Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School
Risk Management Policy
outlining
Safe guidelines for school activities and excursions and the
responsible management of risk
Policy Number: RM0.1
Status: Active
Date Issued: November 2013
Evaluation and Review: 2017
Policy Contact Officer: Principal / Assistant Principal
Related Documentation: Local and Overnight Excursion Policies
Risk Management Policy
PURPOSE
Risk management is the culture, processes and structures that are directed towards the effective
management of situations that have the capacity to have adverse effects within the organisational
environment.
The purpose of this policy is to assist with the systematic and responsible management of risk throughout
Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School. The Risk Management Policy applies to all areas of Our Lady
Help of Christian’s operation including routine internal activities.
POLICY FRAMEWORK
The risk management process to be used by Our Lady Help of Christians allows for more accountable and
transparent decisions ensuring that decisions are made on the best evidence and information to hand.
Effective risk management is used to support and enhance all areas of the work undertaken by Our Lady
Help of Christians.
Sound risk management principles and practices are to be a part of the normal management strategy for
Our Lady Help of Christians. Ultimately risk management is the responsibility of all management levels.
Accountability for the management of risk will be reflected in all individual position descriptions. The
systematic management of risks will be used to assist with effective decision making in keeping with
strategic and operational objectives and the allocation of funds and resources.
In all areas of Our Lady Help of Christian’s operation an integrated approach to managing risks is to be
implemented in accordance with this policy and in accordance with other policies and risk management
processes relevant to the specific area of activity. Risk management is to form an integral part of all
decision making processes.
For the purposes of this policy significant areas of risk are defined as those that may reasonably be
expected to:

Constitute a significant risk to the welfare of staff, students or the public

Jeopardise the reputation of Our Lady Help of Christians or present a significant legal exposure

Pose a significant commercial or business risk that may threaten the reputation or well-being of Our
Lady Help of Christians.
POLICY CONTENT
Principles
Effective risk management is acknowledged as an integral component of sound corporate governance and
will be applied to all activities undertaken by Our Lady Help of Christians. Sound risk management also
provides a system for the setting of priorities when there are competing demands and resources.
This policy is based on the principles identified in Section 3 of AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 it acknowledges
that effective risk management requires:

