Risk Management

The service has identified the following risks to service delivery, and identified control measures for each as part of the Borough’s Risk Register, which is updated and monitored regularly:

Risk: Failure to secure budgets for online resources, training or publicity

Potential consequence

• Disruption to library operations
• Poor image of service
• Public dissatisfaction

Control measures

• Annual budget review
• Re-alignment of budgets as appropriate.

Risk: Further budget reduction measures

Potential consequence

• As above

Control measures

• As above

Risk:Failure of the People’s Network and other IT systems

Potential consequence

Loss of library online services

• Severe disruption to library operations
• Disruption to workflow
• Public dissatisfaction

Control measures

• Support from specialist suppliers
• IT Service Level Agreement
• IT equipment replacement programme
• Need for support on Saturdays

Risk: Single-staffed libraries – vulnerability of staff

Potential consequence

• Vulnerability to false accusation
• Breakdown of home delivery or mobile vehicle
• Theft of council or personal property
• Emergency call out to premises, esp. after dark

Control measures

• Home bound staff follow known routes and always let other staff know their whereabouts
• Main library back up support available
• For attendance at promotional events during day, other staff always know their whereabouts
• Personal attack alarms linked to monitoring station in all single staffed libraries
• Another member of staff present after 5pm
• Home bound staff carry mobile phones
• Training in dealing with difficult customers available
• Home bound staff issued with Driver's Handbook

Risk:Healthy & Safety/Freedom of Information issues – legal claims

Potential consequence

• Legal claims for compensation
• Loss of public confidence
• Pressure to censor materials

Control measures

• Risk assessments undertaken
• Users agree to abide by internet policy and staff have guidance on enforcement
• Enquiry desk staff experienced in information handling skills

Risk: Vandalism/break-ins to library premises

Potential consequence

• Disruption to service
• Financial cost
• Reflects on image of council and area

Control measures

• Barriers to prevent climbing onto roof at Langley and Balderstone libraries
• Computer equipment fitted with security safes in some buildings
• Shutters on some buildings
• Contact with Community police if problem known
• Wax solution applied to some surfaces vulnerable to grafitti (Norden library)
• Alarms on most buildings

Risk: Lack of capital investment in buildings and IT

Potential consequence

• Poor presentation of buildings
• Health and safety issues
• Inability to relocate to reflect demographic change
• Potential for emergency closure with impact on ability to meet Public Library Standards
• Staff morale
• Management time spent on trouble shooting
• Restricts modernisation of library services

Control measures

• Capital bidding process
• Service planning
• Implementation of Fundamental Service Review

Risk: Failure to meet the national Public Library Service Standards

Potential consequence

• Potential government intervention
• Adverse impact on Comprehensive Performance Assessment
• Detrimental publicity for council
• Potential loss of public confidence

Control measures

• Focussing on Standards not currently met
• Implementation of recommendations of Fundamental Service Review

Risk: Failure to recruit and retain staff

Potential consequence

• Impact on service delivery
• Failure to meet required deadlines
• Staff morale
• Loss of continuity
• Inability to undertake tasks

Control measures

• Advertise locally and nationally as appropriate