Risk Management: DEFINITIONS

Risk is most commonly held to mean "hazard" and something to be avoided.  But it has another face - that of opportunity. Improving public services requires innovation - seizing new opportunities and managing the risks involved. In this context risk is defined as uncertainty of outcome, whether positive opportunity or negative threat, of actions and events. It is the combination of likelihood and impact, including perceived importance.

Risk management covers all the processes involved in identifying, assessing and judging risks, assigning ownership, taking actions to mitigate or anticipate them, and monitoring and reviewing progress. Good risk management helps reduce hazard, and builds confidence to innovate.

Risk handling is used as a broader term including the processes of risk management, but also embracing wider issues of government's roles and responsibilities, and organisational culture.

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