Homeland Security building risk management program

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security said it intends to “enhance and expand” its partnerships with private- and public-sector risk management practitioners as it continues to build its own risk management program.

In a document issued last week, DHS noted that its Office of Risk Management and Analysis conducted a study of risk management practices between May and July of this year.

The survey, which was designed to help DHS build its risk management program, involved more than 20 one-hour interviews with executive-level risk practitioners in the private and public sectors.

In a Sept. 28 summary issued to participants in the survey, DHS noted that organizations are increasingly seeking to understand and manage risk on a “holistic, enterprisewide level” and that risk management is incorporated into strategic planning.

DHS also noted that organizations customize risk management programs to fit their needs and culture rather than follow a one-size-fits-all approach.

The survey also found significant contrasts between public- and private-sector approaches to risk management, most notably in managing risk on an enterprisewide basis, with private-sector participants reporting trying “to understand and manage their risks on a holistic enterprisewide basis while many public agencies were managing risks on an uncoordinated, ad hoc basis.”

DHS said it would revisit the survey findings periodically because the field of risk management always evolves. It said it would build on its partnerships with outside risk management practitioners “so it may continue to benefit from their experience and insight.”