What is ISO 31000?

ISO 31000 is an international standard for Risk Management that provides a set of principles, a Risk Management framework and process, which help organizations take a proactive approach to risks that they face. ISO 31000 helps organizations to develop, implement and continuously improve a framework that aims to integrate Risk Management strategies into the overall organizational processes including decision-making.  The Risk Management process involves following five steps that identify circumstances, detect risk-associated hazards, assess and determine the risk, control evaluated risks and review the impact of the risks.

This international standard is important if you are interested in providing yourself with comprehensive guidelines that will help your organization strengthen its indecision-making process and overall management.  ISO 31000 is intended to simplify the task of governing complex situations that require crucial decisions to be made towards a structured approach of identifying and judging risks.

ISO 31000: Standards History and Updates

The first ISO 31000 standard was published on November 13, 2009. Its purpose at that time was to provide principles and generic guidelines on Risk Management, seeking to provide a common approach to Risk Management processes in support of standards dealing with specific risks (without replacing those standards). However, the 2009 version of ISO 31000 did not intend to promote uniformity of Risk Management across organizations.

The updated version of ISO 31000 was released on February 2018, replacing the ISO 31000:2009.

The revised standard delivers a clearer, shorter, and more concise guide that will help organizations make better decisions. It emphasizes the integration of Risk Management within the organization, and the role and responsibility of leadership. ISO 31000:2018 uses a simpler language, thus making it accessible to all stakeholders.

Definition of Risk

ISO 31000:2018 defines risk as the “effect of uncertainty on objectives”. It focuses on any deviation (positive, negative, or both) from the expected outcomes which can create or result in opportunities and threats. At the same time Risk Management is defined as ‘’coordinated activities to direct and control organization with regard to risk’’.

On a wider spectrum, the definition of Risk Management is to establish a coordinated and economical application of resources that reduce, monitor and regulate the probability and impact of unfortunate events. Managing risk is crucial for organizations - it helps to establish necessary steps so to remain resilient and develop a plan of action and strategies which can eliminate or reduce the impacts of risks.

Why ISO 31000 Risk Management is important for you?

ISO 31000 will guide you toward identifying potential risks that could endanger the achievement of crucial objectives; it will help you to determine which risks are essential to take in order to achieve primary objectives before they affect the business, while effectively keeping all other risks under control.

Furthermore, becoming ISO 31000 certified proves that you have undergone the proper professional training; further advancing your risk management and risk identification skills. Nonetheless, helping you to formulate and correctly implement strategies and solutions to improve and protect the needs of the organization. Attending our training courses will be beneficial for you because it makes you more marketable to employers, as nowadays professional certifications are crucial.

What is ISO 31000 Certification?

This training course enables individuals to comprehend fundamental concepts about Risk Management and understand the importance and benefits that can be obtained by this standard. Those who should attend are individuals who are interested in understanding the processes and strategies of Risk Management.

Being ISO 31000 certified means that you are protecting your organization from potential risks that could endanger the operational efficiency, governance, and stakeholders’ confidence. The ISO 31000 training course will provide support and allow you to identify opportunities, threats and risks. It will help strengthen and achieve the strategic objectives of your organization by establishing a risk-based system of values.

Benefits of ISO 31000 Risk Management

The implementation of ISO 31000 improves operational efficiency, governance, and stakeholder confidence in your organization, while minimizing losses and enhancing risk analysis and risk assessment capacities. It helps integrate a risk-based decision-making in the culture of your organization.

Moreover, the integration of the ISO 31000 framework within an organization ensures the consistency and the effectiveness of management across all its areas such as IT, HR, compliance, quality, health and safety, business continuity, etc.

It is important to mention that the ISO 31000 guidelines are applicable to any activity of an organization, and can be customized by any organization and its context.

PECB Certified ISO 31000 individuals involved in risk management process of an organization will enable the organization to:

• Gain competitive advantage – enhanced risk management will support achieving goals and objectives
• Reduce costs through proper risk management
• Respond to change effectively  and find viable solutions
• Create and protect value
• Increase the likelihood of achieving objectives
• Productively  identify the opportunities and threats
• Identify and mitigate the risk throughout the organization
• Gain stakeholder confidence and trust
• Create a consistent basis for decision making and planning

How do I get started with ISO 31000 Training?

If you need help getting started, our experts are here to guide you towards a constructive risk management path. However, with the right combination of focus and dedication, you can become certified and distinguish yourself.