Risk Management Policy Statement

Dorset Council is committed to managing risks at all levels of its planning activities in a pro-active, considered, proportionate and systematic way to achieve its corporate aims and enhance its services to the community.

The Council is committed to being risk informed not risk averse. We will ensure that our decisions reflect this.

This approach is based on an acceptance that some risks will never be eliminated and acknowledges that exposure to acceptable levels of risk is integral to delivering more innovative, outcomes focused and cost-effective services rather than process.

This culture will ensure that risks are managed rather than avoided, and that risk informed opportunities will be taken where they rise.

This policy statement will be supported by a risk management strategy. The objectives of which are to:

• ensure that proportionate risk management is Integrated and embedded into the normal business and management processes of the council
• anticipate and respond to changing social, environmental and legislative requirements and ensure that statutory obligations and policy objectives are met
• operate within an agreed risk appetite
• prevent injury, damage and losses
• maintain effective and efficient control, management and stewardship of public funds and assets