Democracy Spraffa

A&R June 26

Argyll and Bute Council · 16 June 2026
Back to Argyll and Bute HSCP Audit and Risk Committee — 16 June 2026 and its agenda

Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.

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Page 1

APPENDIX 1
Argyll & Bute HSCP - Strategic Risk Register - June 2026
SSR Ref Description Of Risk Consequence Likelihood Impact Risk Rating / Score Mitigations /
Control Measures 2026/27 Likelihood Impact Risk Rating / Score New
Control Measures RiskOwner(s)
1
Medium Term Financial Sustainability - risk
of financial failure. This could be as a result of
demand, cost pressures, inflation, failure to deliver
savings or as a result of the level of delegated
resource to the IJB from Scottish Government and /
or partners being insufficient to deliver on strategic
objectives.
Inability to deliver on the Strategic Plan, reduction in
performance, progress not being made in respect of
national priorities and targets, reputational damage to
IJB and partners and the requirement to implement
service changes or reductions that don't line with
strategy. Intervention in management of HSCP.
4- Likely 5 - Extreme VERY HIGH 20 • Financial information reported to Finance & Policy Cttee and IJB
for current year, next year and the 3 year outlook
• Review of funding allocations and settlements from government
and partners and engagement with sector networks
• Finance & Policy Committee scrutiny of financial performance,
risk management, savings programme and financial planning
• Delivery of Savings, project management approach to monitor
and record progress
• Financial governance, integrated financial reporting, financial risk
register, operational and strategic reporting along with modelling
of cost pressures.
• Independent external audit of accounting and financial planning
and reporting process of partners and HSCP
• Engagement with budget holders and finance teams to improve
financial forecasting.
• Use of general reserves to protect services and enable longer
term approach and service transformation.
4- Likely 5- Extreme VERY HIGH 20 • Plans for use of reserves and refresh of Transformation
Programme, available resources largely allocated
• Engagement with NRAC modelling team and allocations
• External audit highlighting risk to IJB, NHSH and A&B Council
• HSCP inclusion in NHSH enhanced expenditure control
processes
•  Risk increasing due to continued increasing demand and costs
• Engagement with both partners and development and
implementation of financial recovery plans and request for
additional resource.
• Nationally set strategic objectives do not align with current
perception of the financial reality facing the sector at present. 
• Scotland's Fiscal Outlook published and indicates financial
pressures are expected to continue through at least the next 5
years.
•SLA with Greater Glasgow and Clyde presents a strategic
financial risk.
•new inflationary pressures arising from conflicts.
Chief Finance Officer /
Chief Officer / SLT
↑
2
Going Concern Status - risk of financial failure
within a 1 year time horizon due to overspending of
service budgets, inflation and cost pressures or
reductions in funding
Inability to deliver on the Strategic Plan, reduction in
performance, progress not being made in respect of
national priorities and targets, reputational damage to
IJB and partners and the requirement to implement
service changes or reductions that don't align with the
strategic objectives. Possibility of external 
intervention in management.
4- Likely 5 - Extreme VERY HIGH 20 Mitigations are as above. Budget for 2026/27 requires use of
reserves and delivery of savings, however the HSCP has reserves in
place.
3 - Possible 5- Extreme HIGH 15 Level of reserves and non-recurring funding currently in place
mitigate - a revised assessment is required depending upon the
Scottish Government budget in December 2025, the position of
both partners and progress with savings delivery. Positive
financial outturn in 2025/26 reduces risk.
Chief Finance Officer /
Chief Officer / SLT
↓
3
Delivery of Strategic Objectives - inability to
design and deliver transformational change could
lead to a failure to deliver on strategic outcomes
and the Strategic Plan. The pace of change to re-
design services doesn't keep up with the
demographic pressures.
Inability to engage with the workforce and
communities on the need for change could lead to
reputational damage and the increased fragility of
health and social care services and poorer health
outcomes for local people.
4- Likely 4- Major HIGH 16 • Delivery of the annual Savings Plan with IIAs produced to
highlight impacts
• Medium term budget planning integrated with strategic planning
• Performance reporting - management information and
transparent reporting to IJB
• Communications and engagement strategies and new
engagement post
• SLT reporting structure and links with partner organisations,
including Chief Officer representation on partner senior
management teams
• Engagement with staff representatives
• Clearly articulated  impact on Quality and Performance in all
service redesign plans
4- Likely 4 - Major HIGH 16 • Review of transformation programme structure and increased
resourcing of key projects
• Financial and staffing constraints putting ability of HSCP to
deliver on strategic objectives at increasing risk
• Service Reform and Population Health frameworks published -
funding for delivery of the strategic objectives is not in place
• Service reductions being considered which will impact on
delivery of strategic objectives
• New strategic plan addresses the current context and makes the
strategic objectives more realistic relative to resourcing.
