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Contents
Director-Generals message .................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 4 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................... 4 What is risk management? ................................................................................................................. 4 Benefits of risk management.............................................................................................................. 4 Goals of the framework ...................................................................................................................... 5 Principles underpinning the Framework ............................................................................................ 5 Mandate and commitment ..................................................................................................................... 6 Our policy............................................................................................................................................ 6 Authorities .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Legislation ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Australian/New Zealand standard ................................................................................................. 7 Whole-of-government guidelines .................................................................................................. 8 Departments governance Framework .......................................................................................... 8 A framework for managing risk .............................................................................................................. 9 Risk hierarchy ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Risk governance and accountabilities .............................................................................................. 12 Structures ..................................................................................................................................... 12 Roles and responsibilities ............................................................................................................. 12 Risk system ....................................................................................................................................... 15 Risk management process............................................................................................................ 15 Tools risk registers ..................................................................................................................... 17 Risk reporting ............................................................................................................................... 17 Tools building risk capability ..................................................................................................... 17 Related policies and procedures ...................................................................................................... 18 Departmental policy instruments ................................................................................................ 18 Business continuity management ................................................................................................ 18 Health, safety and wellbeing ........................................................................................................ 18 Curriculum Activity Risk Management ......................................................................................... 18 Fraud and corruption ................................................................................................................... 19 Information security ..................................................................................................................... 19 Implementing risk management ........................................................................................................... 20 The departments risk management process ................................................................................... 20 Monitoring, review and continual improvement of the Framework ................................................... 21 Appendix 1 ............................................................................................................................................ 22 2|Page
Director-Generals message
The Department of Education, Training and Employments vision for risk management is for all decision makers to be fully informed of risks, and that risks are effectively managed in the achievement of our departmental objectives. Risk management benefits the department and our clients by enabling new ideas to be explored and potential risks to be managed to minimise their impact. We are committed to continuing to improve our operational efficiency and find innovative ways of delivering our services to Queensland without compromising quality or lifting risks beyond a level that we are willing to accept. Risk management plays a critical role in helping us understand the impacts and manage the risks associated with these priorities. It helps us determine an appropriate control environment and balance of strategies to address the risk so that we are using our resources efficiently and effectively. It involves making decisions and establishing governance systems that embed and support effective risk process, as well as building an organisational culture that supports alertness, openness and responsiveness to change. The departments Enterprise Risk Management Framework 2012-2016 sets out the key principles that guide how risk management is embedded at all levels central office divisions, regions, schools and TAFE institutes. It outlines how the department will ensure that risk is managed effectively and efficiently. We all need to be committed to continue to improve governance arrangements through strong leadership, responsible and ethical decision making, management and accountability, and performance improvement. As government employees, we have a duty to carry out our activities according to required practice, and to do so with the objectives for our students, parents and stakeholders in mind. I ask you to put into practice the systematic process of risk management to ensure that we continue to effectively deliver outcomes for Queensland.
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Introduction
Purpose
The Enterprise Risk Management Framework 2012-2016 (the Framework) provides the necessary foundations and organisational arrangements for managing risk across the department. The Framework outlines how the department ensures that it manages risks effectively and efficiently. It illustrates how risk management is embedded in our organisational systems to ensure it is integrated at all levels and work contexts. It describes the key principles, elements and processes to guide all staff in effectively managing risk, making it part of our day-to-day decision-making and business practices. The department applies risk management across the entire organisation central office divisions, regions, schools and TAFE institutes, as well as specific functions, programs, projects and activities. Implementation of the Framework contributes to strengthening management practices, decision making and resource allocation, while at the same time protecting the public interest and maintaining trust and confidence. Implementation of the Framework requires all staff to apply risk management principles to fulfil their responsibilities, to ensure cost-efficient and effective service delivery.
1 AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and guidelines, page 1. 2 AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and guidelines, page 2. 2 AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and guidelines, page 2.
