Page 85 - IRMSA Risk Report 2021

5.2.5 LEVERAGING THE RISK PROFESSIONAL

Organisational leadership must expect more from their risk-management functions. Not just from the leaders of the risk
functions, but of the risk practitioners alike. Considering this and what has been written so far, risk functions must be led and
staffed by those who are the most competent.

With risk management being identified as a scarce and critical skill, as well as an occupation in high demand, it is crucial that
the industry produces highly competent professionals and inspires more young people to take up this profession in order to
contribute meaningfully to their country, organisations and the profession.

The right training therefore becomes key.

THE CALL TO ACTION

Training is evolving and IRMSA stays ahead of the curve by focusing on research and development, ensuring that all our training
solutions adopt the latest education theories, technologies, content, and delivery.

It is one of IRMSA’s strategies to support both the public and private sectors, with access to applied/practical risk management.
The outcomes of the IRMSA strategy, specific to the building of risk-management capacity, are:

• Improved governance through accountability management and quality decision-making guided by the IRMSA integrated
strategy, risk and resilience code of best practice.
• Increased risk practitioners’ competency in risk and resilience, through applied risk-management skills building, support
programmes, risk-management training, and risk-leader mentorship interventions.
• The support of boards, oversight bodies, executive management and line management in the comprehension of the val-
ue of risk management and realising the benefits of an effective risk-management capability to support them in quality
decision-making.
• The development of credible risk professionals, acquiring the risk-management designations (CRM Practitioner and CRM
Professional) – the two most important risk-management designations registered with the South African Qualifications
Authority (SAQA).
• A full learnership service from student selection, planning, project management, training, mentorship and support, to
work placementand follow-up support.
• Internships
• Work-integrated learning opportunities
• Mentorships and coaching
• Competency assessments
• Blended learning solutions

85