Introduction

Public sector organizations are increasingly facing complex risks—from financial volatility and cyber threats to political disruption and operational failures. Navigating this landscape requires more than reactive strategies; it demands a proactive, structured, and integrated approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risk across all levels of government institutions.

This Risk Management and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) for Public Bodies Training Course equips public officials with forward-looking tools to build resilient systems. Through practical frameworks, international standards, and digital enablers, participants will develop capabilities to embed risk management into policy formulation, strategic planning, project execution, and organizational culture.

Target Audience

• Public sector risk managers and compliance officers
• Internal auditors and controllers in government institutions
• Heads of departments in ministries, agencies, and public enterprises
• Finance and budget officers in public bodies
• Strategic planning and policy analysts
• Project managers and program coordinators in public service
• Senior executives involved in governance and oversight

Course Objectives

• Understand the principles and lifecycle of risk management
• Differentiate between traditional risk management and ERM frameworks
• Identify and classify strategic, operational, and emerging risks
• Develop risk registers and apply heat maps for risk visualization
• Integrate ERM into institutional planning and performance management
• Enhance stakeholder confidence through transparent risk reporting
• Leverage digital tools and analytics for risk detection and mitigation
• Align public sector risk strategies with international standards (e.g., ISO 31000)
• Build a risk-aware culture across public institutions

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Public Sector Risk Management

• Risk typologies and classifications in public organizations
• Importance of proactive risk identification and treatment
• Stakeholder roles in effective risk governance
• Key components of a risk management framework
• Risk tolerance and appetite in public decision-making

Module 2: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Frameworks and Standards

• Overview of COSO and ISO 31000 for public institutions
• Key differences between ERM and traditional risk models
• Establishing ERM governance structures
• Risk ownership and escalation processes
• Integrating ERM into organizational strategy

Module 3: Strategic and Operational Risk Assessment Techniques

• Conducting environmental scans and SWOT analyses
• Building and maintaining risk registers
• Risk scoring and prioritization methodologies
• Visualizing risk through matrices and dashboards
• Early warning systems for emerging risks

Module 4: Risk Mitigation, Control, and Response Planning

• Designing mitigation plans and contingency protocols
• Risk avoidance, transfer, reduction, and acceptance strategies
• Control testing and validation for public institutions
• Crisis readiness and resilience building
• Monitoring residual risks

Module 5: Risk Reporting and Governance Structures

• Developing institutional risk reports and dashboards
• Risk communication strategies for internal and external audiences
• Audit committee and board-level reporting frameworks
• Ensuring transparency and accountability in public risk disclosures
• Compliance with regulatory and donor requirements

Module 6: Integrating ERM into Public Sector Strategy and Performance

• Linking ERM to strategic goals and KPIs
• Embedding risk considerations into budgeting and planning cycles
• Aligning ERM with performance management frameworks
• Measuring the impact of risk mitigation on service delivery
• Policy and institutional alignment

Module 7: Digital Tools for Risk Management and Analysis

• Using technology to detect, assess, and track risks
• AI and predictive analytics in public risk management
• ERM information systems and automation
• Data visualization for executive risk briefings
• Cyber risk and digital vulnerabilities

Module 8: Building a Risk-Aware Public Sector Culture

• Leadership engagement in risk transformation
• Capacity building and staff sensitization programs
• Institutionalizing learning from past incidents
• Creating incentives for risk transparency
• Sustaining a proactive risk management ecosystem

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.