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of monitoring and reviewing activities, new risks that emerge and others that change or disappear. 11. Continual improvement of the organisation risk management facilitates continuous improvement of our operations by developing and implementing strategies to improve risk management maturity.
Our policy
Risk management is part of the departments strategy to promote accountability through good governance and robust business practices, which contributes to our strategic objective of creating a capable, agile and sustainable organisation we will manage our resources effectively to strengthen service delivery. The department is committed to embedding risk management principles and practices into its organisational culture, governance and accountability arrangements, planning, reporting, performance review, business transformation and improvement processes. Through the Framework and its supporting processes, the department formally establishes and communicates its risk appetite, guiding staff in their actions and ability to accept and manage risks. The department has a low appetite for risks relating to: health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and the community administration of finances and assets legislative compliance.
There is a potentially higher appetite where benefits created by potential innovation outweigh the risks. Benefits may include improved service delivery, and/or increased efficiency and effectiveness of the departments operations. In accordance with the Framework, each divisional head will communicate their divisions appetite for risk, as part of their risk assessment process. To position the department as a risk-aware, responsive and resilient organisation, our risk management approach is directed through: compliance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures alignment with standards and better practice guides to soundly support decision making and continuous improvement of our risk management practices.
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Effective risk management practice is modelled by: leadership demonstrated by the Director-General, the Executive Management Group (EMG) and its subcommittees, as well as senior executives, regional directors, school principals, TAFE institute directors and managers staff in all work contexts through their identification, analysis, evaluation, treatment, monitoring and review of risks that may impact on achieving our organisational purpose and objectives.
The scope of responsibility and accountability for risk management is everyones business. The success of our risk management strategy relies on all staff enacting the risk management approach outlined in this Framework.
Authorities
The departments Enterprise Risk Management Framework 2012-2016 is underpinned by the following legislation, standards, best practice guides and departmental frameworks, policy and procedures. Legislation The Financial Accountability Act 2009 (section 61) requires the Director-General, as the accountable officer, to establish and maintain appropriate systems for internal control and risk management. The Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009 (section 28) prescribes that the agencys risk management system must provide for: mitigating the risk to the department and the State from unacceptable costs or losses associated with the operations of the department or statutory body, and managing the risks that may affect the ability of the department to continue to provide government services.
The departments legislative compliance procedure provides the department with a general guidance on legislative compliance responsibilities to ensure the Director-General, as the accountable officer, can be satisfied that all measures are being taken across the department to actively comply with relevant legislation and applicable standards. Australian/New Zealand standard While not mandated by legislation, the departments Enterprise Risk Management Framework 20122016 aligns with the Australian/New Zealand Standard ISO 31000:2009 Risk management Principles and guidelines (AS/NZS ISO 31000). AS/NZ ISO 31000:2009 has identified the relationship between the principles for managing risk, the Framework in which it occurs and the risk management process using five interrelated elements.
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Diagram adapted from Australian Standard for Risk management - Principles and guidelines (AS/NZ ISO 31000:2009). Whole-of-government guidelines Queensland Treasury and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet have collaborated to develop A Guide to Risk Management. The guide is not mandatory, however application of the guide is intended to encourage better practice and support accountable officers in the implementation of effective risk management practices at all levels within their agency. The Framework is consistent with this guide. Departments governance Framework The departments governance Framework is based on principles of best practice public sector governance. Effective risk management is identified as one of the seven elements: direction a mutual understanding of our purpose and direction, through planning and resource allocation alignment functions, structures and culture that align with our organisational goals through leadership and sound governance accountabilities clear and transparent accountabilities through legislative compliance, information management and corporate reporting expectations organisation-wide understanding of performance and behavioural expectations, through effective communication and the implementation of best practice public sector management practices delivery quality service delivery through effective program and resource management, and monitoring, reviewing and reporting processes 8|Page
improvement improving organisational and individual performance through review, intervention, capacity building and internal control mechanisms risk management managing risk within the department through adoption.