Chief Officer / SLT
↔
4
Demographic Changes - failure to
implement strategies and actions to address future
demographic challenges of declining population,
reduced working age population and an increase in
older people. Failure to accurately forecast the
impact on services including shifting the balance of
care and implementing new models of care and / or
ensuring there is sufficient capacity.
This could lead to service failure to meet needs of
service users and deliver against the Strategic Plan
objectives.
5-Almost
Certain
4 - Major VERY HIGH 20 • Strategic Plan and role of Strategic Planning Group
• Incorporation of demographic forecasts into Strategic Planning
and Locality Planning
• Locality Planning Groups to inform service re-designs in each
locality in line with needs of the population
• Strategic Workforce Planning Group established to share data
and good practice and develop 3-year workforce plans
• Demand pressures for services incorporated into budget process
• National awareness of demographic changes been driver for
change in the way services are delivered
• Ongoing engagement with Community Planning Partners and
joint planning
•Strategic Care Home Review
4- Likely 4- Major HIGH 16 • Resourcing and commencement of prevention agenda and co-
production work
• Planning for future workforce demographic changes in
Workforce Plan
• Updated population modelling and indication of increasing
demand for Older Adult Services and review of care home
provision
•  Workforce planning and key worker accommodation project.
Chief Officer / SLT
↑
5
Governance and Leadership - IJB
arrangements are not conducive to effective
working and lead to poor decision making and lack
of strategic direction and inability to have
appropriate risk management, contingency and
resilience processes in place to respond
appropriately to emergencies and changing
circumstances.
Service and reputational damage, lack of confidence in
the IJB and inability to deliver on strategic objectives in
a consistent manner.
4- Likely 4 - Major HIGH 16 • Appropriate representation on the IJB
• Programme of development sessions for IJB members
• Standing Orders and Code of Conduct in place
• Effective sub-committee structure in place
• Internal Audit review of governance arrangements and
recommendations implemented
• External Audit review of governance and annual governance
statement
• Regular engagement with Standards Officer and regulatory bodies
• Full engagement of Board in development of Strategic Plan and
Commissioning Strategy
4- Likely 4- Major HIGH 16 • Continuous improvement to achieve a holistic approach to the
Governance of the IJB and regular review of performance
• Implementation of governance improvement actions and audit
recommendations
• New Strategic Plan developed, consulted upon and approved by
the IJB.
• Resilience and contingency planning incorporated within SLT
and contingency plans in place
• Integration scheme review complete.
• HSCP leadership group established and engagement in potential
reform models (SAM)
• Increased stability in the Senior Leadership Team but
highlighted as a risk nationally by audit Scotland regarding
statutory posts in particular.
Chief Officer
↓
Gross Risk Residual Risk

Page 2

6
Partnership Working - Service delivery failure
due to inadequate relationships with partners
including the Council and Health Board and
commissioned service providers including NHS
GG&C and the third sector.
May lead to duplication of effort, poor relationships
and the inability to effectively negotiate the IJB's
position. The partnership may be viewed as failing or
not achieving objectives, leading to reputational
damage and loss of confidence in IJB. Could also result
in a reduction or loss of services to the community and
failure to exploit opportunities for joint working,
innovation and efficiencies.
4 -Likely 4 - Major HIGH 16 • Integration Scheme in place and clear
• Independent scrutiny arrangements in place and work of internal
audit, including assurance mapping
• Representation on IJB from partners, community representatives
and third sector representatives
• Clear channels of communication and information sharing
protocols in place
• Directions are issued to Partners in line with strategic direction
and operational delivery of services
• Strategic Planning work with Commissioned Service providers
and new Commissioning Strategy
• Third Sector representation on the IJB and commitment to co-
production
4- Likely 4- Major HIGH 16 • Approval of Commissioning Strategy,  following consultation
with Partners
• Resourcing and Commencement  of Prevention and Co-
Production work and activities and integration of these within
Transformation Programme
• Re-establishment of regular meetings with GGCHB but
increased charging and worsening delayed discharge performance
increasing risk re GGC. Additional resource allocated to improve
governance and operational oversight of this contract locally and
regionally.
