Risk Communication.
Integrating Risk Communication into Strategy.
Integrating Risk Communication into Your Strategy:
The Importance of a Risk Communications Calendar
An effective communication strategy should include a risk communications calendar, a practical tool that translates risk theory into actionable insights.
This calendar is essential for identifying key risks and planning engaging risk campaigns throughout the year.
Integrating Risk Communication into Your Strategy:
Understanding Risk Communication
Risk communication is all around us—messages like “Buckle up in the back,” “Smoking increases health risks,” or “The terrorism threat level is severe” aim to inform, change beliefs, or modify behaviour. Here’s a closer look at these goals:
Sharing Information
At its most basic level, risk communication involves making information available. However, simply displaying information, like risk policies, is not enough. For effective communication, information must be engaging and accessible, encouraging understanding and prompting appropriate action.
Changing Beliefs
Risk communication also seeks to alter perceptions, helping individuals recognise threats or opportunities. Effective communication provides accurate information, enabling informed decision-making. Poor communication, however, can lead to misconceptions, as seen in complex health decisions where clear information is crucial.
Changing Behaviours
Another goal of risk communication is to drive action, such as quitting smoking or getting vaccinated. This requires clear, well-defined guidance, often aligned with organisational goals or professional recommendations.
NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY WITH CONFIDENCE.
Integrating Risk Communication into Your Strategy:
Leveraging a Risk Communications Calendar
A well-designed risk communications calendar can make risk communication more tangible and actionable. It should be informed by your organisation’s risk register, with the risk team selecting relevant themes for communication throughout the year.
For example, Securebank focused on monthly security themes covering physical, personnel, and cyber security. Developing an integrated annual programme with targeted monthly topics, such as cyber risks, can significantly enhance your organisation’s risk communication.
Tailoring messages to different audiences, such as educating staff on password control through campaigns, posters, or videos, helps align behaviours with the organisation’s risk management goals.
Advanced organisations can further improve communication by linking risk exercises, targeted campaigns, and performance monitoring, driving continuous improvement in risk management practices.