Step 5: Monitor and Review the Risk
Risks will change over time and as events or operational dynamics change, so the risk needs to be constantly reviewed and monitored. I have mentioned in previous risk management articles that the correct knowledge at the right level and in the right place is essential in dealing with the risk. Taking the NDM into consideration at this stage allows the information to be part of the process and the ability to have the right person in place and (ideally) at the right time. Monitoring risks and the mitigation of them is dynamic; being flexible in dealing with these is integral to successful risk management.
Being aware of changes in the environment, new or developing risks, and where possible, as much intel as is available to guide our responses through continual assessment, is vital.
Risks need to be assessed consistently, especially when they are shared across dynamic environments; for example, Publicly Accessible Locations (PALs). As with all risk management, good communication is required to ensure each stakeholder understands the severity of the risks within this step.
Step 3: Risk Evaluation
Risk evaluation determines the tolerability of each risk, or where these sit within the risk appetite. As mentioned before, as security providers we may have a limited influence on this. At what level a risk is acceptable is different from the severity, how tolerable a risk is places where it sits as a priority to how we respond. Comparing the severity as defined in the analysis, likelihood and eventual consequence decides whether this risk is acceptable or unacceptable, or to what extent the risk impact can be managed in the risk appetite. As an example, with PALs, we know that they will offer a fertile environment for hostiles or opportunistic crime, (for example, bag theft). While we do all we can to mitigate this, we know that it will happen and have to accept a certain level within the evaluation.
Decision making at the correct level will determine an informed risk acceptance within the parameters of the environment that we are protecting. This will support the decision making in responding to identified risks, their prevention and success in the objectives set out, if and when these risks are manifest.
Step 4: Treat the Risk
Risk treatment is the processes employed when responding to the risks and the evaluation that has already been defined – what systems or processes are already in place, what additional resources are required, additional attention to legislation etc. The risk treatment and final step 5 are where the NDM works in close partnership.
Both elements work in a cyclical manner. Risk treatment rotates around individual or combined elements to ensure they bring residual risks to a tolerable level; these are assessed continually to ensure acceptable levels are maintained or mitigation can be delivered. NDM ensures that the incident or situation’s information is available, is assessed within the operational parameters, reviewed for options to meet adaptability, and appropriately responded to.
Ideally, and under suitable planning, risk treatment needs to consider: eliminating the risk entirely (appreciated that this is not always possible); removing the source of the risk (again not always within our powers as a security provider); sharing the risk; accepting the risk, but under the objectives we have set out and modifying any control measures to affect the likelihood or outcomes of the risk.
In all elements of risk management communication is paramount, and in most incidents the first element to fail. We have all experienced those incidents where radios fail; when you most need a phone signal, you don’t have one; messages transmitted under duress that cannot be clearly understood etc. Therefore, within the treatment of risk ensure communications are a top priority.
As experienced security professionals, especially those that manage established contracts, we will do this instinctively due to inherent familiarisation and experience. New environments will always be more challenging, hence making sure risk and threat reviews are continuously employed in establishing operational parameters. Experience has shown that monitoring allows time to prepare.
Granted, some critical incidents may be a minute-by-minute response; however, there will be a time when an opportunity to review occurs. Then step 5 in line with the NDM will be necessary and beneficial.
Overall, the above steps are the foundation blocks to risk management; they are well documented and can be reviewed across many sources. How they are applied depends on our individual approaches, experience, working environments and as mentioned, often under an external influence and operational parameters. There will always be unique changes to the environments where we operate. As such we need to ensure that the results, observations, mistakes, and good practice are recorded and, most importantly, shared with responders and stakeholders alike.
Jon Felix BSc(Hons) MDIP MBCI MSyl Risk and Threat Advisor CIS Security
www.cis-security.co.uk
© CITY SECURITY MAGAZINE – SPRING 2023
www.citysecuritymagazine.com
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