The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Risk management BURM

Planning and implementing organisation-wide processes and procedures for the management of risk to the success or integrity of the enterprise.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

3 4 5 6 7

Updates for SFIA 9

  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
  • New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
  • Readability improvements have been made to levels 5, 6, and 7.
  • You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Risk management can be applied to many enterprise functions as well as technical and engineering specialisms — such as, but not limited to, information and technology systems, operations, environmental, information and cyber-security, safety, energy supply. Risk is also explicitly referenced in many SFIA skills. 

Activities may include — but are not limited to:

  • identifying risks
  • classifying and prioritising risks — their impact and probability, and mitigation actions
  • planning, developing, and implementing organisational approaches to risk management to ensure the integrity of the business, its products and services, and the end-users
  • communicating and reporting on risks and mitigation actions to key stakeholders.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Risk management: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Undertakes basic risk management activities.

Maintains documentation of risks, threats, vulnerabilities and mitigation actions.

Risk management: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Carries out risk management activities within a specific function, technical area or project of medium complexity.

Identifies risks and vulnerabilities, assesses their impact and probability, develops mitigation strategies and reports to the business.

Involves specialists and domain experts as necessary.

Risk management: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Plans and implements complex and substantial risk management activities within a specific function, technical area, project or programme.

Implements consistent and reliable risk management processes and reporting to key stakeholders.

Engages specialists and domain experts as necessary.

Advises on the organisation's approach to risk management.

Risk management: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Plans and manages the implementation of organisation-wide processes and procedures, tools and techniques for risk management.

Considers organisation-wide risk and mitigation activities within the context of business risk as a whole and the organisation’s appetite for risk.

Provides leadership on risk management at the organisational and business levels.

Risk management: Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

Establishes organisational strategy for risk management.

Defines and communicates the organisation's appetite for risk.

Provides resources to implement the organisation's risk strategy.

Delegates authority for detailed planning and execution of risk management activities across the organisation.