A charity foundationMaking risk management come alive

Charity foundation

Our client is a major private funder of independent groups working for civil rights. They are active in more than 120 countries through a network of national and regional foundations and offices.

Challenge

Our client operates under highly complex and uncertain conditions and strive to create societal impact by taking and managing risks. This requires them to take risks and opportunities into consideration at both global and local levels when making and executing decisions.

Our client had previously introduced a classical risk management setup focusing on identification, assessment and mitigation of risks. The approach has created a basic understanding of risks in local offices but was primarily used as a reporting activity. They wished to mature the approach so that risk management could become a capability and a mindset supporting all critical organisational activities.

Approach

Implement Consulting Group assisted in developing a new approach to risk management and in training the organisation in using it. The approach included three pillars of risk management:

• A simple approach to well-defined persistent risks (IT security, fraud, safety, compliance etc.)
• Integration of risk methodologies in tactical processes, including grantmaking and project execution
• Integration of risk methodologies in strategic processes, including strategy development and adjustments

Impact

The tailored approach to risk management created further engagement in the organisation and more robust operational, tactical and strategic processes. The improved risk management mindset also helped the organisation in being more agile and responding to major changes and creating societal impact.