Risk Appetite - Levels of Risk Appetite

Levels of Risk Appetite

The appropriate level will depend on the nature of the work undertaken and the objectives pursued. For example, where public safety is critical (e.g. operating a nuclear power station) appetite will tend to be low, while for an innovative project (e.g. early development on an innovative computer program) it may be very high, with the acceptance of short term failure that could pave the way to longer term success. Below are examples of broad approaches to setting risk appetite that a business may adopt to ensure a response to risk that is proportionate given their business objectives.

Averse Avoidance of risk and uncertainty is a key organisation objective.

Minimal Preference for ultra-safe options that are low risk and only have a potential for limited reward.

Cautious Preference for safe options that have a low degree of risk and may only have limited potential for reward.

Open Willing to consider all potential options and choose the one most likely to result in successful delivery, while also providing an acceptable level of reward and value for money.

Hungry Eager to be innovative and to choose options offering potentially higher business rewards, despite greater inherent risk.

The appropriate approach may vary across an organization, with different parts of the business adopting an appetite that reflects their specific role, with an overarching risk appetite framework to ensure consistency.