Risk Management
The Directorate’s risk management framework is based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management – principles and guidelines. Risks are identified and mitigated through the Directorate’s internal governance control structure, which includes:
- Risk management Framework;
- Strategic Risk Profile;
- school compliance reporting;
- Fraud & Corruption, Prevention & Response Plan 2016-2018;
- internal audit program;
- detailed policies and controls, such as the Director-General’s Financial Instructions and the School Management Manual; and
- detailed financial operating procedures and practices.
The Directorate’s risk management functions are managed by the Chief Internal Auditor and the Director, Governance and Community Liaison. The Directorate’s Senior Executive Team and the Audit Committee receive regular risk management reports, providing an overview of significant risks, mitigation strategies, responsibilities and an oversight of the implementation of audit recommendations.
The Senior Executive Team and the Audit Committee assist with the allocation of resources and timeframes to ensure appropriate mitigation and monitoring strategies are implemented.
Monitoring and reporting on risk management occurs through:
- regular monitoring of outcomes by the Senior Executive;
- monitoring by the Audit Committee;
- reporting to the Education Governance Committee;
- reporting to the Audit Committee; and
- implementation of internal and external audit recommendations.
The Directorate manages financial risks through a well-defined financial management framework that includes:
- clearly established ownership of internal budgets;
- monthly variance reporting by senior management;
- quarterly strategic review of financial performance and corrective actions as required by the executive;
- regularly updated financial procedures and practices documents; and
- provision of training to office and school-based staff.
Critical Incidents
The number of critical incidents for a financial year has been calculated on those incidents reported which meet the definition for a critical incident in the Directorate’s Critical/Non Critical Incident Management and Reporting Policy i.e. an event that causes severe impact, such as significant disruption to the school routine, an emergency management situation, loss of a sense of control, or threat to the safety of students and staff.
In the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018, there were two critical incidents in ACT public schools. Of these, one was an evacuation due to a power outage, and the other was a disruption to the school due to extensive vandalism.
For further information contact:
Director, Governance and Community Liaison
(02) 6207 2990