Risk management

Risk management encompasses safety assessments of engagement activities for both researchers and participants as well as any broader psychological, economic or social risks they may be exposed to.

Managing risk when working with community groups means assessing the potential for any physical harm that may arise through a research activity, but also reflecting on potential consequences the research activity may have on those participating.

Risks need to be fully identified and assessed for both researchers and community group participants, as well as the general public if working in a public site.

Some common areas of risk to researchers include: lone working, travelling to and from community venues, carrying expensive equipment (eg. cameras), sharing personal contact details. Researchers should identify the different areas of risk for the project in general, as well those specific to each activity in the planning stages. Appropriate precautions and mitigating actions can then be planned.

Some common areas of risk to participants include: discussing emotive topics, privacy issues, and reputational risks.

Most institutions will have their own safety and risk management processes which can help researchers to gauge risks and manage them.