy Director, Asset Management Operations	31/03/2023

4. We deliver our climate impact plan and enabling UK net zero plan to tackle the climate emergency

Q2 Status

Actual

Target

Year end forecast

Year end target

Amber

84%

90%

Green

90%

Commentary

Overall, both adaptation and UK net zero has improved from the previous reporting period, with 84% of the actions in quarter 2 complete or on track. The forecast is for further improvement, with 92% of milestones expected to be reached in quarter 4. On adaptation, 86% (42) of the actions are complete or on track, with 14% (7) not on track to be achieved. There have been some notable achievements this quarter:

• we have published revised management systems guidance on adaptation into environmental permitting
• updated peak rainfall allowances
• published the ‘water futures’ review to visualise what sustainable water systems look like
• made ‘keeping rivers cool’ maps available as open data

We have worked to provide adaptation advice externally to water companies on their drainage and wastewater management plans (DWMPs) and on the 2024 price review (PR24) and to our staff, for example to area Sustainable Places teams on strategic engagement on adaptation.

For enabling UK net zero, 79% (15) of milestones are complete or on track, with 21% (4) not on track to be achieved. We have:

• made good progress on our methane reduction action plan
• provided technical inputs to the green taxonomy on climate
• supported the green finance strategy
• contributed to and reviewed the low carbon concrete route map (LCCRM) - which features the use of low carbon concrete in Boston Barrier as a case study

The change in Government policy with a shift away from net zero to energy security, and the publication of the British energy security strategy has resulted in a change in emphasis on aspects of our work, and a move to develop an energy portfolio.

Quarter	% Actual	% Target
Q4 2019/21	76	90
Q2 2020/21	70	90
Q4 2020/21	72	90
Q4 2021/22	78	90
Q2 2022/23	84	90

Actions

Actions	Owners	Deadlines
Provide assurance to executive directors those actions not on track (7 for adaptation; 4 for net zero) are making good progress by year end or reasons for delay are genuinely beyond Environment Agency control	senior responsible officers	30/12/2022

5. We have a first class incident response capability

Q2 status	Actual	Target	Year end forecast	Year end target
Amber	76%	80%	Amber	80%

Commentary

Over the past 12 months there has been 3,381 trained staff who have responded to emergencies to reduce the effects of environmental incidents.

This is the third quarter where the measure has reported as ‘amber’ status. The Programme and Assurance team in Incident Management and Resilience have subsequently commissioned work to investigate this metric in more detail and propose alternative measures that may give better assurance on this item. This work is due to take place through quarter 3 2022 to 2023, with outcomes expected for quarter 4. The intention is that this will lead to a better assurance position for the next financial year 2023 to 2024, ideally in the form of an amended and improved measure.

We continue to ensure all staff on incident rosters can work flexibly, feel supported and confident to help, particularly during escalated response periods. All new recruits will be contractually obliged to perform incident management as part of their role.

Proportion of trained staff utilised in core incident roles

Quarter	Number
Q1 21/22	85%
Q2 21/22	83%
Q3 21/22	82%
Q4 21/22	77%
Q1 22/23	76%
Q1 22/23	76%
Q2 22/23	76%

Actions

Actions	Owners	Deadlines
We are establishing a future incident response framework to ensure availability of our essential services (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year) establish reliable and resilient core and surge incident response arrangements.	Director Incident Management and Resilience	31/12/2023
During the next quarter we are undertaking an investigation into the data used to report this measure. This is to ensure we can draw important insights on our incident response capability from this measure.	Deputy Director Strategy Service and Investment	30/12/2022

6. Air quality is improving

6.1 4 out of 4 pollutants showing a reduction on the previous year: (sulphur oxides, SOx; nitrogen oxides, NOx; fine particulate matter, PM2.5 and non-methane volatile organic compounds, NMVOCs)

Q2 status	Actual	Target (tonnes)	Year end forecast	Year end target
Reports at Q4	Reports at Q4	Reports at Q4	Amber	4 out of 4 pollutants showing a reduction on the previous year

Commentary

We have expanded the air quality measure to report emissions of 4 key pollutants:

• sulphur oxides, (SOx)
• nitrogen oxides, (NOx)
• fine particulate matter, (PM2.5)
• non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) From 4 main industry sectors:
• refineries
• large volume organic chemicals (LVOCs)
• metals (NFM)
• large combustion plant (LCP)

Full 2021 data is now included in the emissions data by sectors for the 4 key pollutants.
We have recently reviewed the permits for these 4 sectors which creates improvements in emission levels through significant investment by these industries to meet more stringent limits. These sectors have also been affected by:

• coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
• economic factors
• high energy prices

Increased production following the ending of COVID-19 restrictions may show an increase in emissions; opposing this, some significant sites have ceased production due to high energy prices, economic and supply chain factors. Supply chain factors may also have an influence on emissions abatement, leading to some increased emissions.

