An independent review of security and WHS governance across outside school hours care, outdoor education camps and aquatic facilities gave a not-for-profit community organisation a prioritised roadmap to an integrated risk framework.
THE CHALLENGE
A large not-for-profit community organisation delivers outside school hours care, outdoor education camps, aquatic and recreation facilities and other community programs, and is responsible for the welfare of many children and community members. Each type of service carries its own risk and safety profile. The organisation has a federated structure and lacked a centralised, formal framework for managing work health and safety (WHS) and security risk, so risks were identified, assessed and managed differently across business units. Some areas had sound local processes, but there was no overarching policy, standardised methodology or clear enterprise-level accountability. This created potential compliance gaps, inefficiencies and risk to staff, volunteers and the children and families it served. Leadership wanted an independent baseline and a clear roadmap.
OUR APPROACH
Agilient carried out a current state assessment of the organisation’s security and WHS governance, risk management and compliance arrangements, giving the executive team and board an independent, evidence-based view. The work ran in three stages. First, consultants completed a desktop review of existing policies, procedures, risk registers and incident reports from across the organisation. Second, Agilient interviewed executives and managers from different business units to understand operational context, culture and local challenges. Third, consultants visited a representative cross-section of facilities, including outside school hours care centres, an outdoor education camp, a large aquatic centre and a corporate office, to observe security and safety practice in action. The methodology drew on AS ISO 31000:2018, SA HB 167 and relevant WHS legislative requirements. Recommendations were shaped to be practical and achievable for a federated not-for-profit organisation.
THE OUTCOME
Leadership received a consolidated view of the organisation’s risk and compliance posture and a practical plan to improve it.
- A Security and WHS Governance Report identifying key vulnerabilities, including the absence of a formal security risk framework
- Prioritised recommendations for consistent policies, procedures, roles and accountabilities across all service types
- A roadmap towards an integrated governance, risk and compliance framework and a unified safety and security culture
Related services: security risk assessment consultants, security audit services, protective security and PSPF consulting. Sector experience: school and early learning security. To discuss a similar project, contact Agilient.