Each element contributes to, and supports the other elements in the Framework.
Risk hierarchy
The departments integrated business planning system cascades from the departments strategic plan through to operational plans and program plans, through to work unit and project plans, and distilled into individual performance and development plans. The planning cycles provides an opportunity for central office division, regions and TAFE institutes to undertake analysis regarding emerging or known risks that may impact on their purpose and objectives. While it is important to ensure that the department is doing risk management right, it is equally important to do the right risk management. This includes having processes in place so that the appropriate levels of management have oversight of the different levels of risk across the department. In the Framework, there are three levels of risk strategic, corporate and operational. The risk hierarchy defines accountability for identifying, treating, monitoring, communicating and managing risks throughout the organisation. The risk hierarchy illustrated in Figure 1 demonstrates the relationship between the cascading level of plans and the three levels of risk hierarchy, as well as a clear line of sight from the departments high level strategies to individual performance plans. Further articulation of this relationship is outlined in Table 1.
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Plans
Strategic Plan The Strategic Plan describes the common purpose and direction of the agency, identifies key priorities and strategies to achieve objectives and sets the policy agenda for the next four-year planning cycle.
Hierarchy of Risk
Strategic Risks Risks that may have a positive or negative effect on achieving the departments strategic purpose and objectives. Also includes inter-departmental and whole-of-government risks, as well as high and extreme risks that may affect the achievement of objectives across more than one division. Risks at this level affect the decisions made around whole-of-government and organisational priorities, resource allocation, and tolerance and acceptance of risk.
Accountability
Executive Management Group
Divisional Operational Plans Annual plans that identify the divisions key accountabilities in implementing the departments strategic plan, key strategies and targets. Plans are developed through a process of environmental scanning and reviewing past performance and risks to determine upcoming challenges and new priorities.
Corporate Risks Risks or opportunities that may affect achieving the objectives of the planned outcomes of performance identified through divisional operational plans, specific purpose plans, portfolio plans or programs of change. At the program level, risks may eventually transition into business as usual upon program completion.
Specific Purpose Plans Plans that focus on an area of strategic importance to the department to address a particular issue.
Portfolio Plans Plans that support whole-of-government initiatives and departments own strategic agenda. Program Plans Plans for implementing business strategies, policies and initiatives, or large-scale change, to achieve a desired outcome and benefits of strategic importance. Involves the management of a group of projects and activities that together achieve the outcomes and benefits. Other cascading plans This can include planning conducted by branch and work units, regions, schools, TAFE institutes (non-statutory bodies), and projects.
Portfolio Manager
Program Manager
Operational Risks Risks or opportunities that affect plans cascading from the divisional operational plan and achieving the deliverables of projects. Risks at this level relate to departments systems, resources and processes. When identifying their responsibilities or professional development requirements, staff also need to consider their responsibilities in relation to risk management.
Individual Performance & Development Plans Individual staff Developing Performance processes - enable staff to identify how their work contributes to achieving their work unit and departmental objectives.
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The department has a low appetite for risks relating to health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and community and is dedicated to improving risk management within our schools. Risk management in schools assists in decision-making for school personnel and focuses on areas that require attention such as Occupational Health & Safety and Curriculum Activity Risk Management. This approach: leads to informed risk related events for schools assists in decision-making, acting as a focus for areas requiring attention, leading to better allocation of resources leads to better preparation for worst case scenarios.
Roles and responsibilities Director-General The Director-General is the accountable officer under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and has ultimate legislative responsibility and accountability for establishing and maintaining suitable systems of internal control and risk management. The Director-General is responsible for: ensuring systems are in place so that risk owners are held responsible for implementing, monitoring and reporting risks that are within their area of responsibility 12 | P a g e
communicating strategic high level inter-agency and State level risks to the appropriate whole-of-government forums approving the enterprise risk management and business continuity management frameworks considering recommendations from the ARMC in relation to risk management advocating for the continual improvement of the departments management of risk.