• Improved engagement mechanisms and establishment of
prevention and co-production workstreams
• Improved engagement with RSLs
• Discussions with Partners over funding becoming increasingly
challenging and change management processes within HSCP, and
Partners present a risk to working relationships.
• Savings proposals, budget gaps and delayed discharge
performance contributing to increasing risk - particularly for 3rd
sector partners where funding has been reduced but mitigation in
place to assist transition.
• Review of integration Scheme complete.
Chief Officer  / SLT
↑
7
Infrastructure and Assets - assets are owned by
the Council and Health Board.  Risk that these do
not meet the current and future requirements due
to underinvestment in maintenance, equipment
and ICT or that assets are not being used or
managed efficiently and effectively.
Risk assets not being maintained / replaced or being
otherwise appropriate to support the IJB's strategic
outcomes and do not enable efficient, safe and
effective service delivery. Properties will fail to meet
standards required by regulators and fail to deliver on
carbon reduction commitments. Equipment will
become unreliable with additional downtime and ICT
infrastructure will not support Digital Transformation
ambitions or may add to cyber security risks.
Increasing risk of failure which could result in facilities
or equipment being unavailable.
Risk associated with inspections by regulators /
inspectors increasing as several facilities in use are not
compliant with current standards.
5-Almost
Certain
4 - Major VERY HIGH 20 • Progressing  co-location options with Argyll & Bute Council
• Represented on Argyll & Bute Council and on NHS Highland Asset
Management Boards
• Partnership working to reflect joint planning approach with
membership of both partner Asset Groups
• Appointment of new senior management post to increase
capacity
• Operation of Infrastructure Transformation Board and
engagement of both partners in it.
5-Almost
Certain
4 - Major VERY HIGH 20 • HSCP Digital / IT strategy now complete to better enable TEC /
remote working.
• New Strategic Estates & Sustainability Post, establishment of
Infrastructure Transformation Board.
• Strategic Assessment work underway to get replacement assets
in capital pipeline with NHSH, A&B projects on priority list.
• Focus to shift to maintenance of existing assets and
rationalisation and do minimum approach. Budget not sufficient
to address backlog maintenance or essential asset replacement. 
Some funding in place to address Fire safety works in NHS
buildings, funding being sought for a variety of projects.
• Care Homes review now moving to engagement stage and
improved understanding of long-term service demand
• Some essential projects completed to reduce specific risk, key
worker accommodation project having an impact
• Risk associated with regulatory non-compliance is increasing
• Building fabric issues and risks better understood across all sites
and prioritisation processes in place.
Chief Officer / Head of
Strategic Planning and
Performance / Head
of Finance
↔
Risk relates to both
local operational and
strategic impacts.
8
Sustainability of commissioned service
providers - financial and operational sustainability
of care at home and care home commissioned
service providers deteriorates as a result of financial
and workforce pressures.
Market failure would lead to disruption of service, the
implementation of contingency plans, increased costs
and an adverse impact on individuals and their
families. Would also impact on the ability of the IJB to
deliver on the planned shift in the balance of care.
5 - Almost
Certain
5 -Extreme VERY HIGH 25 • Commissioning Team supplier relationship and market
management, including contract management and review
processes and solvency checks, as part of contract management
• Additional funding for providers to facilitate the implementation
of wage increases and Fair Work Practices
• Engagement with national work supporting the National
Contracting
• Contingency planning in localities for care at home.  Care Home
and Care at Home Assurance Group for Argyll and Bute to identify
and manage local and short term risks  
• Care Home Strategic Review underway and demographic
modelling complete.
• Engagement with national workforce planning and local training
providers around promotion of care profession
5 - Almost
Certain
4- Major VERY HIGH 20 • Continuing work with providers in partnership and quarterly
provider forums for care homes and care at home
• Ongoing engagement nationally with financial sustainability
plans and flexible approach to local support, where necessary
• Contingency planning, ability to respond effectively to issues, as
they arise.
• Engagement with key providers and project planning to address
issues, as they arise and regular management escalation, where
appropriate
• Positive Internal Audit review provides assurance risk is being
managed appropriately
• Potential service reductions could increase this risk further,
context of NI increase not being funded. Sector publicly
communicated the fragility of many independent care providers
to government.
• Transition budget to help with managing savings and funding
reductions.
• A further care provider is in the process of closing and HSCP
responding effectively to this however new service models
require to be developed in some areas.
