IRMSA launches new measures as South African risk managers increasingly report facing personal threats

The Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) has launched a series of initiatives after receiving numerous queries from risk professionals on how to handle undue pressure, unfair treatment and, in some instances, personal threats when reporting on risk in their organisations. This follows reports in the past few years in which risk managers admitted they had faced death threats against them and their families for trying to do their jobs. The outcome of this, said IRMSA, is either a risk report that is not a true reflection of the current risks facing their organisations and will, undoubtedly sometime in the future, be used as evidence against the risk manager for not having performed proper risk management, or a risk practitioner that is sidelined (constructive dismissal) or resigns. IRMSA CEO Gillian Le Cordeur said: “One of the most important attributes of a risk professional is integrity and the ability to have crucial conversations with leadership and reporting of the unvarnished truth. This however should not be to the detriment of risk practitioners’ careers or their personal safety.” As a result, IRMSA has agreed: A memorandum of understanding between the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and IRMSA IRMSA has joined other professional bodies in initiating the Anti-Intimidation and Ethical Practices Forum. She explained members need to note the following processes that have been created, should they find themselves in a position where they need to report unethical behaviour or corruption. IRMSA initiatives with the SIU The memorandum of understanding with the SIU covers these key principles: To support the highest level of professional behaviour in the risk profession, and to maintain integrity and prevent dishonourable conducts and practices The SIU and IRMSA will cooperate on the detection of risks like fraud and corruption and will investigate unlawful activities that come to their attention during the execution of their respective mandates. Added to that, IRMSA, in collaboration with the SIU, is able to provide the following support: First, the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) whistleblower protection services will provide protection to whistleblowers providing they qualify under the following criteria highlighted below (as per the Whistle Blower Protection Act): The person needs to be a witness in a criminal matter or commission of inquiry If there is enough evidence contained in a written statement from the whistleblower, it can also be admitted as motivation for protection Through the SIU, individuals will be connected with the NPA, complete the forms and have an interview with the NPA whistleblower unit in the province where the whistleblower resides The decision will be made within 14 days after the completed forms have been received and the interview completed Second, if the whistleblower is reporting through the SIU hotline, the person will be assured that he or she will be anonymous providing the person uses one of the following five options: Email address – siu@whistleblowing.co.za SIU hotline – 0800037774 Reporting online www.whistleblowing.co.za SMS – 33490 Post to PO Box 51006, Musgrave, 4062 Anti-Intimidation and Ethical Practices Forum (AEPF) The AEPF was established to assist professionals in certain fields who are being intimidated for exposing corruption in the workplace. This forum also provides advice to potential whistleblowers in the governance, accounting, auditing, business, risk management and related fields on how to blow the whistle safely, responsibly and effectively. The AEPF strives to: Provide a platform for participating professional body members to raise their concerns about corruption and intimidation Educating members of participating professional bodies by providing practical advice, support and guidance to individuals who are intimidated and helping them to make protected disclosures responsibly Acting collectively to lobby government or governmental bodies to improve whistleblower legislation and policies To be a collective professional voice calling for improved governance and greater accountability within the public and private sectors in South Africa. Ms Le Cordeur stressed: “I invite all our members to make use of these bodies, should you feel that you are experiencing undue pressure or being intimidated in any way as a risk professional. It is of utmost importance that we are able to perform our work with integrity and the highest standards expected from us by the risk management profession.”

IRMSA launches new measures as South African risk managers increasingly report facing personal threats

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