Executive Management Group The Executive Management Group (EMG) is responsible for: championing a risk management culture and supporting the enhancement of risk management practices across the department providing strategic leadership and governance for the departments management of risk, including reviewing effectiveness of internal controls and setting and approving the departments risk appetite and tolerance providing oversight of the strategic risks for the department, including reviewing and approving the departments Strategic Risk Register, and reviewing the progress of treatment plans for strategic risks that are being managed by divisions considering risks that have been escalated by divisions or programs of change including any treatments to mitigate adverse impacts and maximise positive business opportunities embedding risk into strategic discussions and analysis occurring at EMG and corporate governance committees.
Senior executives Deputy Directors-General and Assistant Directors-General (within their area of responsibility) are responsible for: ensuring that all employees are aware of and comply with the departments Enterprise Risk Management Framework 2012-2016, policy and procedures ensuring the effective integration of risk management into planning, reviewing and reporting processes leading the risk management practice and ensuring resources and systems for managing risks are established and maintained providing oversight of the corporate risks, including reviewing and approving the corporate risks registers, and reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls and treatments, particularly for high and extreme risks escalating corporate risks that are high or extreme to EMG considering operational risks that have escalated from within the area of responsibility, including any treatments to mitigate adverse impacts and maximise positive business opportunities ensuring that relevant staff are appropriately trained in the process of managing risks providing ongoing assurance to the Director-General, EMG and ARMC that risk is being managed effectively.
Senior management Executive directors, directors, regional directors, principals, TAFE institute directors and managers are responsible in their area of responsibility for: managing risks (identifying, assessing, monitoring and reviewing, communicating and reporting) that may impact on their objectives 13 | P a g e
providing oversight of the operational risks, including reviewing and approving the operational risks registers, and reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls and treatments, particularly for high and extreme risks considering operational risks that have been escalated within the area of responsibility, including any treatments to mitigate adverse impacts and maximise positive business opportunities escalating operational risks that are high or extreme or cannot be managed locally (including risks that require coordination between areas) to line management.
Employees All employees are required to comply with the departments Risk Management policy and apply risk management processes within their work unit. Audit and Risk Management Committee The Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARMC) provides independent audit and risk management advice to the Director-General. The purpose of this committee is to: review whether the department has in place a current and comprehensive Framework and associated procedures designed to ensure that the identification and management of risks are effective determine whether a sound and effective approach has been followed in managing the departments high/extreme risks determine whether a sound and effective approach to the departments business continuity planning arrangements are in place, including whether business continuity and disaster recovery plans have been periodically updated and tested.
Director, Planning, Performance and Risk Through the Enterprise Risk Management Unit (ERMU), the Director, Planning, Performance and Risk, Governance Strategy & Planning (GSP) is responsible for: championing the enterprise risk management function developing, implementing, reviewing and continuously improving the departments Framework, Business Continuity Management Framework and associated policies and procedures developing an annual risk management plan and coordinating overall enterprise risk management activities within the department managing and coordinating a risk management information system for the department collecting and analysing risk data to provide risk information to EMG and ARMC assisting EMG to determine the departments risk appetite and tolerance providing risk advisory services across the department developing the capacity and capability of the department to effectively and efficiently manage risk.
Director, Internal Audit3 Within the context of enterprise risk management, the core role of Director, Internal Audit is to provide the Director-General, the EMG and ARMC with objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management in the following capacity:
Adapted from the IIA Position Paper: The Role of Internal Auditing in Enterprise-wide Risk Management
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giving assurance on risk management processes giving assurance that risks are correctly evaluated evaluating risk management processes evaluating the reporting of key risks reviewing the management of key risks.
