CLIENT'S CHALLENGE
The organisation had recently refreshed its risk framework and updated its risk appetite statement. However, leadership identified a critical gap: while frameworks were in place, the culture of risk was inconsistent.
Risk Silence
Teams were hesitant to raise emerging risks, fearing repercussions or inaction.
Leadership Signals
Executives unintentionally sent mixed messages—emphasising performance but not reinforcing risk awareness.
Compliance Over Engagement
Risk was seen as a “tick-the-box” activity, with little connection to purpose, values, or daily decisions.
Missed Opportunities
Risks were sometimes identified too late, and opportunities were not pursued due to low confidence in how risk trade-offs were handled.
The leadership team recognised the disconnect: without a healthy risk culture, even the best frameworks would fall short.
OUR APPROACH
Metropolis Advisory applied a tailored three-phase approach to shift behaviours, embed new expectations, and align risk culture with organisational values.
Risk Culture Diagnostics
- Conducted a baseline assessment using interviews, surveys, and observation of risk behaviours with front line staff, management and the Board.
- Analysed risk dialogue across governance forums, team meetings, and operational planning cycles.
- Mapped disconnects between stated risk values and lived experiences
Leadership Alignment & Cultural Anchoring
- Delivered executive workshops on the “visible behaviours” of effective risk leadership.
- Facilitated frank discussions on how risk culture is influenced by role modelling, psychological safety, and reward systems.
- Helped senior leaders craft consistent messaging about risk expectations aligned with strategic goals.
Building Risk Culture into Daily Practice
- Designed and ran risk-based scenario sessions to encourage real-time discussion and challenge.
- Created team-level risk discussion templates to normalise regular, proactive risk conversations.
- Aligned onboarding and induction materials to reinforce the “why” of risk and connect it with organisational purpose.
FROM OUR CLIENT
“Working with Metropolis Advisory helped us connect the dots. Risk is no longer something we ‘tick off’—it’s something we talk about. It’s how we lead.”
General Manager, Operations
VALUE-ADDS & CLIENT OUTCOMES
Improved Risk Dialogue
Risk conversations became more open, consistent and constructive across all levels of the organisation.
Leadership Confidence
Senior leaders reported greater confidence in supporting risk-informed decisions.
Stronger Psychological Safety
Staff survey results showed a 35% increase in confidence to speak up about risk issues without fear.
Cultural Consistency
Risk management became embedded in strategy discussions, project reviews, and operational plans—not just audits or compliance forums.
At Metropolis Advisory, we believe risk culture isn’t invisible—it’s observable, measurable, and actionable.
We help organisations take a behavioural approach to risk, so that every conversation supports better decisions and stronger outcomes.