Chief Finance Officer /
Chief Officer / SLT
↑
9
Equalities - Services are not delivered
in a way that addresses inequality or takes into
account the needs of those with protected
characteristics.
Service users are put at unnecessary risk of harm and
people with poorer life chances may have their health
and wellbeing impacted. Groups with protected
characteristics may be perceived to be impacted
unfairly.
4 - Likely 3- Moderate HIGH 12 • Equalities Outcomes Framework in place
• Equalities impact considered, as part of IJB decision-making and
Service change
• Communication with Service users, as part of implementation of
Service change, using engagement and communication strategies
• Adjustments to implementation plans are actioned, where
appropriate, to mitigate any potential negative impact
• Service changes not implemented where this would constitute
unlawful discrimination
4 - Likely 3 - Moderate HIGH 12 • IIA and community engagement processes are improving
• Review of Equality outcomes in line with Policy
• Requirement to make savings may result in increasing adverse
impacts and risk of challenge in respect of equality impacts
Chief Officer
↔
10
Scottish Government Policies - risk of further
legislative, policy developments or change which
impacts on the IJBs ability to deliver on the current
Strategic Plan.
Inability to deliver SG policies alongside the Strategic
Plan and IJB's agreed objectives and the impact of
additional unfunded cost pressures.
Could extend to approach being taken by regulators
which could put viability of some services at risk.
5 - Almost
Certain
4 - Major VERY HIGH 20 • Horizon scanning for policy developments through partners and
SMT network groups
• Regular liaison with Senior officers in the Scottish Government, 
and through Cosla
• Respond to Scottish Government information requests on impact
of future policies
• Early impact assessment locally for national policies, including
any impact in budget outlook
• Implement and adopt innovative ways of implementing policies
• Role of Elected Members and IJB members to influence Scottish
Government decision-making through political routes
4- Likely 4 - Major HIGH 16 • Respond to requests for evidence from Parliamentary
Committees
• Positive relationships with key partners, Civil Servants and
Politicians
• Work on-going re implementation of Staffing Act and second
cycle complete for nursing establishment setting.
• Care reform act and policy direction (population health and
service reform frameworks) are expected to create additional
burdens and expectations for health and social care. Funding not
in place.
• Implementation of the promise is likely to result in increasing
cost.
•Funding allocated for second Bairns Hoose in Lochgilphead.
• Disconnect between policy landscape, available resources and
sustainability, highlighted by Audit Scotland
• NCS now on hold but care reform Bill enacted
•SAM models under consideration and SG developing approach
to public sector reform.
Chief Officer / Heads
of Service
↑

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11
Workforce Recruitment, Retention and
Management - inability to recruit and retain the
required workforce because of local or national
workforce shortages. This may result in increased
costs, increased risk or reduced service. Applies to
commissioned services as well as direct provision.
Service users needs for particular disciplines or in
particular areas may not be met if workforce is not in
place. Some sites and services at risk of closure due to
persistent staffing shortages.
5 - Almost
Certain
5 - Extreme VERY HIGH 25 • Workforce Plan
• Strategic Workforce Planning Group to ensure overall visibility of
recruitment, retention and development challenges across HSCP
• #abplace2b Campaign framework for attracting people into area
• Service re-designs to plan for changes to services in line with
workforce capacity
• Modern Apprentices to reduce average age of workforce
• Support commissioned service providers with recruitment and
retention, for example, supporting implementation of Living Wage
and pay rate increases
• Links with Open University assisting recruitment of students for
Social Work and to Nursing
• Programme for delivering SVQs for Social Care
5 - Almost
Certain
4 - Major VERY HIGH 20 • Strategic Workforce Planning Group to implement Workforce
Strategy
• Development of approaches to reduce reliance on locum and
agency staff
• Ensure on-going support for CPD
• Progress in address housing shortages and key worker housing
in partnership with Housing Associations, Shelter Scotland, and
Argyll & Bute Council
• Additional focus on management of absence underway.
•National improvements in terms and conditions, increased
milage rates, safe staffing levels, reduced working week all
contribute
SLT / Head of People,
Planning and Reward
/ People Partner 
↔
12
Communications and Engagement
with Communities - risk of inadequate
arrangements in place to communicate with
stakeholders, communities and partners. HSCP
ineffective at managing implications of mis-
information locally and nationally / internationally
resulting in harm.
Could result in failure to gain community support for
service changes and ineffective partnership working
with communities. Reputational damage from failure
to adequately consult and engage. Could result in
failure to deliver planned change or legal challenge.
