Example Risk Register Template

In my most recent blog, I discuss the need for a risk register. But if you haven't managed one before, then where should you begin? Below, you can download the template which I start with on all my projects. Plus a few words of advice and ideas:

• This is just an example! Just a sample template. I hope it is useful but don't just use it blindly. If it's right for you then great; but if you want to adapt it, simplify it, expand it then you should of course do so.
• Likelihood and Impact ratings: I'm a bit of a fan of not simply saying High, Medium, Low without trying to clarify what each means. Otherwise it can be very subjective and different people can interpret such words differently. Hence why I use a key to try to clarify each level. But...
• ... What this does mean is that I don't allocate 1,2,3 etc and thus this particular template doesn't have an 'overall risk' column where you multiply the Likelihood by the Impact; e.g. if you had a High Likelihood (and score it 3) and a High Impact (also scored 3) then multiply them together which gives you a simple 'risk factor' of 3x3 = 9. Some people like this sort of approach.
• The Response column: is very Prince, so if you want to adapt that then go ahead.
• Colours: I have added different sets of columns in the spreadsheet in different colours just to show a bit of structure. But once you get going you might want to make all columns the same colour and use a colour traffic light system for the individual rows.

And of course: there are many other ways of listing, recording and managing risks, and the risk register (and any template) is thus just one aspect of this. My way isn't necessarily best. There are many good ways of managing risks. And it won't make you a risk management guru overnight!

I hope this helps. If you have any questions or ideas/suggestions then please do add them in the Comments below.

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Click on the image below to download the template