SCOPAC is unique among all the current Coastal Groups which have been set up around the coastline of England and Wales, by constituting a formal structure, for a body lacking formal powers, through the delegation of elected members from each of the constituent local authorities, public accountability and a degree of gravitas are skilfully combined.

Full Conference meets approximately three times per year (apart from special events) in order to formulate policy, hear presentations from appropriate bodies and guide the work of the Officers' Working Group.

The Officers' Working Group is similarly made up of one officer from each member authority/organisation. The majority of officer representatives from the constituent Local Authorities have tended to be mostly engineers. However, it has now been approved that a planner, from each of the District Local Authorities, should liaise with the current officer representative on the Officers' Working Group, thereby providing a more broadly based discussion of strategic shoreline/coastal zone management and the progression of regional SMPs.

The Officers' Working Group meets about four times per year (in addition to meetings of the Full Conference) in order to progress the work of SCOPAC. Specific topics are dealt with by Sub Groups formed for the purpose.

Full Conference and/or the Officers' Working Group have received presentations from the following: