Risk Awards 2026

Cambridge University

In 2021 the primary insurer for the University of Cambridge withdrew from the higher education property insurance market. Unable to demonstrate an understanding of its business interruption (BI) values at risk, the University could not secure insurance for its £7.5billion operational property portfolio. Insurers required vastly improved risk transparency. Three years later, transformed risk and data management has resulted in a £400k rebate from insurers, lifting of restrictive clauses and extended BI cover. The learning and methodology have been cascaded to the UK and USA, through webinars and technical papers. Improved risk transparency is supporting the University to progress towards a self-insurance model. 

Mencap

Service delivery outcomes depend on risk being accessible to all, but some colleagues can be excluded because the process, approach, concepts, and language are inaccessible. Mencap has reviewed, developed, and rolled out a new risk management policy, ensuring all colleagues - including those with a learning disability - can understand and engage with risk management. This has resulted in better uptake, buy-in and adherence to the risk management policy, and colleagues are more knowledgeable about their responsibilities, with more informed risk conversations and greater collaboration. Importantly, no-one in Mencap is excluded. 

North Ayrshire Council

North Ayrshire Council developed a comprehensive national power outage planning initiative to enhance community resilience against extended power disruptions. The approach included risk assessment, community engagement, implementation of a hub model, and investment in resilience infrastructure. Stakeholder collaboration validated the plan and ensured efficient resource distribution. The initiative's effectiveness was demonstrated during the Storm Eowyn response, showcasing improved ability to maintain essential services and community wellbeing during outages. This proactive approach was informed by COVID-19 lessons and major weather events.  

Unfortunately North Ayrshire Council were unable to attend the Awards Dinner. Karen Locke, ALARM Board Director was pleased to collect the Award on their behalf. 

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Safe + Sound Programme

The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Safe + Sound Programme is a free-to-attend event held across Staffordshire for primary-age children (years 5 and 6), covering a range of safety topics. It employs a multifaceted approach to risk management. This strategy uses interactive mobile pods that create immersive learning environments, allowing children to engage with safety scenarios in a controlled, realistic setting. By collaborating with partners such as Staffordshire Police, HSBC, and the RNLI, the programme integrates diverse expertise and resources, enhancing its effectiveness and reach. This collaborative model not only educates but also empowers the community to proactively manage and mitigate their own risks. 

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service

The Road Safety Intervention Toolkit was designed by Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service to standardise delivery of road safety education for young road users across the country. This national Toolkit provides blue light services, road safety partnerships, and local authorities with free and diverse options for interventions aimed at young drivers and passengers. Each intervention in the Toolkit has undergone a quality evaluation to demonstrate its efficacy. 

Lorna Whinyates, Avon Fire & Rescue Service

Since joining Avon Fire & Rescue Service in July 2023, Lorna Whinyates has quickly become a significant driver for change and improvement to corporate risk management. Following a successful teaching career, Lorna applies her scientific background and academic experience to acquire knowledge and skills to improve the management and oversight of strategic risk. She has been the force behind progress against our risk management strategy, ensuring correct application of risk appetite and tolerance. Lorna also manages the risk register and meets with risk owners, acting as a critical friend to ensure reports facilitate management awareness, oversight and decision-making. Throughout the risk management process, Lorna continuously demonstrates high levels of engagement and a dedication to achieving the best outcomes for the Service and local communities. 

Tri-Borough Insurance Service Team

Tri-Borough Insurance Service

Since 2017, the Tri-Borough Insurance Team has self-handled more than 1300 claims arising out of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Activity has included administering contents schemes, rehabilitation offerings, and navigating complex legal questions in collaboration with solicitors and counsel, as well as reviewing a large amount of data and processing it into easy-to-use formats. All of this has been achieved while ensuring their response has reflected assurances given at the Public Inquiry, and being cognisant of community concerns, while ensuring business as usual services continue for two other London boroughs. 

Chris Walker

Durham University

Chris Walker has developed, delivered, and enhanced risk management processes at public and private sector organisations, including within local government, housing, higher education, and manufacturing settings. He has consistently championed the value and importance of effective risk management, designing solutions to increase engagement in, and understanding of, the process. During his time as a Board director at ALARM, Chris has been an ambassador for the discipline, speaking at sector, regional, national, and international events, and sharing best practice among peers.