Risk Management Programme for an International Protection Accommodation Service
“HCI’s expertise has been invaluable in reviewing and enhancing the risk management approach utilised across our IPAS centres. HCI’s Specialist took the time to understand the unique challenges of our service and delivered a comprehensive Risk Management Framework, including a detailed Risk Register and a robust policy and procedure. It was evident that HCI has a deep understanding of the specific risks within the IPAS sector. As a result, we now have a clear and structured framework that supports regulatory compliance and strengthens the safety and quality of care we provide.”
Senior Management Team Member
IPAS Provider
Background
HCI’s client operates a number of International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres in Ireland, providing essential services to individuals in the protection process.
Following initial risk management training delivered by HCI, our client recognised the need for a more structured and independent approach to managing risk within its centres. To address this, they engaged HCI to develop and implement a comprehensive Risk Management Programme. The objective was to establish a best practice Risk Management Framework that would ensure regulatory compliance, support the identification and mitigation of key risks, and enhance the overall safety and quality of service delivery in line with national standards.
Objectives
- Complete a risk assessment to identify and understand the corporate and service provision risks within the centres.
- Develop a standardised, best practice Risk Management Policy and Procedure to guide staff.
- Develop a clear and detailed Risk Register for Corporate and Service Provision Risks, in line with the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process.
- To provide Special Reception Needs Training to staff.
Solution
In order to ensure our client implemented a best practice Risk Management Framework, HCI provided the following service:
Development of a Project Plan.
Dedicated Quality and Safety Specialist.
Documentation Review.
Onsite Review and Risk Assessment.
Remote Site Interviews and Risk Assessment.
Development of Risk Management Policy and Procedure.
Development of Risk Assessment Template.
Development of Risk Register.
Client Reviews and Signs Off Risk Management Documents.
Special Reception Needs Training.
Challenge
- As IPAS is a newly regulated sector, Risk Management is not yet embedded, and the types of risks HIQA looks at continues to evolve.
Outcome
HCI supported the IPAS provider in developing a comprehensive Risk Management System. Through a combination of onsite engagement and remote interviews, HCI conducted an in-depth risk assessment to identify, evaluate, and categorise key risks across the organisation. This process culminated in a detailed Risk Register featuring clearly defined control measures to support staff in effective risk mitigation.
HCI also created a tailored Risk Management Policy and Procedure aligned with national standards, offering a structured methodology for ongoing risk identification, assessment, and response. To further enhance implementation, HCI also delivered Special Reception Needs Training, equipping staff to carry out Individual Risk Assessments with greater confidence and consistency.
Benefits
- Provides a thorough, independent assessment of both corporate and service-level risks across the centres.
- Enables the IPAS centres to clearly understand their risks and implement appropriate, evidence-based controls.
- Empowers staff with the knowledge and tools to proactively identify, assess, and manage risks.
- The comprehensive risk management policy guides staff on how to appropriately identify, assess, treat and monitor risks within the centres.
- The Special Reception Needs Training supports staff in identifying and managing individual resident risks more effectively.
- Generates awareness among staff of the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process.
- Leverages HCI’s extensive experience across multiple IPAS centres, ensuring a deep understanding of sector-specific risks and challenges.
- Strengthens regulatory compliance and demonstrates to HIQA and stakeholders a strong commitment to safety and quality.
- Enhances resident safety and contributes to a higher standard of care across all IPAS centres.