Risk Register

Risk Register
Risk RefRisk ScoreTier of RiskDescription of RiskLikelihood ScoreLikelihood DescriptionImpact ScoreImpact DescriptionCurrent Direction Of TravelExpected Direction of TravelTreat or TolerateResponsible Officer
1 20 Corporate There is a risk that priority schools within Band B will not be improved because of a lack of funding.    5 Certain 4 Major Static Q4 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director, Education & Lead Director for Children & Young People 
23 16 Corporate There is a risk that Torfaen will not meet the long-term Welsh Governments Statutory recycling targets due to lack of correct recycling behaviour of residents resulting in substantial fines to the Council. 4 Almost certain 4 Major Static Risk due to be de-escalated from March 24 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
56 16 Corporate There is a risk that the reduced availability of fostering and residential placements for children with complex needs will result in the use of unregulated placements which come at significant cost per placement and place the Local Authority in breach of the Care inspectorate Wales regulations. 4 Almost certain 4 Major Static March 2024 the impact of in year initiatives should be reducing numbers of unregulated placements. Treat   Strategic Director Social Care & Housing
61 16 Corporate There is a risk that due to failing to meet statutory recycling targets (64%) in 2021-22 that the Council will incur fines from Welsh Government. 4 Almost certain 4 Major Static Risk due to be de-escalated by September 23 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
72 20 Corporate There is a risk that the Council fails to ensure that future generations living in Torfaen can not benefit from biodiverse natural environment that supports their well-being.vThe successful delivery of the Climate and Nature Emergency Delivery Plan is dependent on new and emerging technology and measurement tools. Therefore, the current risk is our ability to fully understand the impact of our planned actions. 5 Certain 4 Major Static Annual Update Q1 2023/24 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
74 20 Corporate There is a risk that the Council fails to adequately support, lead and facilitate the Borough to become net zero carbon by 2050.  The successful delivery of the Climate and Nature Emergency Delivery Plan is dependent on new and emerging technology and measurement tools. Therefore, the current risk is our ability to fully understand the impact of our planned actions. 4 Almost certain 5 Critical Static Annual Update Q1 2023/24 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
77 16 Corporate There is a risk that outcomes for learners will not improve, especially in our secondary schools.   4 Almost certain 4 Major Static Q2 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director, Education & Lead Director for Children & Young People 
78 16 Corporate There is a risk that the council will not achieve its strategic objectives for education without rigorous performance and self-evaluation systems. 4 Almost certain 4 Major Static Q2 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director, Education & Lead Director for Children & Young People 
79 16 Corporate There is a risk that provision for learners, including those with Additional Learning Needs will not be as good as it could be unless strategic leadership in the Education Service improves. 4 Almost certain 4 Major Static Q2 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director, Education & Lead Director for Children & Young People 
4 12 Directorate There is a risk that increasing numbers and complexity of referrals from the dependant adult population will place an increased strain on demand led (statutory) services creating inappropriate waiting times posing a threat to the independence , autonomy and outcomes of individuals in need of care and support . 3 Likely 4 Major Static Impact of Adults & Communities restructure should see this dereasing materially from March 2024  Treat   Strategic Director Social Care & Housing
11 10 Directorate There is a risk that the Council may become financially unsustainable if an appropriate corporate, service and medium-term financial plan is not agreed. 2 Possible  5 Critical Static Feb-24 Treat Deputy Chief Exec  
14 12 Directorate There is a risk that the demand for quality / affordable homes and housing need will not be met if we are unable to increase supply. 4 Likely 3 Moderate Static Tolerate Tolerate Strategic Director Communities & Digital
17 9 Directorate There is a risk that young people will lose life opportunities by not being in employment, education or training (NEET) unless we are able to maintain our improvement in progressing more young people into EET. 3 Likely 3 Moderate Static Data published Q3 of 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director Communities & Digital
19 15 Directorate There is a risk that the council may not be able to meet its statutory requirements to assess and place young people with learning needs up to the age of 25 when the act comes into force.  3 Likely 5 Critical Static Q3 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director, Education & Lead Director for Children & Young People 
21 12 Directorate There is a risk that without sufficient funding the condition of the council's highway network will continue to deteriorate. 4 Almost certain 3 Moderate Increasing Q2 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
39 12 Directorate There is a risk that the quantity of private (rented) sector will diminish further and become unaffordable for many residents of Torfaen 4 Almost certain 3 Moderate Static Tolerate Tolerate Strategic Director Communities & Digital
46 12 Directorate There is a risk that local residential, nursing homes and domiciliary agencies will cease trading in the current market which will impact on the ability to commission appropriate support for vulnerable people 3 Likely 4 Major Static Sept 2023 new fees should be estabilshed and financial stability will be known therefore risk should be decreasing Treat   Strategic Director Social Care & Housing
