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Government publishes new proposals to improve management of risks by public sector (20/11/2002)

The Government has today published new proposals to help improve risk management by the public sector. The report by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit aims to build on good practice across Government and the private sector.

While many parts of government have already put in place wide-ranging reforms, the report, Risk: Improving Government's Capability to Handle Risk and Uncertainty , sets out formal measures to ensure that good practice is adopted widely across the public sector.

The report sets out for consultation a new set of principles that the public sector should follow when managing risks to the public. The principles cover:

• Openness and transparency on the issues;
• Early involvement of those potentially affected by a risk;
• Taking precautions which are in proportion to the risk;
• Basing decisions on all relevant information; and
• Encouraging personal responsibility and choice.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston - sponsor minister for the Strategy Unit project - said the report was a vital part of the government's commitment to reform and improvement of public services.

He said:

'Any organisation that wants to perform well in the modern world has to be adept at identifying, managing and communicating about risks. That means government has to be able to engage with the fast pace of change and innovation, for example in fields as diverse as biotechnology and financial services.

'This report will help us to identify and manage opportunities to improve public services and ensure they meet the needs of citizens.'

The Risk report is available on the Strategy Unit website ( http://www.strategy.gov.uk/ ) and the risk support website ( http://www.risk-support.gov.uk/ . Copies of the principles of managing risks to the public are also available on both websites or by telephoning 020 7276 1881.

Notes to editors

1. The Strategy Unit reports to the Prime Minister through the Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office. Its aim is to improve Government's capacity to address strategic, cross-cutting issues and promote innovation in the development of policy and the delivery of the Government's objectives.
2. The project was announced by the Prime Minister to consider how to improve the Government's management of risk. It was carried out by a multi-disciplinary team, and sponsored by Barbara Roche MP, Minister of State and Minister for Women. Lord Macdonald of Tradeston took over as Sponsor Minister in June, following Barbara Roche's move to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

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