The Netherlands Red Cross

Most companies use RiskChallenger's software on a project basis. The Dutch Red Cross shows that it can also be used in a different way. They use RiskChallenger software for strategic risk management. In an interview with Monique Brouwer (Risk & Compliance Officer) she explains how this came about and what her experiences are with RiskChallenger's software.

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Why did the Dutch Red Cross choose RiskChallenger?

The Dutch Red Cross decided to take a more professional approach and further develop integrated risk management. The Excel sheets that were used in the beginning lacked involvement and transparency.

So began the search process for a software that did offer this. RiskChallenger was extremely interesting because of its flexibility and ability to grow. Monique found it pleasant that she could try out the software herself.

Monique: “I was just allowed to do a pilot. This allowed me to develop myown ideas and see if I could shape them within the Dutch Red Cross. RiskChallenger is very accessible in this regard. I have also looked at other tools, but they are often advanced. We hadn't gotten that far yet, we were really in those first steps. And you matched that perfectly.”

Monique found the initial use of the software simple and accessible. She was the first to try it out herself and didn't need a manual. RiskChallenger also offers support when new colleagues use the software. During the firsttraining, everyone starts adding risks and holding brainstorming sessions. That practical aspect works well, according to Monique. She emphasizes that transparency was an important requirement for a tool, but that this was not the only advantage.

Monique: “Everything that is recorded in a risk register is in this tool. Internally we had nothing but Excel sheets. I was able to translate everything we had into the tool one-on-one. In addition, reputation is extremely important to us within the charity sector. And it plays an integral role in all risks, which is easy to implement for you. So instead of just talking about opportunities and impact, you could include reputation as an integral aspect everywhere. That was also very nice, it matched very well with what we had on a paper version.”

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What does the Dutch Red Cross use the software for?

The Dutch Red Cross initially uses the software for strategic risk management.

Monique: “That has to do with the fact that we want to relate it to our strategic goals. Then you not only look at the negative effect of a risk, but also the opportunities, the positive sides of a risk. That still takes a bit of searching within the tool, I admit that. Because that is another facet, you can clearly see that it is a project management tool. With strategic risk management you don't close anything, you just want to see developments compared to previous periods.”

Monique says that the software is ideal as a brainstorming tool, for example during a session on external risks or trends with the management team. They translate the opportunities that arise from this into the strategy, objectives and annual plan. The risks are secured within RiskChallenger.

In addition to brainstorming, the Dutch Red Cross uses the tool to receive input on risks, causes and consequences. This allows us to delve much deeper into the content.

Monique: “And I think that is the power of risk management in itself, it is about dialogue and not about the water status figure. The broader and more varied the group is, the better your risk management will be. And this tool helps with that.”

For Monique, that is where the added value of RiskChallenger lies.

Monique: “We have never discussed risks very broadly. For me, the advantage lies mainly in the depth of the dialogue, which is now improving. Because it is now accessible and is an easy tool to get that involvement going.”

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What are the experiences with RiskChallenger?

Monique finds RiskChallenger's service and support very pleasant. She believes that RiskChallenger is easily accessible and very proactive.

Monique: “You are very involved with the customer and what I notice is that you are not only easily accessible, but also open to further developing the tool and contributing ideas. It's not just a listening ear, you also develop and help with implementation.”
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She would give RiskChallenger a 10 for support and service. She gives the tool itself an 8.
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Monique: “Because I am really still looking for the relationship between objectives and risks. But that is really the strategic risk management that we are involved in and what we are really looking for. For now it is our perfect tool. I wouldn't switch to another one, I'm not even looking at another tool.”

Would you like to try out the tool just like Monique? Start your first risk session immediately via the button below. Are you curious about what else RiskChallenger can do for you? Please contact us.

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