5 - Almost
Certain
4- Major VERY HIGH 20 • Communication and Engagement Strategies delivered
• Openness and transparency of publicly available information
• Communications events and information widely available to
engage stakeholders in conversations about service changes and
the need for change
• Engagement with politicians to ensure the Argyll and Bute
position is shared and understood
• Locality Planning Groups and other forums are used to
communicate with communities and explore new ways of getting
the IJB message across
• Communication Plans developed, as part of implementation of
service changes
4- Likely 4- Major HIGH 16 • Review of Communications and Engagement Strategy and
framework.
• Delivery of communication and Engagement Plans, within
guidelines. Ensure conforms to Scottish Government guidance
"Planning with People" and standards for community
engagement
• Effective engagement on strategic plan and budget consultation
during 2025/26 with high participation.
• Committee meetings to be made public from 2026/27 onwards
to improve transparency.
• Support from Health Improvement Scotland and staff training
and awareness raising
• Initial media training taken place for leadership team
• New post being recruited for to assist and additional support
from HIS put in place to better support engagement.
• Use of engagement hub and increased experience of
consultation re Threshold of Care, Strategic Plan and Budget
Consultation with externally facilitated care homes consultation
planned for 2026. Events held in many areas and senior staff
attending to improve visibility.
Associate Director
Public Health /
Communications
Team / Heads of
Service
↓
13
Workforce Shift - risk that there is not
appropriate engagement with staff groups,
particularly over the need for service changes and
the requirement to work in a different way. There
may be professional concerns about inter-
disciplinary working and cultural barriers will
prevent effective integration.
Would result in poor morale and the failure to gain
staff support for the workforce shift and culture
change required. Resistance from the staff group
would in turn limit the flexibility required to deploy the
workforce in line with changed models of care, full
integration will not be achieved and teams will be
disjointed. Ultimately impacting on the service
provided to communities.
4 - Likely 4 - Major HIGH 16 • Joint Partnership Forum and Staff side liaison facilitate
communications and information flow between Management to
Staff side and Trade Unions
• Communications plan for each service change project, including
staff, as stakeholders
• Support from staff side partnership to support staff with new
ways of working with an integrated partnership approach
• Compliance with terms and conditions of employment for both
staff groups
• Individual staff development plans and training programmes
• Workforce Planning
• Staff surveys used to inform targeted improvement work with
individual teams
• Strengthened communication and cascade of information from
Chief Officer
4- Likely 4- Major HIGH 16 • Clarity over role and function of teams working in our
communities. OD support will be offered to Area Managers, to
support teams
• Ongoing work of the culture and staff wellbeing workstreams
• Implementation of the Workforce strategic plan and
recommendations from internal audit of Culture
• Improve management of redeployment
• Staff side involvement in SLT meetings and in the
Transformation Board
• Planning for reductions in working week for NHS employed staff
underway
• Safe staffing act implementation underway
• Requirement for change likely to put upward pressure on this
risk
Chief Officer
↔
14
Safety of Services - inability to maintain the
safety of services due to demographic changes,
increasing need and complexity and the ability to
recruit staff for direct employment and for delivery
partners. Risk includes Social Work protective 
services and work of COG.
May result in harm to service users or patients, the
failure to provide appropriate care and reputational
damage to the IJB and partners.
4-Likely 5 - Extreme VERY HIGH 20 • Clinical and Care Governance Committee and professional
leadership
• Risk Management Strategy recently updated and operational risk
management arrangements
• Recruitment, retention and training of staff
• Triggers for service re-designs including ensuring clinical safety is
not compromised
• Prioritisation of need frameworks in place to determine need for
access to services
• Develop and implement contingency arrangements for localities
and services, and improved clinical and care governance at service
level
4-Likely 4- Major HIGH 16 • Increased focus on training and development of staff and
improved flexibility
• Increased engagement with commissioned service providers
• Improved Health & Safety Training and governance
arrangements
• New focus on establishment setting and risk management to
comply with Staffing Act requirements
• Development of Hospital at Home Service and improved whole
system planning
• Revised assurance mechanisms in respect of Protective Services
led by the chief Social Work Officer
•Clinical Governance processes under review to deliver
improvements
•Short term actions being taken to manage increased risk in
Children and Families services due to absence levels in the
management team.
• Risk will continue to remain high as service reductions are
implemented in response to financial constraints.
