Risk Management Annual Report - Introduction

Risk Management systems underpin the Trust's system of internal control and the assurance framework which enables the Trust to fulfil it's corporate governance responsibilities. The assurance framework simplifies Board reporting and prioritisation, which in turn allows more effective performance management. The assurance framework also facilitates reporting key information to the Board, providing that it is maintained as a dynamic document. This document therefore identifies priorities for the Board and the organisation is able to understand its capacity to deliver within defined limits and the Board has an accurate understanding of the risks that the Trust faces.

The aim of the Risk Management programme is to make the effective management of risk an integral part of everyday management practice. This can be achieved if there is a comprehensive and cohesive risk management system in place, underpinned by clear accountability arrangements throughout the management organisation structure. The Trust takes a holistic approach to risk management.