ALARM has been in existence in one form or another for sixteen years. Over that time there have been considerable changes both with regard to the organisation itself and the environment in which it operates. In the last few years membership has grown by over 150%, the Association now has in excess of 1700 members.
The profile of risk management has been enhanced in the public sector and is now generally recognised as a key consideration for all public sector bodies. The Association has developed from a small, but enthusiastic grouping to become a significant player in the risk management arena.
Members are from a diverse range of public sector organisations which include: Local Government, The Police Service, Fire and Rescue Services, Water Authorities, Probation Service, Universities, The Environment Agency, Housing Associations, Health Authorities, National Parks and The Construction Service Agency.
Public Services are increasingly hard pressed to find the resources needed to deliver services which are valued by the public. Unplanned and therefore unbudgeted losses impose additional burdens upon service providers. Whether these losses result from the activities of criminals, from litigation, or from accidents, ALARM believes much can be done to reduce this drain on resources.
To create an effective risk management programme, aimed at reducing total losses as well as mitigating the effects of those which do occur, requires corporate as well as inidividual commitment.
ALARM aims to make a positive contribution to loss reduction in the Public Sector. By working in collaboration, ALARM brings together a variety of experiences. We wish to share this pool of knowledge amongst all Public Services to avoid duplication of effort and further waste of precious resources. We also aim to provide,over a period of time, some guidance in terms of best practice for both new and more experienced Risk Managers. At the same time we aim to influence the national agencies which are directly involved with the provision of Public Services. We are committed to the partnership approach as this, in our view, is the most effective way to stem the ever-rising impact on our budgets of growing losses and an increasing claims experience.
The strength of the Association is its members and the professionalism commitment and quality of work undertaken both within and external to their employing organisations.
