How can we embrace risk and get ready for whatever life throws at us? Caron Bradshaw and Nigel Kippax's recent conference presentation takes a fresh look at risk management through the lens of sport, history, business and religion.
In a world defined by constant change and uncertainty, charities continue to stand at the forefront of supporting communities. The CFG Risk Conference 2026 on 11 February brought together leading voices and sector experts to tackle the most pressing issues facing charities today.
The afternoon session led by Caron Bradshaw OBE and Nigel Kippax of CFG sought to challenge traditional thinking on risk, receiving very favourable reviews:
- “Great delivery. Already plotting how we will change our approach to risk reporting”
- “Out with the old, in with the pragmatic approach to embrace risks”
- “The most useful session of the day”
Below is Nigel's summary of their presentation.
Embracing uncertainty – storytelling and risk
How many of us recognise the scenario. The meeting moves on to the topic of risk, attention shifts to the risk register and discussion focuses on all the things that could go wrong.
Much of the guidance and advice that leaders in the charity sector receive on risk is focused on avoiding bad things happening. Whilst protecting, controlling and assuring is essential, we argue that it is not sufficient.
A more balanced approach is needed. Without a desire and acceptance to take risk, nothing will change, nothing will grow.
‘Facts tell, but stories sell!’
The presentation used storytelling from the worlds of sport, history, corporate America and religion to address the question:
‘How can our risk mindset shift to a more balanced approach, one that embraces uncertainty?’
Sport
The extreme sport kayaking is not for everyone. Those who thrive in this environment certainly embrace risk. However, even those participating in one of the most risky sports on the planet know when to stop, reflect, assess and re-plan. Sometimes the waterfall really is too big! Risk is not an on/off switch. It’s a decision that requires judgement.
History
History offers many lessons on decision making. We reflected on the story of Bletchley Park and what followed once the Enigma code had been broken. We considered the different types of decisions that were taken and how understanding these can help us in our approach to charity risk. We identified what we described as ‘management’ decisions and ‘leadership’ decisions. Quite different in their nature, each essential, but neither sufficient on their own.
Corporate America
Attention then moved to corporate America and the research work of Robert Kaplan and Anette Mikes at Harvard Business School. In their 2012 Harvard Business Review article, they challenged decision makers to consider risk in three categories. Charity leaders can learn from this. The categories of external, preventable and strategic risks require different approaches and mindsets. There is no one-size that fits all when it comes to managing risk.
Religion
Finally, we turned our attention to the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25). As charity trustees or employees we are given responsibility over something of value - charity assets - that can be used to further the aims of the charity. We have a choice. We can protect these assets so that we hand them back ‘safe and sound’ once our tenure is over.
In the parable the servant who acted in this way was severely criticised. Alternatively, we can use the assets to build and grow the impact of the charity, thereby delivering social good and also creating our own personal legacy. We have a choice.
There is much to learn from stories, even from such diverse arenas as extreme sport and theology. Adopting a balanced approach to risk will be good for staff, good for trustees and good for society.
To help leaders progress on this topic, CFG are working with The Risk Collaborative to deliver the new and exciting Risk Leadership Programme which is due to launch mid-2026. To find out more about this programme, please email Nigel Kippax.
We hope to see you there!