The new chairman of ALARM (Association of Local Authority Risk Managers) has declared that forging closer links with government and other agencies to raise the profile of public sector risk management is one of his top priorities.
Ian Horwood was elected chairman for a two year term yesterday at ALARM's Manchester conference.
During his term Horwood said he also intended to work more closely with ALARM's members, energise the public image of ALARM, and build on existing work to achieve a new, self-sufficient funding base for the association.
He said: "There are experts in risk management in every field of public life, from local authorities to the emergency services, and they play a critical role in identifying and managing the risk attached to the delivery of front-line service.
"More than 1,300 of those experts are members of ALARM, and as we celebrate the association's 10th birthday we need to build on our achievements by making our voice heard throughout the country.
"Therefore I intend to establish far stronger links with Government departments and with other core agencies like the Association of British Industry, the Local Government Association and SOLACE - the body for senior strategic managers working in the public sector.
"I also want to raise our profile within the mainstream media, to ensure our views are reaching the wider public."
Horwood is the risk manager at Wycombe District Council. He succeeds Kevin McGlone, Assistant Director of Finance at Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