Enterprise Risk Management Committee The purpose of the Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERMC) is to: encourage enterprise-wide application of risk management as an integral part of corporate governance, planning and reporting processes support the horizontal and vertical integration of risk through open consultation and communication provide strategic input into the development, implementation and evaluation of risk programs that support the implementation of the departments Enterprise Risk Management Framework 2012-2016 assist in the monitoring of systemic risk reporting, escalating risk management issues and continuous improvement opportunities to the Audit and Risk Committee.
Other functional oversight areas A range of central office divisions provide risk oversight and work as key parts of the integrated risk structure to assist in risk identification, analysis, control management and reporting. These areas include: Finance (Financial Strategy and Policy) Human Resources (Workplace Health and Safety, Fraud and Corruption Control) Infrastructure Services (Emergency and Security Management) Information and Communication Technology (Information Security) Education Queensland (Curriculum Activity Risk Management) Corporate Strategy and Performance (organisational performance monitoring and reporting) Training and Tertiary Education Queensland (regulatory monitoring and reporting) Early Childhood Education and Care (regulatory monitoring and reporting).
Risk system
In addition to the Framework, the risk system consists of components intended to assist the organisation with doing risk management right: risk management process tools risk registers risk reporting.
Risk management process The risk management process is designed to ensure that risk management decisions are based on a robust approach, assessments are conducted in a consistent manner, and a common language is used and understood across the department. Consistent with AS/NZS ISO 31000, the risk management process consist of seven steps, as outlined in Table 2. The departments Risk Management Process provides a detailed guide to support the effective implementation of the Enterprise Risk Management Framework.
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Process Step
Communication and Consultation
Description
Involving stakeholders (internal and external) and information sharing throughout the risk management process, vertically and horizontally across the department. Understanding the departments objectives and defining the external and internal environment within which the department operates. Identifying risks, its sources, causes and potential consequences.
Purpose
Context is appropriately defined. Staff that are involved throughout the risk process understand the basis for decisions and actions required. Lessons learnt are shared and transferred to those who can benefit from them. Understand factors influencing the ability to achieve objectives. Determine boundaries within which the risk management framework operates. Define risk criteria to ensure risks are assessed in a consistent manner. Generate a comprehensive list of threats and opportunities based on those events that might enhance, prevent, degrade, accelerate or delay the achievement of objectives. Provide an understanding of the inherent (level of exposure should controls fail) and controlled risk (level of exposure with controls in place). Assist with identifying ineffective controls. Inform risk evaluation and guide risk treatment. Determine whether the controlled risk is acceptable. Determine if controlled risks need further treatment. Identify priority order in which individual risks should be treated. Identify treatments for risks that fall outside the departments risk tolerance. Provide an understanding of the residual risk (level of risk with controls and treatments in place). Identify priority order in which individual risks should be treated, monitored and reviewed. Provide currency of risk information Identifying emerging risks. Provide feedback on control efficiency and effectiveness. Identify whether any further treatment is required. Provide a basis to reassess risk priorities. Capture lessons learnt from event failures, nearmisses and success.
Establish Context
Risk Identification
Risk Assessment
Risk Analysis
Comprehending the nature of the risk and determining the level of risk exposure (likelihood and consequence). Comparing the risk analysis with the risk criteria to determine whether the risk is acceptable or tolerable.
Risk Evaluation
Risk Treatment
Selecting one or more options for modifying the risk. Reassessing the level of risks with controls and treatments in place (residual risk).
Determining whether the risk profile has changed and whether new risks have emerged. Checking control effectiveness and progress of the treatment plan.
Please refer to the departments risk management process for more information.
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Tools risk registers The risk register enables staff to document, manage, monitor, review and update strategic, corporate and operational risk information. Risk register reporting allows management to monitor and review risks in alignment with the strategic plan, divisions operational plans, programs of change and other cascading plans. Information from the risk management process is recorded, reported and monitored using the departments risk register. The department has two ways to record risks: ERA risk register an online risk management tool, to assist staff in recording risk information within their areas of responsibility in a near real-time environment. Offline risk registers for staff who cannot access ERA online.
