iew Diagram
June 2008
A Guide to Risk Management
July 2011 Page 7 of 55
Risk and risk management l Management Fram
Risk
While there are many varied definitions of risk widely available, often incorporating industry
specific terminology, it is generally accepted that if we know for certain something is going to
happen it has no risk attached to it. Should there be an element of uncertainty surrounding it,
then risk exists.
For the purposes of this Guide, risk encompasses both possible threats and opportunities and
the potential impact these may have on the ability of the agency to meet its objectives. That
is, risk relates to both challenges to, and opportunities for, the agency.
The Standard separates risk into two types – strategic risk and operational risk. Strategic
risks relate directly to an agency’s strategic planning and management processes. Strategic
risks are those which could significantly impact on the achievement of the agency’s vision
and strategic objectives as documented in the strategic plan. They are high level risks which
require identification, treatment, monitoring and management by the agency’s senior
executives or board. These risks may need to be managed by more than one agency for the
risk treatments to be effective.
Operational risks are those which could have a significant impact on the achievement of:
the agency’s strategic objectives (as documented in the strategic plan) from the
perspective of the actions undertaken by a particular division, branch or work unit, or
the individual programs or project management objectives.
Operational risks generally require management by the relevant senior officer responsible for
the division, branch or work unit, or by the relevant program or project board. In extreme
instances, these risks may require escalation to executive management.