One particular area of good governance that I find many community groups struggle with is Risk Management.  But it doesn’t have to be a complicated or difficult process if you follow a few simple steps:

Step 1 – Identify your risks:  Look at what problems have occurred in the past – these will highlight risks you already know about.  Then have a brainstorming session to identify other risks that have not yet become a problem.
Step 2 – Assess your risks:  Once you feel you have a thorough list of the risks your organisation faces, consider two things for each risk:

  1. How likely is it that the risk will cause a problem?
  2. If it did turn into a problem, how serious would it be?

A Risk Management Matrix is a simple table that helps you weigh up these two considerations, and come up with a priority rating for each risk.  That way you know which risks to tackle first.
Step 3 – Control your risks:  Always aim to eliminate risks altogether.  But sometimes this might not be possible.  If that is the case, work your way down through a ‘hierarchy of controls’ until you are able to find a way to deal with each of your risks.

To help community groups work to through the Risk Management process I have developed a simple Risk Management Basics Tip Sheet which guides you through these steps, as well as provides simple templates for a Risk Register and a Risk Management Action Plan.

If you would like a copy of these resources please email info@mjbconsulting.net.au and the Tip Sheet will be emailed to you.

You can download this Blog Post as a tip sheet by clicking here:Tip Sheet_ Useful Resources for Your Group Mar 21, 2017