Our year end forecast for 2022 to 2023 remains as amber. Reductions in PM2.5 and SOx emissions through continued closure of coal powered stations may be delayed due to energy security considerations. NMVOCs for the LVOC sub sector are expected to reduce because of permit reviews.

Overall NOx emissions are likely to increase, as industries that reduced activities during COVID-19 restrictions return to normal or increase levels of production. However, emissions normalised by production rates may provide a different picture, as improved abatement techniques are installed.

Sulphur dioxide emissions grams per tonne

Quarter	Actual	Target
Q4 2019/21	420.85	431
Q4 2020/21	421.56	431
Q4 2021/22	414.21	431

Nitrogen oxides emissions grams per tonne

Quarter	Actual	Target
Q4 2019/21	222.26	203
Q4 2020/21	236.24	203
Q4 2021/22	236.55	203

Actions

Actions	Owners	Deadlines
Assess production levels for sample sector, for example refineries, to determine whether changes in emissions could be linked to increased production as opposed to lack of sufficient abatement.	sector leads	30/12/2022
Assess level of take up of improved abatement measures in individual sectors, to determine expected effect on emission reduction.	sector leads	30/12/2022

7. Our rivers and coasts have better water quality and are better places for wildlife

Q2 status	Actual (km)	Target (km)	Year end forecast	Year end target (km)
Green	1,548	1,548	Green	2,058

Commentary

The first quarter of the 2022 to 2023 reporting year was a real success, with 1,475 km enhanced. As we achieved the target for the year in quarter one, we have increased the target for the remainder of the year. The new target is 2,058 km, highlighting the scale of benefits that our work accomplishes as well as the work of our partners for the water environment.

We have 59,062 km of surface waters and canals of designated Water Framework Directive (WFD) water bodies. Since 2016 (when this measure was introduced) we have reported 16,820 km enhanced and protected across those water bodies (28% enhanced).

The original target was met in the first quarter, primarily because a large component of the water industry national environment programme (WINEP) was achieved in quarter one, exceeding the original forecast. In the last 2 years over 8,000 amendments to the programme have been proposed by water companies, largely changing target dates because of COVID-19. Water company achievements in quarter one exceeded expectations, and we have revised the target to reflect this.

This quarter (July to September) a further 72 km of enhancements were reported, which concentrated on improving freshwater habitats and dealing with sewage pollution.

We have installed a fish pass at a weir on the River Douglas near Standish, Wigan to make 29 km of upstream habitat accessible to migratory fish. Fish in their migratory season will follow the flow of water upstream and will soon use a fish pass once in place.

As part of the WINEP, the eel pass at Cloves Bridge, near Theddlethorpe in Lincolnshire was refurbished to ensure endangered eel species can migrate upstream to access 40 km of upstream habitat.

Wrongly connected plumbing can result in wastewater entering surface water drains rather than sewers, ultimately influencing the water environment. In Enfield, Greater London, 23 wrong connections were resolved benefiting the Salmons Brook. Similar work to correct household misconnections have enhanced 0.5 km of the Endon Brook catchment near Stoke on Trent and 0.7 km in the Tame catchment near Birmingham.

Improving water company sewage drainage systems, including addressing intermittent sewage discharges and improving the maintenance and replacement of screens, has enhanced coastal waters in the Solent.

Kilometres of rivers, lakes and coastal waters enhanced this year

Quarter	Actual km	Target km
Q1 2020/21	31	100
Q2 2020/21	4,193	1,509
Q3 2020/21	4,230	3,445
Q4 2020/21	4,551	3,900
Q1 2021/22	822	883
Q2 2021/22	1,245	1,272
Q3 2021/22	1,347	1,650
Q4 2021/22	1,528	1,650
Q1 2022/23	1,475	1,300
Q2 2022/23	1,548	1,548

Insight cumulative totals

Quarter	Actual km	Target km
Q2 2020/21	10,967	8,000
Q3 2020/21	11,004	8,000
Q4 2020/21	11,292	8,000
Q1 2021/22	12,167	8,000
Q2 2021/22	12,590	8,000
Q3 2021/22	12,799	8,000
Q4 2021/22	12,980	8,000
Q1 2022/23	14,445	9,300
Q2 2022/23	14,518	9,300

8. We increase biodiversity and promote an environmental net gain by creating more and better habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife

Q2 status	Actual	Target	Year end forecast	Year end target
Reports at Q4	Reports at Q4	Reports at Q4	Red	660 hectares (ha)

Commentary

Current area forecasts indicate that we will create or restore 398 ha of priority habitats. This is a 71 ha improvement on last quarter’s forecast, but we still anticipate an end of year shortfall of 262 ha. This is despite area teams working hard to meet this year’s increased target by bringing forward projects.

Reasons for the forecast shortfall include:

• reduced funding from the water environment improvement fund (WEIF)
• partnerships concentrating on other priorities and withdrawing funding
• in some cases, delays brought about due to poor vegetation growth because of a combination of drought and bird grazing

More generally, the high levels of vacancies and turnover in many areas is reducing our capacity to manage and carry out this work.

Between us and our partners last year (2021 to 2022) we were able to:

• create over 385 ha of blanket bog
• 78 hectares of coastal and floodplain grazing marsh
• 24 hectares of reedbed
• many other types of priority habitat were created

As to the natural capital benefits, some of which helps to regulate our climate, last year we calculated that:

• 725 hectares of Peatland were either created, restored, or improved
• 108 hectares of Broadleaved woodland were created

We look forward to confirming what we and our partners have been able to achieve this year when we report again next quarter.

Quarter	Hectares created	Target
2018/19	460	410
2019/20	3,147	1,280
2020/21	1,897	1,200
2021/22	1,111	620

9. We protect people and the environment through effective regulation (new measure)

Q2 status	Actual	Target	Year end forecast	Year end target
Reports at Q4	Reports at Q4	Reports at Q4	Green	97%

Commentary

As an organisation we have reaffirmed our commitment to be a trusted and respected regulator and the priority given for our regulatory activity. This measure will provide an indication of how well the environment and our communities are protected from pollution caused by regulated sites.

In 2021, the total number of waste and installation permitted sites was 13,842. We carried out 19,151 compliance assessments at 9,643 permitted sites, 70% of all sites were assessed. There were 10,412 (54%) physical inspections:

• auditing
• monitoring
• inspecting sites

Alongside 6,589 (34%) desktop and 2,150 (11%) remote assessments. During COVID-19 we adopted innovative ways to carry out regulatory work and completed 8,739 (35%) compliance assessments remotely. We continue to develop our ability to regulate remotely to ensure greater compliance in future.

For 2022 to 2023 we have set the priority to increase our regulatory compliance activities in line with risk and funding after 2 years influenced by COVID-19 and other challenges.

There will always be poor performing and complex sites that are difficult to manage which affect our resources and take substantial time to resolve. We will continue to operate in an open and transparent way so those we regulate understand what is expected of them. This is so the public can see the results of our regulation, recognising those going beyond compliance.

Actions

Actions	Owners	Deadlines
Programme to improve regulatory officer skills and development	Senior Advisor, Operations Regulation, Monitoring Customer (ORMC)	31/04/2023
Strategic resourcing regulatory officer recruitment campaigns	Strategic Resourcing, Chief Operating Officer (COO)	31/04/2023
Technical service review programme	Senior Advisor, Operations Regulation, Monitoring Customer (ORMC)	31/04/2023
Strength in Place - regulatory workstream	Director Operations (Regulation)	31/04/2023

10. We successfully influence planning decisions by local planning authorities

Q2 status	Actual	Target	Year end forecast	Year end target
Amber	95.4%	97%	Green	97%

Commentary

Performance has improved since quarter one. During quarter 2 there were:

• 26 decisions that weren’t in line with our advice
• 20 where we had raised an objection
• 6 where a condition we had requested wasn’t included in the final decision

All but one of the objections were on flood risk grounds, with 10 out of the 20 objections made based on no, or inadequate, flood risk assessments. All but one of these applications were for minor developments which if implemented would create an additional 23 dwellings that could be at risk from flooding. The one major application could result in 28 dwellings being at risk from flooding.

The conditions that weren’t included in the final decision covered flooding and water quality and pollution control issues. In 8 of the decisions that went against our advice the local planning authority reported that they did not receive a consultation reply from us. We will explore this further.