47 9 Directorate There is a risk that children who require early interventions will not receive support because children with higher needs are prioritised and capacity at a preventative level is reached. 3 Likely 3 Moderate Static Tolerate Tolerate Strategic Director Social Care & Housing
54 9 Directorate There is a risk of a weakened statutory local policy framework to determine planning applications / appeals after 31st March 2021 when the adopted Torfaen Local Development Plan reached its end date. 3 Likely 3 Moderate Static Review Dec 2024 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
58 12 Directorate There is a risk to people, property and the environment from falling trees and tree limbs caused by Ash Dieback, a fungal disease affecting Ash Trees (Fraxinus Excelsior)   3 Likely 4 Major Static Q1 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
64 12 Directorate There is a risk that standards may fail to improve at the appropriate pace as a consequence of identified issues in the quality of teaching, learning and leadership in two of our secondary schools. 4 Almost certain 3 Moderate Static Q2 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director, Education & Lead Director for Children & Young People 
67 9 Directorate There is a risk that failure to recruit and retain sector wide social care staff will impact on our ability to assess and support our vulnerable residents in a timely manner. 3 Likely 3 Moderate Static By March 2024 impact of national, regional & local innitiatives should be impacting on recruitment & retention. Treat   Strategic Director Social Care & Housing
69 9 Directorate There is a risk that if the Council faces the loss of a number of HGV drivers without the ability to replace it could have an impact on service provision including, but not limited to, the collection of recycling and waste and the provision of winter services. 3 Likely 3 Moderate Static Risk due to be de-escalated by September 23 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
70 12 Directorate There is a risk that there could be movement of coal tips within Torfaen with the potential to damage property, assets or land. 3 Likely 4 Major Static To be reviewed once the Legislation is passed Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
73 12 Directorate There is a risk that the Council fails to become net carbon zero by 2030.  The successful delivery of the Climate and Nature Emergency Delivery Plan is dependent on new and emerging technology and measurement tools. Therefore, the current risk is our ability to fully understand the impact of our planned actions. 3 Likely 4 Major Static Annual Update Q1 2023/24 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
76 15 Directorate There is a risk that due to the changes in Welsh Government Homelessness policy “No One Left Out” there will be a significant rise in homelessness cases and an insufficient supply of temporary accommodation to those individuals owed a duty under the Housing Wales Act 2014. 5 Almost certain 3 Moderate Static Expect deescalation of the risk by Qtr 3 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director Communities & Digital
80 12 Directorate There is a risk that the end of Welsh Government’s Bus Emergency Scheme funding on 31st March 2023 will vastly reduce the availability of bus services within Torfaen.  3 Likely 4 Major Static Tolerate Tolerate Strategic Director Economy & Environment
81 12 Directorate That the Council fails to deliver key projects/programmes due to a shortage of skilled and experienced staff resources 4 Almost certain 3 Moderate Static Risk due to be de-escalated by December 23 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
87 9 Directorate There is a risk that the Council finds itself unable to let properties within its commercial portfolio due incremental changes in the MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) regulations, resulting in a diminishing annual income stream and lower asset values over time 3 Likely 3 Moderate Static Risk due to be de-escalated by March 2024 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
89 12 Directorate There is a risk of slower progress with digital transformation should there be a reliance on a central team to deliver all transformation activity. 4 Almost certain 3 Moderate Static Review Quarterly Treat   Strategic Director Communities & Digital
49A 10 Directorate There is a risk to  health and safety from natural hazards on the publicly accessible site at the British 2 Possible  5 Critical Static Tolerate Tolerate Strategic Director Communities & Digital
49B 12 Directorate There is a risk that failure to complete the phase 1 works at the British could have a reputational and financial impact. 3 Likely 4 Major Static Review Risk Score Q3 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director Communities & Digital
93 9 Directorate There is a risk that the Authority will incur costs due to the underfunding of the Universal Primary Free School Meals project 3 Likely 3 Moderate Static Tolerate Tolerate Strategic Director Communities & Digital
95 9 Directorate There is a risk that schools will be unable to provide an effective and safe learning environment if there are inadequate and/or ineffective repair or maintenance of school buildings and/or sites 3 Likely 3 Moderate Static Review Risk score Q3 23/24 Treat   Joint between Education and Economy & Environment
96 9 Directorate There is a risk that grave spaces at Llwyncelyn Cemetery for both lawn and cremated remains burials will run out, resulting in unnecessary delays to burials for an undetermined period of time.  3 Likely 3 Moderate New Sep-23 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
8 5 Service  That the Council could fail to maintain continuity of service provision in its buildings due to resource constraints and the ageing nature of assets (including structure, plant and services). 1 Rare 5 Critical Static Risk due to be de-escalated by March 2024 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