Risk reporting As there is no one single risk report that meets the decision-making needs of an organisation, risk reports are to be tailored by the accountable area to support management decision making during the planning and review processes. Risk reports draw information from the risk registers and, depending upon the requirements, may include: a demonstration of the link between objectives and risks priorities, based on the risk rating, accompanied by information on key controls and treatments needed to modify the risk risks that are getting worse, success of treatment plans and risks that require additional attention new risks that may still need to be fully considered and understood potential areas that require urgent attention main areas of exposure systemic control analysis untreated risks and risk treatments that are overdue risk owners.
In addition to the risk reporting conducted by the accountable areas, ERMU report on corporate and strategic risks to the Executive Management Group at least biannually. Tools building risk capability A range of training and development tools are available to build staff awareness and develop skills in doing risk management right and doing the right risk management. This increased awareness and understanding provides staff with greater self-confidence and willingness to take responsibility for the management of risk across the department. Risk management capacity building is tailored according to the specific needs of the business area. To facilitate this the department uses an experiential learning approach and has developed various training and development tools and products that business areas are able to access to improve their risk management capability.
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Fraud and corruption The departments Fraud and Corruption Control Policy (FCCP) incorporates best practice guidelines as detailed in the Crime and Misconduct Commissions (CMC) Fraud and Corruption Control Guidelines for Best Practice 2005. This policy is an integral part of the departments risk management framework. It tasks all managers with responsibility for the prevention, detection and reduction of business risks or exposures. These factors underpin our zero tolerance approach, with the desired outcome being the prevention of all fraud related incidents within the department. The departments fraud and corruption strategy will at all times ensure the protection of public property, information, revenue, expenditure, and the rights of organisations and individuals. Information security The objective of information security management is to ensure that information is protected to ensure its availability, confidentiality and integrity. This ensures the effective provision of government services in compliance with legislation and the Queensland Government Information Standard 18: Information Security (IS18). All staff are responsible for ensuring the safety of our information and electronic systems. The departments Information Security Management Policy provides a set of guidelines for maintaining information security, while its security procedure Maintaining the Security of Department Information and Systems informs staff of the requirements to protect and secure the department's information and computer systems.
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The ERMP has been designed to provide the risk owner, (the person that has been given the authority and accountability to manage a particular risk4,) the necessary resources to ensure that risk management decisions are based on a robust approach, assessments are conducted in a consistent manner, and a common language is used and understood across the department. As part of the ERMP, the Risk Consequence Table provides risk owners with a tool for considering the severity of the consequences of risks.
Adapted from Australian Standards for Risk management - Principles and guidelines (AS/NZ ISO 31000:2009)
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The Risk Matrix expresses the departments tolerance for risk, by making a determination as to the level of risk that is acceptable, based on the combined likelihood of the risk occurring and potential consequences of the risk. This will dictate the points at which risks need to be escalated.
GSP will review the Framework annually and will work with divisions to ensure that the Framework and associated business processes continue to meet local needs as risk management matures and improves.
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Appendix 1
The Framework is underpinned by legislation, Australian and International Standards and a number of evolving best practice standards and guidelines: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. The Financial Accountability Act 2009 Standards Australia, AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management Principles and guidelines The State of Queensland (Queensland Treasury) A Guide to Risk Management, July 2011 The State of Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Risk Management Guide, May 2011 Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA), Risk Management: Developing & Implementing a Risk Management Framework, March 2010 Department of Treasury and Finance (Vic), Victorian Government Risk Management Framework, March 2010 HM Treasury, The Orange Book; Management of Risk Principles and Concepts, October 2004 HM Government, Risk: Good Practice in Government, March 2006
The Framework is supported by departmental procedure: 1. Enterprise Risk Management (http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/governance/Pages/RiskManagement.aspx) Supporting documents: o Enterprise Risk management framework 2012-2016 o Enterprise Risk management process o Fact sheets o ERA Risk Register o Offline Risk Register Template o ERA Handbook
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