Professional Leads /
Chief Social Work
Officer
↑
15
Waiting Times - failure to meet waiting times
targets and treatment times guarantees for
treatment in specialities in NHS GG&C and outreach
clinics in Argyll and Bute. Waiting times have
increased due to Covid-19 response and disruption
and pressures within the Health system continue. 
Poor level of service for patients, the potential to have
to travel further for appointments, and is not in line
with the anticipatory and preventative approach to
care.
4-Likely 4 - Major HIGH 16 • Continued engagement with NHS GG&C to agree a strategic
jointly planned approach to Outreach services
• Monitoring and reporting of waiting times
• Development of  new delivery models such as specialist nurses,
tele-consultation and direct or follow up referral to primary care or
AHP professionals
• Plans for use of Waiting List and unscheduled care funding
4- Likely 4- Major HIGH 16 • Inclusion in NHS Highland Remobilisation plan to request
additional funding to redesign services and address backlog. 
Initiatives include increasing virtual clinics / services, digital and
appointment modernisation, enhanced role of AHPs and waiting
times initiatives additional clinics
• Use and expansion of Near Me and Outreach Clinics
• Evidence of continuing disruption to services and staffing
shortages throughout local and national healthcare system
continuing to make it challenging to address increased waiting
times.
• HSCP performance improved in 2025/26 particularly for long
waits, increased governance relating to activity in Glasgow will
improve governance further. Risk reducing as improvement has
been delivered but still too many people are waiting longer than
the HSCP would like and therefore no reduction in risk rating is
proposed.
Chief Officer / Heads
of Service
↔

Page 4

16
Support Services - Risk that support services do
not adequately support front line service delivery.
Inability to integrate support services which are not
fully delegated to the IJB. Continued reliance on
two systems, processes and approaches may lead
to confusion and ongoing inefficiency. Risk that
partners will not support changes to current
arrangements.
Could adversely affect services experienced by patients
and service users if support services cannot fully
support front line services. Wasteful duplication and
inefficient use of resource and impacts on partners if
payments and assessments not processed efficiently.
Also increased risk of legal challenge.
5 - Almost
Certain
4- Major VERY HIGH 20 • Co-location of staff
• Some IT systems integrated and further plans to review this and
to facilitate access to joint systems
• Rollout of MS Teams - IT services and remote working are much
improved,  as a result
• Committee support arrangements in place
• Continuous improvement in support service provision
4- Likely 4- Major HIGH 16 • Replacement programmes for new systems Social work
(Eclipse), Hospital Telecoms, and portal (link systems) funded and
in place
•  Work to improve recruitment processes on-going
• Implementation of Staffing Act presents an additional pressure
on Support Services
•Improved HR support now in place, risk declining at present.
Chief Officer
↓
17
General Medical Services Contract - risk that
the HSCP are not in a position to support the
implementation of the new GP contract as a result
of availability of funding and capacity for the HSCP
to deliver services transferred from GPs. Higher risk
of implementation across remote and rural areas.
Could adversely affect services experienced by patients
as gaps in service may arise.  Potential for negative
impact  on relationships with Primary Care
practitioners.
4-Likely 4 - Major HIGH 16 • Ongoing collaboration between the HSCP and Primary Care to
support practices
• Primary Care Modernisation Board with priorities established and 
Programme Manager in place
• Regular updates on progress to Transformation Board and the IJB,
constructive progress being made Pharmacotherapy,
Physiotherapy, and Mental Health workstreams
1 - Rare 4- Major Low 4 • Head of Primary Care in place to add Management capacity
• Funding for Primary Care improvement reduced substantially by
Scottish Government, and acknowledged that the contract cannot
be delivered in full within existing resourcing, this appears to be
understood now.
• Progress in returning directly run practices
•new GP walk in service funded and under development.
Associate Medical
Director / Head of
Primary Care
↓
18
Culture - risk that perception of negative culture
results in increased difficulties in recruiting and
retraining staff, staff wellbeing and wider reputation
of the HSCP.
Adverse impact on reputation and ability to recruit. 
Also impacts on service delivery if teams are unhappy
or short staffed as a consequence
4-Likely 5 - Extreme VERY HIGH 20 • Wellbeing groups and Workforce Strategy Group, in place
• Whistleblowing process in operation
• Extensive roll out of 'courageous conversations' training
4- Likely 3 - Moderate HIGH 12 • Some indications of improving culture from staff surveys
• Continuing high levels of pressure on staff across many working
environments
• Implementation of savings resulting increasing pressure on
culture.
