Risk Policy

RPA has developed (and applied) methodologies for the assessment and management of hazards and risks to both people and to the environment.

Such methodologies often need to account for both uncertainty and the level of risk which is considered 'acceptable'.   Furthermore, it may be the case that decisions to reduce risks are based on cost-benefit analysis.  

Examples of RPA's work in this area include:

RPA contributed to Defra's guidance on risk assessment in flood and coastal defence, FCDPAG4 Approaches to Risk, published in 2000.

RPA assisted the UK Climate Impacts Programme with a comprehensive guide to techniques which could assist decision-making in light of the risks and uncertainties presented by future climate change.

However, one report which continues to attract interest is RPA's work on societal risks and their acceptability (is an accident which kills 30 people 10 times 'worse' than one that kills three people?).