Most planning decisions are made in line with our advice, but where we do have to raise an objection, we work hard with developers and the local planning authorities to try and resolve issues.

In quarter 2 we raised initial objections to 134 planning applications, but by engaging with developers we managed to resolve these issues; facilitating the creation of 8,346 new residential units should all these planning permissions be implemented. These residential developments, once built, will help contribute over £1 billion to UK economic output. Recognising that we are one of several consultees who provide planning advice, this represents an excellent return on the Environment Agency’s £2.4 million quarterly spend on this vital work.

Quarter	Total
2020/21	97.8%
Q1 2021/22	98%
Q2 2021/22	98.6%
Q3 2021/22	98.7%
Q4 2021/22	98.2%
Q1 2022/23	93.9%
Q2 2022/23	95.4%

Actions

Actions	Owners	Deadlines
The Sustainable Places and Growth Business Activity group will explore the reasoning behind decision notices going against our advice to determine any trends and mitigating actions.	Deputy Director Sustainable Places, Business & Environment Strategy. Director Operation South and East	30/12/2022
The National Office Sustainable Places team is currently facilitating the recruitment of 29 entry level roles into area teams to ensure the collation of decision notices and other important work, can be carried out.	Deputy Director Sustainable Places, Business & Environment Strategy. Director, Operation South and East	30/12/2022

11. We reduce the number of high risk illegal waste sites

Q2 status	Actual	Target	Year end forecast	Year end target
Green	180	190	Green	180

Commentary

The number of recorded high risk illegal waste sites decreased by 8 in quarter 2, which at 180 remains below the ceiling target. Areas continue to concentrate on the sites that pose the greatest threat, risk and harm.

Across England the number of non-high risk illegal waste sites increased significantly, to 472. Whilst the number of high risk illegal waste sites identified and substantiated by the Environment Agency continues a downward trend that began in quarter one 2020 to 2021. The number of illegal waste sites identified and substantiated is the highest since quarter 2 2021 to 2022. However, this increase in the last quarter interrupts a downwards trend in illegal waste sites since quarter 2 2019 to 2020 (when there were 691 illegal waste sites). Until we have the data for subsequent quarters, we are unable to determine if the increase in illegal waste is a one off or representative of a new trend.

In line with previous quarters, we acknowledge that there is uncertainty regarding these figures and we should remain cautious in interpreting these numbers as the true number of sites is likely to be greater than those reported. An internal review has been undertaken to acquire a greater understanding of what is driving the trends in illegal waste sites. This review has identified that some of the longer term decline in the number of illegal waste sites recorded is likely attributable to resource pressures in certain teams. This means they are less able to identify illegal waste sites or attend reports of illegal waste sites. We know that allocating resources to identify and substantiate illegal waste sites will contribute to finding more.

Quarter	Total	Ceiling target
Baseline 19/20	233	233
Q1 20/21	250	233
Q2 20/21	237	227
Q3 20/21	218	222
Q4 20/21	206	216
Q1 21/22	201	216
Q2 21/22	208	211
Q3 21/22	201	205
Q4 21/22	194	200
Q1 22/23	188	195
Q2 22/23	180	190

12. A net zero organisation by 2030 (total carbon)

Q2 status	Actual	Ceiling target	Year end forecast	Year end target
Red	121,056	109,215	Red	218,431

Commentary

At the end of quarter 2 2022 to 2023 we were at 111% of the quarter 2 net zero carbon target (of 109,215 tonnes) and at 55% of the annual target (of 218,431 tonnes). As forecast in the quarter one scorecard, our overall status for quarter 2 has become red, as we are over our mid-year targets for both ‘construction’ and ‘cars’.

Our construction carbon is already 40% above our cumulative target for this point in the year. Our total mid-year net zero emissions are 75% from construction projects. We are building more and this is using up our carbon budget. The top 3% of projects, by spend, account for 65% of our construction carbon footprint. This top 3% includes the Thames Weir refurbishment and the Thames Estuary programme, which have a combined spend of £41 million. No projects reported using low carbon concrete in their data returns and we are now exploring the reason for this nil return with local operations colleagues.

Rising construction emissions are being partially compensated for by other emission types continuing to be comfortably below their targets. However, as we approach winter there is a significant risk of increases in areas such as commuting and pumping emissions, which will make hitting our year end target unlikely.