Chief Officer / Heads
of Service
↑
19
Statutory/Mandatory Training - risk that
patient / service user harm could result directly
from, or be attributed to, a failure to comply with
statutory and mandatory training requirements.
This could result in harm to an individual or group
of service users, members of staff and could result
in financial claims and reputational damage.
Adverse effect on quality and safety of care and service
delivery.
-Potential to result in Adverse Events with harm to
service users and staff which could result in civil claims
being made with a risk of high financial cost.
-Potential for enforcement action being taken against
the HSCP by the HSE with severe financial and
reputational consequence
5-Almost
certain
5- Extreme VERY HIGH25 • Stat / Man training policy in place
• Training programmes in place via on-line training and face to face
• Induction programme
3-Possible 5- Extreme HIGH 15 •	Head of Service/senior managers to compile service
improvement plans with local delivery based on individual service
position.  Plans in place for online training and for face to face
training.
• Heads of Service to ensure there is a regular forum for
reviewing the plan, ensuring implementation and escalating
barriers.
•	All staff receive a communication from the Chief Officer on
responsibilities for mandatory training.
•	Managers to ensure that they are up to date with their own
training.
•	Managers to monitor compliance, support staff to access
computers and have time to bring their mandatory training up to
date.
•	Managers to support staff who are falling behind with their
compliance with mandatory training and follow up until the
training has been completed.
•	The Health & Safety Committee and Strategic Leadership Team
to review, compliance is improving but still gaps and data issues
to be addressed..
Chief Officer
↔
20
Climate Change - risk that the HSCP will not achieve
the climate change decarbonisation and emissions
targets set for it. This is likely to result in
reputational damage at both a community and
political level as well as a financial cost.
-Perception that the HSCP is not fully committed to
delivering on the Scottish Government Climate Change
targets as a result of lack of capital and revenue
funding or management capacity to prioritise this
work.
4-Likely 3- Moderate HIGH 12 • On-going engagement and participation  with Argyll & Bute
Council, NHS Highland,  and Scottish Government  partners in
respect of all Health and Care areas producing CO2 emissions,
including  procurement decisions, estate, travel and transport. 
Services provided by the HSCP
• Access to funding revenue and capital to undertake CO2
reduction projects e.g. reduced emission NHS fleet
• Expectations continuing to increase without sufficient funding -
infrastructure investment critical (fabric first approach required).
4-Likely 3- Moderate HIGH 12 • Secured funding for carbon reduction consultancy, but limited
capital available in and targets being pushed back nationally
• Development of  capital and revenue investment plans in  HSCP,
Argyll and Bute Council, and NHS Highland
• Local projects underway, climate change report submitted
• Funding in 26/27 secured for LED lighting installation in hospital
sites and further investment in electrical capacity and EV
chargers.
• New Estates and Sustainability Manager now in post.
• Reduced size of NHS fleet and increased electric vehicles and
investment in charging infrastructure will have positive impact on
emissions
Head of Finance /
Senior Manager -
Estates &
Sustainability
↔
21
Socio-Economic Situation & Increasing
Poverty and Deprivation - multiple risks
relating to the current socio economic situation.
Risk is driven by direct and indirect implications of
high inflation, expected increase in poverty,
increasing interest rates and tightening public
funding position. Linked to impact of lockdowns on
mental and physical health. Risk that the health and
wellbeing will deteriorate and the HSCP will be
unable to respond appropriately to increased
service demand.
Consequences may include:
-increased staff and non-staff costs reducing real terms
values of budget and reserves.
-potential forstrike action within HSCP,partners and in
other services and industries.
-additional service demand arising from cost of living
crisis, increased poverty levels, increased pressure on
mental health services may be a particular pressure.
-shortages of supplies and services which could include
supplies of drugs and other critical supplies and care
provision.
4-Likely 5 - Extreme VERY HIGH 20 • Recognition that this is a national socio-economic issue, and local
mitigations and influence is limited
• Resilience and contingency planning
• Remobilisation of services
• May need to consider prioritisation of services and resources
4-Likely 5 - Extreme VERY HIGH 20 • HSCP planning sensitive to issues facing local communities
• Awareness of pressures and careful financial and service
planning to mitigate impact, particularly on most vulnerable
• Initial evidence of increase in cases requiring expensive
residential care packages, which could result in severe cost
pressures
• Continuing to work with key partners and community planning
to help mitigate the impact
• Largely outwith the control of the HSCP
• Savings and service reductions and sustainability of 3rd Sector
increasing this risk to Communities further.
