Ask the Expert: Reviewing risk in systems

Referrals to our service are increasing. We struggle to focus on those in most need. How can we ensure we offer a safe service?

Find time for your team to meet and clearly outline the system that you operate: what is done, when, who by, and how. Draw out a map of the system. Then examine it and challenge each other as to whether it is robust, safe, efficient and effective. Once reviewed, write it up and share it with all key stakeholders so they all know the part they have to play. The clarity of role and function should enhance safety.

You must understand the risks that face the service you operate. There are many forms and systems for managing risks, but the key to most of them is clarity of process that ensures you: identify risk; set out the facts; communicate the risks and the plan to reduce the risk to all the key people; and review this regularly.

Being clear about what you do and how you manage risk, and sharing it with all the relevant partners will help you operate safely.

Answered by Paul Clark, director of the Potential Organisation. He was director of children’s services in Harrow for seven years