A strategic focus

Forward thinking and active approaches to management

Balance between the cost of managing risk and the anticipated benefits and

Contingency planning in the event that critical threats to the mission of the organisation are
realised.
Roles and Responsibilities
Our Lady Help of Christians will be responsible for the implementation of risk management within Our Lady
Help of Christians.
The Assistant Principal will be responsible for implanting risk management within their portfolio areas,
areas of accountability and responsibility and will report to the Principal on any significant risks or risk
areas.
The Principal is accountable for the implementation of sound risk management processes in the school in
their care including creating an environment in which all workers are encouraged and supported to manage
risks. Principals will report to the Catholic School Office concerning any significant risk or risk areas.
All staff members will be responsible for avoiding unnecessary risks to themselves and others and reporting
on any activities which may result in unacceptable risks. Effective management of risk depends on good
quality information.
Identifying, Assessing and Managing Risks
Risk management process is to be systematically applied in three main areas:
1. Integrated into all business strategies, activities and management systems
2. Compliance and control
3. Incident management.
Risk Management will be conducted in keeping with:
1. AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management
2. HB 266:2010 Guide for managing risk in not-for profit organizations,
and will following this process:
Context established
The context will be established to define the basic external and internal parameters within which risks must
be managed and to provide guidance for decisions within more detailed risk management considerations.
Risks Identified
The risks to be managed will be identified.
Risks Analysed
Risk analysis conducted to comprehend the nature of the risk and to determine level of the risk. This
process will provide input to the decision on whether risks need to be treated and the most appropriate and
cost effective risks treatment strategies. Risk analysis will involve consideration for the sources of the risk,
positive and negative consequences and the likelihood that those consequences may occur.
Risks evaluated
Risk evaluation conducted to compare the results of risk analysis with risk criteria to determine whether the
risk and its magnitude are acceptable or tolerable. The outcome will be used to make decisions including
establishing which risks need to be addressed and the priority in which those risks will be addressed.
Risks Treated
Risk treatment will identify the range of options for treating risk, assessing these options and the
preparation and implementation of treatment plans.
Note: Risk treatments that deal with negative consequences are sometimes referred to as ‘risk mitigation’, ‘risk elimination’, ‘risk
prevention’, and ‘risk reduction’.
Monitor and Review
Ongoing monitoring and review will be undertaken.
Record of the process
Each stage of the risk management process should be recorded appropriately and these records form an
important aspect of good corporate governance. This process will be undertaken using the template
provided in Appendix 1.
KEY DEFINITIONS
The following definitions are drawn from AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 - Risk Management - Principles and
Guidelines:
Risk: The effect of uncertainty on objectives often characterised by reference to potential events and
consequences or a combination of these.
Risk Management: The co-ordinated activities to direct and control an organisation with regard to risk
Risk Management framework: Set of components that provide the foundations (1) and organisational
arrangements(2) for designing, implementing, monitoring, reviewing and continually improving risk
management throughout the organisation (3).
(1)
The foundations include the policy, objectives, mandate and commitment to manage risk.
(2)
The organisational arrangements include plans, relationships, accountabilities, resources, processes
and activities.
(3)
The risk management framework is embedded within the organisation’s overall strategic and
operational policies and practices.
Risk Management Policy: Statement of the overall intentions and direction of an organisation related to
risk management.
Risk Management Plan: Scheme within the risk management framework specifying the approach, the
management components and resources to be applied to the management of risk.
Risk analysis: Process to comprehend the nature of the risk and to determine the level of risk.
Risk assessment: The overall process of risk identification, risk analysis and evaluation.
Appendix 1
Guidance in Completing the Risk Management Plan Proforma: Excursion
Hazard Identification
The following may assist with identifying hazards
Risk Assessment Matrix
relating to activities at each stage of an excursion.
How serious
How likely is it to be that serious
Consider what could go wrong, that is, the
could the injury
potential injuries or illnesses that could occur.
Very
Very
be?
Likely
Unlikely
Likely
Unlikely
Hazards are the sources of these potential injuries
or illnesses.
Death or
1
1
2
3
permanent injury
Travel – Consider aspects of travel that may
Long term illness or
present a hazard such as walking to and from the
1
2
3
4
injury
train, crossing the road, transport to the venue. If
Medical attention &
CBD location, consider travel arrangements in the
2
3
4
5
several days off
event of lockdown or evacuation.
First aid
3
4
5
6
Venue – Consider aspects of the excursion venue
needed
that may present a hazard such as location near
Severity – is how
Likelihood – is an estimate of
water, cliffs, crowds, slippery floors. If CBD
seriously a person could
how probable it is for the
location, consider possibility of CBD lockdown or
be harmed
hazard to cause harm.
evacuation due to evacuation trial or major
Legend
emergency
1 and 2
Extreme risk; deal with the hazard immediately
Excursion Program Activity – Consider the
3 and 4
Moderate risk; deal with the hazard as soon
possible
activities of the excursion program that may
present a hazard such as hazards of bushwalking,
5 and 6
Low risk; deal with the hazard when able.
collecting leaves, observing animals, swimming,
singing at an eisteddfod, climbing, eating at different venues for students with anaphylaxis.
Equipment – Consider any equipment that may present a hazard such as sporting equipment, high risk
equipment at the venue.
Environment – Consider aspects of the environment that may present a hazard such as weather
conditions, natural hazards such as bushfires, floods or storms, the nature of the terrain, plants, animals
and insects.
Consider common allergens that may pose a hazard e.g. foods, insect stings or bites, latex (e.g. balloons
or swimming goggles and caps) that may trigger allergic reactions. These must be considered as part of
the risk assessment for students with allergic conditions (anaphylaxis).
People – Consider aspects of people that may present a hazard such as poor behaviour, the nature of
participants such as maturity, age and skill, child protection issues, medical conditions or disabilities.
Accommodation – Consider aspects of accommodation that may present a hazard such as insufficient
supervision, standard of accommodation and amenities, meal menus and allergies, security and child
protection issues
Other – Consider other hazards related to specific excursions such as access to first aid and mobile
phone reception. Investigate access to emergency services and equipment.
Risk Elimination or Control
Eliminate the risk. Eliminate the item or activity; e.g. do not undertake a particular high risk activity such as
abseiling in high wind; do not use high risk equipment. If elimination is not reasonably practicable, control the
risk as far as practical using the hierarchy of controls below. Select the highest possible control and/or use a
combination of controls to reduce the risk.
Substitute the hazard: Replace the activity, material, or equipment with a less hazardous one eg
choose an easier bushwalk; substitute a food known to cause severe allergic reactions (for example,
peanut butter or tree nuts) with alternative nutritious food.
Isolate the hazard: Isolate the hazard from the person at risk; isolate through distance e.g. select a
lunch location well away from the water; check if a coastal walk has fencing.
Use engineering controls: Have access to equipment to counteract the hazard; consider hiring coaches
with seatbelts and ensure these are worn if available; ensure that an appropriately trained person is with
the student at all times and has immediate access to an Epipen in the event of an emergency.
Use administrative controls: Establish procedures and safe practices e.g. supervision of students,
clear rules, instruction in safe methods, training of staff, volunteers and students in the excursion activities
or in the use of equipment and qualifications of instructors. Ensure health care plans are reviewed and
updated for the excursion for students known to have severe allergic conditions. Discuss student health
needs with caterers, in consultation with parents/carers.
Use personal protective equipment: Use appropriately designed and properly fitted equipment such as
safety goggles, hats and sunscreen and helmets, in conjunction with other control measures identified
from above. Encourage students and staff to wear appropriate footwear and protective clothing at all
times; students wear medic alert bracelet or necklace where required.
Our Lady Help of Christians Risk Management Policy 2013
Excursion
Name of school: Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School, South Lismore
Number in group/class:
Name of principal:
Name of excursion coordinator:
Description and location of excursion:
Contact number:
Date of excursion:
Accompanying staff, parents, caregivers, volunteers:
Group/class:
Task/Activity
Hazard Identification
& Associated Risk
Type/Cause
Assess
Risk*
use matrix
Venue and safety information reviewed and attached:
Plan prepared by:
Position:
Elimination or Control Measures
Who
When
Yes/No
Date:
Prepared in consultation with:
Communicated to:
Monitor and Review – Monitor the effectiveness of controls and change if necessary. Review the risk assessment if an incident or significant change occurs
Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School Risk Management Policy 2013
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Our Lady Help of Christians Risk Management Policy 2013
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