• Conflict in middle east now expected to result in further
inflation in the medium term.
•Uk Government increased the milage rate to compensate staff
for increased fuel costs, implementation of increase still to be
confirmed.
Chief Officer / SLT
↑

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Risk Matrix
Risk Rare                (1) Unlikely        (2) Possible        (3) Likely              (4) Almost Certain 
(5)
Extreme   (5) MEDIUM 5 HIGH 10 HIGH 15 VERY HIGH 20 VERY HIGH 25
Major 
(4) MEDIUM 4 MEDIUM 8 HIGH 12 HIGH 16 VERY HIGH 20
Moderate 
(3) LOW 3 MEDIUM 6 MEDIUM 9 HIGH 12 HIGH 15
Minor 
(2) LOW 2 LOW 4 MEDIUM 6 MEDIUM 8 HIGH 10
Insignificant 
(1) LOW 1 LOW 2 LOW 3 MEDIUM 4 MEDIUM 5
Table 1 Assessment of likelihood
Score Description
1 Rare
2 Unlikely
3 Possible
4 Likely
5 Almost Certain
Table 2 Assessment of Impact
Descriptor Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Extreme
Score 1 2 3 4 5
Patient
Experience
Reduced quality of
patient experience /
clinical outcome not
directly related to
delivery of clinical
care.
Unsatisfactory
patient experience
/ clinical outcome
directly related to
care provision –
readily resolvable.
Unsatisfactory
patient experience /
clinical outcome,
short term effects –
expect recovery
<1wk.
Unsatisfactory
patient experience /
clinical outcome:
long term effects –
expect recovery -
>1wk.
Unsatisfactory
patient experience /
clinical outcome:
continued ongoing
long term effects.
Injury (physical
and
psychological)
to patient /
visitor / staff.
Adverse event
leading to minor
injury not requiring
first aid
Minor injury or
illness, first aid
treatment required
Agency reportable,
e.g. Police (violent
and aggressive acts)
Significant injury
requiring medical
treatment and/or
counselling.
Major injuries/long
term incapacity or
disability (loss of
limb) requiring
medical treatment
and/or counselling.
Incident leading to
death or major
permanent
incapacity.
Complaints/
Claims
Locally resolved
verbal complaint
Justified written
complaint
peripheral to
clinical care.
Below excess claim.
Justified complaint
involving lack of
appropriate care.
Claim above excess
level. Multiple
justified complaints.
Multiple claims or
single major claim.
Complex justified
complaint.
Staffing and
Competence
Short term low
staffing level
temporarily reduces
service quality (<
than 1 day). Short
term low staffing
level (> 1 day),
where there is no
disruption to patient
care.
Ongoing low
staffing level
reduces service
quality. Minor
error due to
ineffective
training/
implementation of
training.
Late delivery of key
objective / service
due to lack of staff.
Moderate error due
to ineffective
training/implementati
on of training.
Ongoing problems
with staffing levels.
Uncertain delivery of
key objective /
service due to lack of
staff.  Major error
due to ineffective
training/implementati
on of training.
Non-delivery of key
objective / service
due to lack of staff.
Loss of key staff.
Critical error due to
ineffective
training/implementati
on of training.
Financial
(including
damage/ loss/
fraud)
Negligible
organisational/
personal financial
loss (< £1k) (NB.
Please adjust for
context)
Minor
organisational/per
sonal financial
loss (£1-10k).
Significant
organisational
/personal financial
loss (£10-100k).
Major organisational/
personal financial
loss (£100k - £1m).
Severe
organisational/
personal financial
loss (>£1m).
Adverse
Publicity /
Reputation
Rumours, no media
coverage. Little
effect on staff
morale
Local media
coverage – short
term. Some public
embarrassment.
Minor effect on
staff morale /
public attitudes.
Local media – long-
term adverse
publicity. Significant
effect on staff morale
and public perception
of the organisation
National media /
adverse publicity,
less than 3 days.
Public confidence in
the organisation
undermined. Use of
services affected
National /
International media /
adverse publicity,
more than 3 days.
MSP / MP concern
(Questions in
Parliament). Court
Enforcement. Public
Enquiry/ FAI.
Strong possibility that this could happen again
This is expected to frequently happen again – more likely to re-occur than not
LIKELIHOOD
IMPACT
Chance of Occurrence
Can’t believe this event would happen again – will only happen in exceptional
circumstances
Not expected to happen again, but definite potential exists
Has happened before on occasions – reasonable chance of re-occurring