At each stage of the process, the risk manager should communicate and consult with all stakeholders, both internal and external. All decisions should be made through a consultative process and, once made, these decisions should be effectively communicated to all stakeholders.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment has produced a comprehensive internal Communications Strategy booklet which is separate from the main risk management framework document. 'This Strategy sets aims and objectives for the communication of risk management, defines the target audiences and key messages relevant to those audiences' (Risk Management: Communications Strategy 2000, Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Prepared by IA & RMP Unit and Corporate Communications Unit).
The document is designed to also support risk management implementation across all business units and the outcomes are to include increased staff awareness of the importance of risk management, recognition and understanding of the risk management approach and a positive risk-aware culture at all levels.
Aim
The broad aim of the communication strategy is to inform and educate staff and other stakeholders about the risk management framework, its requirement in the workplace and how these can be applied to achieve a safe workplace environment.
Objectives
xx% staff awareness of the risk management project xx% staff awareness of the processes for implementation and participation xx% understanding of the expectations and requirements xx% ownership of risk management among key internal stakeholders (senior officers of the organisation)
Target audiences
These can be easily identified within the organisation and usually consist of:
Executive team
Risk Management Committee
Risk Management Coordinators
All other staff
Key messages
Each target audience requires a key message with the emphasis on:
What is risk management and the organisation's approach?
How is it being implemented and where do I play a part?
What are the benefits and what is my role in its implementation?
How can I actively participate to ensure successful implementation?
The following are delivery mechanisms for communicating the risk management message:
Training and risk workshops
Briefings
Report back presentations
Communication booklet
Website
Intranet
Newsletter
Articles and periodicals
Corporate plans and strategies
Documentation and communication of risk management process
Why should the risk management process be formally documented and communicated? What is the benefit?
The primary reasons for documentation are:
To demonstrate that the risk management process is conducted properly
To provide management and other decision makers with a plan that addresses the key exposures for the organisation in a logical and prioritised way
To provide an accountability mechanism that supports the organisation's corporate plan
To facilitate continuous monitoring and review of risk management
To provide an audit trail for the follow-up of key actions related to the exposures being addressed
To share and communicate risk management activities among all stakeholders, most particularly with staff
As a compliance issue, ensure that individual work areas report the progress of individual risk management programs to management through the risk management and/or occupational health and safety committee.
This page is available online at:
http://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/cpa/hs.xsl/2742_3472_ENA_HTML.htm
