Managing and mitigating potential risk is critical to the success of any organisation. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, unforeseen circumstances require quick action and the ability to adapt. 

There are major risks that could result in events or circumstances that might threaten our business model, future performance in achieving the ambitions set out in this Council Plan, solvency or liquidity and reputation.

Here are the principal risks we constantly plan for so we are ready to act should they happen: 

  • Commercial – Risks related to Dorset Council’s commercial contracts, partnerships, procurement and supply chains and how these are managed.
  • Data and information management – Risks related to the access, creation, consumption and disposal of Dorset Council’s data, information assets and systems.
  • Finance – Risks related to Dorset Council’s income, expenditure, budget setting and financial stability.
  • Legal – Risks concerned with Dorset Council’s compliance with laws, regulations and statutory obligations.
  • Operations - Risks to Dorset Council that may originate from people, processes, systems or external events in delivering day to day services.
  • People – Risks to Dorset Council in attracting, retaining and terminating employees’ contracts. As well as the adoption of a values-based culture that supports workplace planning and wellbeing.
  • Project / programme – Risks centred around projects / programmes alignment with strategic priorities, as well as delivering the intended benefits, on time and to budget. 
  • Property – Risks concerned with the acquisition, disposal, management and statutory maintenance of Dorset Council’s property estate.
  • Reputation – Risks that may affect the perception of Dorset Council’s credibility, trust and stakeholder confidence.
  • Security – Risks concerned with the unauthorised or inappropriate use of Dorset Council’s digital or physical assets or the safety of employees and stakeholders.
  • Technology - Risk associated with new and or existing systems providing Dorset Council with contracted or expected services.