​When entering into partnership arrangements, consideration should be given to assessing the risks involved in such an arrangement.  A risk assessment should be undertaken by the appropriate Council officer.  For significant partnerships and where formal agreements are drawn up, to avoid any ambiguity or confusion, the roles and responsibilities for managing risks should be clearly set out in the partnership agreement.  These would include:

• establishment of a risk register
• identification of risk
• mitigating action taken to reduce risk
• monitoring of the risk
• reporting and review of risk
• assurance process

The arrangements that are in place for regular monitoring of the partnership’s performance should include a regular review of risks and the obtaining of assurances that the risks are being effectively managed and business continuity assured.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Risk Management Strategy is currently being reviewed and will be available here in early October 2011.