Fleet have now removed 96 petrol and diesel cars from our fleet, 44 of which have been replaced with electric cars. Due to the higher embodied carbon cost of electric cars, our fleet embodied carbon has increased by 100 tonnes. This increase will be balanced by the much-reduced road miles carbon of the electric cars over time. Our road travel is back to near pre-pandemic levels, but with the reduced lease fleet and more hire miles, the mix of the mileage has altered.

The quarter 2 commuting data is estimated data, from an all staff survey which we conducted last year. We know that travel has increased in the last 12 months, as we have come out of lockdowns, so we plan to carry out a follow up survey in November this year. This will enable us to update the accuracy of the organisational commuting picture. We expect commuting carbon to increase in quarter 4.

All other direct and indirect sources of emissions are green and on target. Fundamental areas of the business continue to work on significant aspirations to reduce their emissions further and continue to seek strategic investment funding to realise their ambitious plans (notably on construction, cars, pumping and buildings).

Quarter	Total
2018/19	30,930
Q1 19/20	8,529
Q2 19/20	14,019
Q3 19/20	22,297
Q4 19/20	31,217
Q1 20/21	5,078
Q2 20/21	4,243
Q3 20/21	4,748
Q4 20/21	5,558
Q1 21/22	5,558
Q2 21/22	4,082
Q3 21/22	14,724
Q4 21/22	20,485
Q1 22/23	53,901
Q2 22/23	121,056

Actions

Actions	Owners	Deadlines
Leading - provide direction to ensure that the need to achieve our flood programme in a net zero way does not get lost in messaging around accelerating delivery and spend.	executive directors, directors and deputy directors.	31/03/2023
Reporting - continue to improve timeliness and accuracy of carbon data returns on construction projects, including data on low carbon concrete usage.	executive directors, directors and deputy directors.	31/03/2023
Learning - continue to encourage colleagues to complete carbon literacy training and submit applications (SBT supporting Carbon Literacy Trust to improve certification speed)	executive directors, directors and deputy directors.	30/11/2022
Investing - continue to seek options to fund carbon reduction plans using in year underspend where possible, whilst making strategic plans for future years.	executive directors, directors, area directors and deputy directors.	31/03/2023

13. We manage our money efficiently

Q2 status	Actual - £million	Budget - £million	Year end forecast	Year end target
Red	£746m	£792m	Amber	100%

Commentary

This measure is used to report on effective management of our money to achieve our outcomes and is based on the percentage of our full year funding that we have invested. The Environment Agency has a major capital and resource programme of investment projects and conducts a very detailed planning process to ensure appropriate prioritisation of these investments. We are subject to a series of strong financial and governance controls that both protect this investment and provide a logistical challenge in accomplishing the programme of expenditure. This is considered an appropriate measure, with expenditure being a proxy for delivery of environmental outcomes and this measure is therefore inextricably linked to most of the other scorecard measures.

The Environment Agency has invested £746 million in the first half of 2022 to 2023, which is more than the amount invested at this point last year. This reflects the scale of the capital programme and resource allocation to be achieved this financial year. During quarter 3, Finance will continue to evaluate forecasts and highlight significant financial risks and issues to executive directors. Decisions arising in these reviews will be implemented to ensure best use of available funding.

Cumulative expenditure against YTD budget (%)

Quarter	Total
Q4 19/20	100%
Q1 20/21	103%
Q2 20/21	93%
Q3 20/21	96%
Q4 20/21	96%
Q1 21/22	98%
Q2 21/22	95%
Q3 21/22	97%
Q4 21/22	100%
Q1 22/23	94%
Q2 22/23	94%

Cumulative expenditure against YTD budget (£million)

Quarter	Planned profiled cumulative expenditure (£million)	Actual cumulative expenditure (£million)
Q4 19/20	£1,305	£1,303
Q1 20/21	£304	£313
Q2 20/21	£707	£654
Q3 20/21	£1,117	£1,073
Q4 20/21	1,630	1,563
Q1 21/22	£321	£316
Q2 21/22	£750	£716
Q3 21/22	£1,182	£1,143
Q4 21/22	£1,635	£1,640
Q1 22/23	£348	£326
Q2 22/23	£746	£792

Actions

Actions	Owners	Deadlines
Conduct a mid-year financial review to be presented to Environment Agency Executive Directors.	Director of Finance	31/10/2022

14. We have a diverse workforce

The proportion of our staff who are from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background (B.A.M.E %)

Q2 status	Actual	Target	Year end forecast	Year end target
Red	5%	14%	Red	14%

Commentary

Our current target is that 14% of all employees are from Black, Asian or minority ethnic (B.A.M.E) backgrounds. In quarter 2 the proportion of B.A.M.E. employees in the Environment Agency were 5.02%. This is the first time the B.A.M.E percentage has exceeded 5%. This increased from quarter one when it was 4.7%. In quarter 2, 14.1% of new recruits were from B.A.M.E backgrounds, however 46 of the 75 of these were interns or other fixed-term appointments and 20 of whom have already left.

