Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Corporate Risk Communication
Welcome to the first module of our course on ‘Mastering Corporate Risk Communication.’ I’m Marc Guerriot, and I’m excited to guide you through this journey where we’ll uncover the essential aspects of risk communication and its pivotal role in modern organisations.
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Module 2: Understanding and Establishing a Risk Culture
In this module, we’ll explore the concept of risk culture and how you can build it within your organisation. Establishing a risk culture is about integrating risk management into your company’s DNA—into the very fabric of how things are done.
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Module 3: Communication Strategy for Change
In this module, we’ll explore how to develop a comprehensive communication strategy for managing risks in your organisation. Effective communication doesn’t just happen—it requires careful planning and alignment with your organisation’s overall objectives.
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Module 4: Managing Critical Incidents
In this module, we’ll explore the essential components of managing critical incidents, starting with crisis management plans. A crisis management plan is your organisation’s blueprint for how to respond when things go wrong. It outlines the procedures, roles, and responsibilities that ensure a coordinated and effective response to crises.
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Module 5: Creating Quality Content for Risk Communication
In this module, we’ll shift our focus to the art of creating quality content for risk communication. Whether you’re crafting a report, an email, or a public statement, the clarity of your message is paramount.
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Module 6: Communicating with Stakeholders
In this module, we’ll focus on one of the most crucial aspects of risk communication: engaging with stakeholders. Your stakeholders are the individuals and groups who have an interest in, or are affected by, your organisation’s actions. This could include employees, customers, suppliers, regulators, investors, and even the general public.
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Module 7: Training and Skill Development
Training is the backbone of effective risk management. It’s through training that your employees gain the knowledge and skills they need to identify, assess, and respond to risks in real-time. In this module, we’ll focus on how to design training programs that are both comprehensive and engaging.
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Module 8: The End
In this module, we’ll bring everything we’ve learned together by analysing real-world case studies. Case studies are invaluable because they provide practical examples of how organisations have applied risk communication principles in real situations. They also highlight the challenges and successes that come with managing risks.
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Protected: Risk culture and communications – KRisk RiskCom

In this module, we’ll explore how to develop a comprehensive communication strategy to effectively manage risks within your organisation.

Effective communication doesn’t happen by chance—it requires thoughtful planning and alignment with your organisation’s overall goals.

Step One: Define Your Objectives

The first step in building a communication strategy is to clearly define your objectives. What are you aiming to achieve through your communication efforts?

Your goals should follow the SMART framework:

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.

For example, you might set an objective to increase employee awareness of cybersecurity risks by 20% by year-end.

Let’s break down each element:

  1. Specific

    Your objective should be clear and well-defined. Rather than saying, “We want to improve risk communication,” you might say, “We want all employees to understand the new cybersecurity protocols.”

  2. Measurable

    You need a way to gauge success. Consider using surveys, training completion rates, or the number of risk reports submitted.

  3. Achievable

    Your goals should be attainable, considering available resources and time. Realistic targets help sustain motivation and momentum.

  4. Realistic

    Objectives must align with the broader organisational strategy. Communication should support your overall risk management approach.

  5. Time-bound

    Set a clear deadline. A timeframe creates urgency and helps maintain focus.

Step Two: Understand Your Audience

Once your objectives are clear, consider your audience. Who are you communicating with? What are their concerns, expectations, and preferred methods of receiving information?

Understanding your audience allows you to craft messages that are relevant and resonate.

Step Three: Develop Your Communication Plan

With your audience in mind, you can now shape a detailed communication plan. This plan should include:

  • Key Messages

    The core points you want people to remember. Keep them clear, consistent, and easy to grasp.

  • Communication Channels

    Select the most effective channels for your audience—these might include emails, newsletters, meetings, webinars, or social media.

  • Dissemination Schedule

    Map out when and how often you’ll communicate. Timely and regular updates foster engagement and trust.

  • Performance Indicators

    Establish how you’ll measure success. Metrics might include open rates, attendance figures, or qualitative feedback.

Remember: a strong communication strategy doesn’t just inform—it empowers. It helps ensure your workforce understands the risks and knows how to respond appropriately.