An active network of “risk champions” is a very effective management tool used to develop strong risk management culture. This network could become the “glue” between the risk management team and the rest of the business or not…
“Risk champions” can be of three types:
- Official risk coordinators – employees, whose official duties include coordination of risk management processes within individual processes or business units. They are usually responsible for preparing information about risks, monitoring risk mitigation progress, organising risk management events or training.
- Informants – employees, who have established informal, yet trusted relationships with the risk managers. They provide information about emerging risks or changes in the organisation processes or risk profile. A large network of informants is critical for risk managers to stay up-to-date on what is happening in the company.
- Influencers – employees, who support the integration of risk management principles in the company’s activities and processes because it makes good business sense for the company or them personally. They will usually participate in the Risk Management Committee meetings and will support initiatives proposed by the risk managers.
“Risk champions” help to implement risk management elements in key business processes and procedures within the organisation. Usually, “risk-champions” are employees who are naturally motivated to effectively manage risks, such as employees responsible for project management, methodology, process improvement etc. For larger organisations, it may be necessary to identify “risk-champions” not only for key processes, but also for each geographical area where the company is represented.
USE THE CHECKLIST PROVIDED BELOW TO TURN THIS SECTION INTO ACTIONS
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Determine significant business processes where risk management will be integrated first |
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Identify key middle level employees across selected business processes to provide risk management awareness training |
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Involve “risk champions” in risk management activities or Risk Management Committee meetings |
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Provide ongoing support to “risk champions” |
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Informally find people within the company who appreciate the value of risk management. Develop relationships with them and involve them in risk management activities |
USEFUL VIDEOS
| Alex Sidorenko from RISK-ACADEMY talks about creating risk champions and the two different kinds of risk champions | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOgJ9zJfy8I |
Check out other risk management books
RISK-ACADEMY offers online courses
Informed Risk Taking
Learn 15 practical steps on integrating risk management into decision making, business processes, organizational culture and other activities!
ISO31000 Integrating Risk Management
Alex Sidorenko, known for his risk management blog http://www.riskacademy.blog, has created a 25-step program to integrate risk management into decision making, core business processes and the overall culture of the organization.
Advanced Risk Governance
This course gives guidance, motivation, critical information, and practical case studies to move beyond traditional risk governance, helping ensure risk management is not a stand-alone process but a change driver for business.
