Perceptions of quantifiable benefits of local authority risk management

Purpose – The use of risk management strategies and practices in UK local authorities has increased significantly in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of local authority officers and establish the degree to which there is evidence of quantifiable, positive risk management outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – The research used the case study method and two English local authorities agreed to participate in the research. In the course of the case study, interviews were conducted with their risk managers. In addition authority‐specific information was gleaned from council reports, assessments and external audits. Findings – The results suggest that risk management has a key role to play in the successful delivery of corporate objectives and services to the public and that, despite challenges, there is evidence that positive outcomes can be identified and measured. Research limitations/implications – Although the methods used do not permit generalisability, this research has found evidence of good risk management outcomes. However, quantifying these is challenging. Local authorities have a large number of data sources to help identify sources of possible evidence; however there appears to be fragmentation and a lack of cohesion in the use of these. Practical implications – The findings of this research suggest that there are mechanisms which local authorities could put in place to further facilitate better evaluation of risk management outcomes. Originality/value – Research into the delivery of successful risk management outcomes is important for all local authorities, but it appears to be limited as an area of research or practice. This paper identifies both areas of success and the need for further research.