How to form an ERM working group

15 October 2024

Embedding ERM into your culture requires the right individuals driving the process.

In our last blog, we introduced Ecclesiastical’s expert approach to Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) - a smarter way to identify, manage, and even benefit from the strategic risks all organisations face. We also shared our ERM Toolkit Summary, designed to guide you through the process and help embed ERM into your organisation.

Why a working group matters

A successful ERM system needs strong leadership and oversight. Even large organisations can struggle to find time and resources to focus on future risks -especially when they feel abstract or uncertain. But ERM isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s essential for long-term success. That’s why it needs to be championed by senior leaders and embraced across the organisation.

Where to start

To embed ERM into your culture, you need the right people in place. So, who should lead it? What should other team members be responsible for? And how do you make sure it’s more than just a box-ticking exercise?

The answer: form an ERM Working Group.

What is an ERM Working Group?

An ERM Working Group is a team of staff members who:

Are responsible for thinking strategically about risk
Develop and communicate risk management plans
Ensure those plans are put into action

This group plays a key role in making ERM part of everyday business.

Helpful resources

To support you, we’ve created a sample Terms of Reference for your ERM Working Group. It’s a practical guide from our experienced ERM team, designed to help you build a group that fits your organisation’s needs. While every organisation is different, this resource offers a strong starting point.