The risk management policy explains how NHS Essex identifies, assesses and manages risks that could affect its services, staff, finances or ability to achieve its objectives.
Good risk management helps NHS Essex make informed decisions, improve services and use public money responsibly. It also supports the delivery of the Population Health Improvement Plan and helps ensure people receive safe, effective healthcare.
For more information, read the full policy by downloading the accessible Word document and the end of this page.
Who the policy applies to
This policy applies to:
- NHS Essex staff
- Board members
- temporary, agency and voluntary workers
- contractors working on behalf of NHS Essex
- people from other organisations who are members of NHS Essex committees or groups
What is risk management?
Risk management is the process of identifying things that could affect NHS Essex’s ability to achieve its objectives.
Some risks may have a negative impact, such as delays to services, financial pressures or workforce shortages. Other risks may create opportunities to improve services or work in new ways.
The aim is not to remove all risk. Instead, NHS Essex aims to understand risks, manage them effectively and take action where needed.
Why risk management is important
The risk management policy helps NHS Essex to:
- make informed decisions
- improve services for local people
- reduce health inequalities
- use public money effectively
- identify problems early
- support innovation and improvement
- meet legal and regulatory responsibilities
How risks are identified
Risks can be identified by staff, managers, directors and Board members.
Risks may be identified through:
- day-to-day work
- incidents and complaints
- audits and inspections
- performance monitoring
- service reviews
- planning and improvement work
All identified risks are recorded and reviewed through the organisation’s risk management process.
How risks are assessed
Each risk is assessed to understand:
- how likely it is to happen
- what impact it could have
- what controls are already in place
- whether further action is needed
This helps NHS Essex decide which risks need the most attention and resources.
Managing risks
Once a risk has been identified, NHS Essex decides how best to manage it.
This may include:
- reducing the risk through new actions or controls
- monitoring the risk closely
- sharing the risk with partners where appropriate
- changing activities to remove the risk altogether
Actions are recorded and reviewed regularly to make sure they remain effective.
Monitoring and reporting risks
Risks are reviewed regularly across the organisation.
The most significant risks are reported to senior leaders and the Board through risk registers and assurance processes.
This helps ensure important risks are visible, understood and managed appropriately.
Roles and responsibilities
Everyone has a role in supporting the risk management policy.
Staff are responsible for:
- identifying and reporting risks
- following policies and procedures
- reporting incidents and near misses
- completing relevant training
- helping to manage risks in their area of work
Managers and senior leaders are responsible for overseeing risks, monitoring progress and making sure appropriate action is taken.
Continuous improvement
NHS Essex is committed to improving its approach to risk management.
The organisation regularly reviews its risk processes, learns from experience and uses feedback, audits and data to strengthen how risks are managed.
Policy review
This policy was approved on 1 April 2026 and is due for review in April 2027.
For more information, read the full risk management policy by downloading the accessible Word document below.