In quarter 2, 13.8% of our 210 leavers were from B.A.M.E backgrounds. This increased from 12 (6.42%) of our 187 leavers in quarter one 2021 to 2022. In quarter 2, 9 leavers out of our 29 leavers from a B.A.M.E background (31%) completed an exit questionnaire. The main reasons reported for leaving were the same across colleagues from B.A.M.E and white backgrounds:

• career change (44%)
• salary (44%)
• lack of progression (34%)

B.A.M.E staff as % of all staff

2022 to 2023 target = 14%

Quarter	Total
Q1 2020/21	4.4%
Q2 2020/21	4.5%
Q3 2020/21	4.4%
Q4 2020/21	4.5%
Q1 2021/22	4.4%
Q2 2021/22	4.5%
Q3 2021/22	4.5%
Q4 2021/22	4.6%
Q1 2022/23	4.7%
Q2 2022/23	5%

The proportion of our executive managers who are female

Q2 status	Actual	Target	Year end forecast	Year end target
Red	43%	50%	Red	50%

Commentary

We have a target for 50% of executive managers to be female. In quarter 2 the percentage of executive managers (EMs) who are female was 43% (42). The proportion of female EMs has remained static over the past 2.5 years.

In quarter 2 the percentage of grade 7 managers who are female was 39% (220), an increase from 36% (188) from quarter one 2021 to 2022. This is encouraging evidence of an increase in the internal talent pipeline for women into executive manager roles.

Proportion of executive managers (EMs) who are female %

2022/23 target = 50%

Quarter	Total
Q1 2020/21	44%
Q2 2020/21	42%
Q3 2020/21	43%
Q4 2020/21	44%
Q1 2021/22	44%
Q2 2021/22	45%
Q3 2021/22	45%
Q4 2021/22	43%
Q1 2022/23	45%
Q2 2022/23	43%

Actions

Actions	Owners	Deadlines
Review of the big conversation on race	Chief Operating Officer	31/01/2023
Targeted inclusive recruitment improvements	Chief Operating Officer	31/04/2023

15. We have the lowest possible lost time incident (LTI) frequency rate

Q2 status	Actual	Ceiling rate	Year end forecast	Year end target
Green	0.06	0.11	Green	0.11

Commentary

Lost time incident frequency rate (LTIFR) is a universally accepted indicator of health and safety performance. We define lost time incidents as work related injuries resulting in a day or more lost time. This conservative definition, plus a very low ceiling of 0.11 injuries per 100,000 hours worked, sets a challenging ambition.

In quarter 2 we again experienced relatively few lost time incidents, as our achieving excellence in health safety and wellbeing (HSW) programme continues to make improvements across a range of higher risk activities. The resonance in the business of the effect of the fatality in 2021, together with the actions taken to address hazardous activities and encourage positive HSW behaviour, continues to have a positive effect on the rate of incidents.

Lost time incident frequency rate

12 month rolling average

Quarter	Number
October 2020	0.08
November 2020	0.07
December 2020	0.08
January 2021	0.10
February 2021	0.10
March 2021	0.10
April 2021	0.10
May 2021	0.11
June 2021	0.11
July 2021	0.09
August 2021	0.09
September 2021	0.08
October 2021	0.07
November 2021	0.06
December 2021	0.06
January 2022	0.07
February 2022	0.06
March 2022	0.05
April 2022	0.05
May 2022	0.04
June 2022	0.05
July 2022	0.05
August 2022	0.05
September 2022	0.06

Number of LTIs

Quarter	Number
Q1 2020/21	1
Q2 2020/21	9
Q3 2020/21	3
Q4 2020/21	8
Q1 2021/22	3
Q2 2021/22	4
Q3 2021/22	3
Q4 2021/22	0
Q1 2022/23	4
Q2 2022/23	3