Protected

Plans for financial ups and downs and stays on top of the risks.

◆ What good looks like

Full cost recovery understood; a reserves policy that fits; risks actively monitored; a simple plan to respond when risks arise; board confidence and challenge.

What erodes it

Minimal or no reserves; full costs not recovered; risks spotted late; low board financial confidence.

The maturity ladder

Emerging → Developing → Mastering

Emerging

Full costs not consistently recovered, reserves minimal, risks identified late, limited board confidence.

Developing

Full cost recovery better understood, some reserves, growing risk awareness and board oversight.

Mastering

Risks actively monitored, full costs built into funding, reserves deliberately maintained, strong board confidence and challenge.

Questions to sit with

at the level of your organisation

AnticipateWhat are the main financial risks now, in the near future, and further ahead?

PrepareHave we agreed a reserves policy that is right for us?

RespondDo we have a straightforward plan to respond promptly when risks arise?