What is a Risk Register?
A Risk Register (RR) is a document created to record any identified risks and hazards that could impact a community. The information allows for planning, preparation, prevention, and mitigation to a wide range of potentials risks that could occur.
For each risk, the likelihood of it happening, along with the level of impact it could have, are both analysed and recorded from low to high. These are mapped out on a risk matrix to produce an overall score.
Risks are assessed at a National, Regional, and Borough level which allows for the creation of three interconnected Risk Registers:
National Risk Register
The National Risk Register (NRR) outlines the most serious risks that could directly impact all or a part of the UK over the next few years.
The NRR supports emergency planners, with the Local Resilience Forums (LRF) including the emergency services, local authorities, business, community and voluntary sector organisations to prepare for and respond to a wide range of risks. The risks are broken down into three main categories:
- accidents
- natural events, collectively known as natural hazards
- malicious attacks, also known as threats
London Risk Register
The London Risk Register is created by reviewing all nationally identified risks and hazards and assessing whether they are relevant at a regional level, as well as looking at regional risks.
The London Risk Register outlines potential risks and hazards that London faces. It is created and continually reviewed by the London Risk Advisory Group (LRAG), made up of subject matter experts from within the London Resilience Partnership, including local authorities, emergency services, utility, transport, business, and voluntary sector panels. Once created it is approved and published by the London Resilience Forum (LRF).
Each borough in London uses the London Risk Register to inform their Borough Risk Registers.
Westminster Risk Register
As a council we aim to protect the health, safety, and security of all individuals who live, work, and visit Westminster. Additionally, as designated Category 1 responders under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 we have the statutory duty to assess risks that may impact the local community. As part of that assessment process, we produce the Westminster Risk Register:
The Westminster Risk Register identifies risks and hazards that could cause any threat to life, health, society, economy, or critical infrastructure in the City of Westminster. These risks and hazards are derived from the London Risk Register. They allow Westminster emergency planners, organisations, communities, and individuals to plan, prepare, and respond to emergencies.