12 6 Service  There is a risk that long term service delivery may be impeded without strategic workforce planning. 2 Possible  3 Moderate Static Risk due to be de-escalated by June 2023 Treat   Deputy Chief Exec  
28 4 Service  There is a risk that the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site (BILWHS) is endangered leading to the potential loss of World Heritage Site (WHS) status and reputational damage to the Council. 1 Rare 4 Major Static Review after the results of the WHS Periodic Review are due by  31st July 2023 Treat   Strategic Director Communities & Digital
30 6 Service  There is a risk that the council's finances will be adversely impacted as a result of overspending against corporate budget limits. 2 Possible  3 Moderate Static Ongoing Treat Deputy Chief Exec  
31 3 Service  There is a risk that the council will incur fines / possible removal of an element of its card payment facility if the Payment Card Industry Standards are not met. 1 Rare 3 Moderate Static Tolerate Tolerate Deputy Chief Exec  
32 6 Service  There is a risk that additional costs and /or a loss of productivity may be incurred if sickness absence is not managed effectively and the increase in absence relating to poor mental health is not addressed. 2 Possible  3 Moderate Static Tolerate Tolerate Deputy Chief Exec  
48 8 Service  There is a risk that poor information governance and management could have an adverse impact on the council’s finances and reputation and that we could fail to comply with Data Protection legislation. 2 Possible  4 Major Static Tolerate Tolerate Strategic Director Communities & Digital
63 6 Service  There is a risk that Out of County Placements for children and young people with complex educational needs are becoming more frequent and more costly. 2 Possible  3 Moderate Static Tolerate Tolerate Strategic Director, Education & Lead Director for Children & Young People 
65 8 Service  There is a risk of potential disruption to service provision as a result of the Council experiencing significant difficulties in obtaining ICT equipment (laptops & desktop computers) that are suitable for business use due to the national shortages of these specific devices. 2 Possible  4 Major Static Tolerate Tolerate Strategic Director Communities & Digital
71 6 Service  There is a risk that our ability to maintain accurate and safe care management records on Children, Families and Adults that are in receipt of statutory services if the Wales Community Care Information System (WCCIS) becomes unfit for purpose.  2 Possible  3 Moderate Static Tolerate Tolerate Strategic Director Social Care & Housing
83 4 Service  There is a risk of potential overspend on waste budgets if fuel prices continue to increase. 2 Possible  2 Minor Static Risk due to be de-escalated by Sept 23 Tolerate Strategic Director Economy & Environment
84 6 Service  There is a risk of not having adequate space to process the increase of recyclables as a result of proposed changes to residual waste collections that are required to achieve mandatory recycling targets. 2 Possible  3 Moderate Static Risk due to be de-escalated from January 24 Tolerate Strategic Director Economy & Environment
85 6 Service  There is a risk of further disruption to waste collections due to an increased number of breakdowns as a result of an aging fleet and delays to the new vehicles being delivered. 2 Possible  3 Moderate Decreasing Risk due to be de-escalated by March 23 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
86 6 Service  There is a risk that the Council fails to find, and implement, an appropriate new operating model for Springboard Innovation Centre leading to sub-optimal economic development outcomes and an ongoing need for TCBC to provide financial subsidy 2 Possible  3 Moderate Static Risk due to be de-escalated by March 2024 Treat   Strategic Director Economy & Environment
90 6 Service  There is a risk that ICT and Digital solutions are being procured which:
- Non compliant with required legislation or standards (e.g. accessibility, security, GDPR, Welsh Language, OR;
- Don’t meet business needs, OR;
- May not be required due to availability of existing solutions		 2 Possible  3 Moderate Static Review at year end with a view to de-escalate March 2024 Treat   Strategic Director Communities & Digital
91 8 Service  There is a risk that continued and sustained attacks on the corporate network can significantly impact on the operational business of the Council and significant data loss as a consequence. 2 Possible  4 Major Static . The risk will always be present and we will treat accordingly but should see de-escation by Q2 23/24 Treat   Strategic Director Communities & Digital
92 5 Service  There is a risk that Non-payment of pupil school meal charges results in the deficit position of the catering budget. Cost of living crisis adding additional pressure to local families which could have a direct impact on debt levels. Political appetite for imposing sanctions on non-paying families would be low.  5 Certain 1 Insignificant Static Risk de-escalation expected by September 23 continuing to follow the corporate debt policy          Treat   Strategic Director Communities & Digital
94 3 Service  There is a risk that with additional responsibilities and workload falling on primary cooks from the rollout of the Universal Primary Free School Meal (UPFSM) policy, the current pay level will no longer be appealing. The current pay gap between catering assistant and cook also assistant cook and cook is narrowing year on year and with the living wage set to increase will narrow further. 3 Likely 1 Insignificant Static Risk de- escaltation expected by September 23 following full rollout of UPFSM         Treat   Strategic Director Communities & Digital

* Treat - To reduce the risk to an acceptable level by taking mitigating action(s)
* Tolerate - The Council may tolerate a risk where the risk cannot be mitigated cost effectively or is effectively mitigated by internal controls even if it remains high

Last Modified: 15/06/2023 Back to top