Refreshing Risk Thinking in the Energy Sector

September 20, 2025

Written by: Kerry Smith

1.6 min read|Categories: Risk Management, Strategy & Planning|

Refreshing Risk Thinking in the Energy Sector

Large projects demand not only technical precision but also a sharp focus on managing uncertainty. For one of Australia’s leading energy producers, we recently supported a comprehensive refresh of their project risk register, helping align stakeholders and strengthen governance during a critical phase of delivery.

Structured Process, Practical Outcomes

Our approach balanced rigour with practicality. Prior to the first workshops, we conducted extensive surveys to capture input from subject matter experts and propose a pre-populated set of risks for review. This provided a strong foundation for discussion and allowed workshop time to focus on refinement, prioritisation, and ownership.

Over the course of several sessions, we facilitated:

  • Shared understanding of project and enterprise-level risks, ensuring boundaries and responsibilities were clear.
  • Constructive challenge of likelihood and consequence ratings, bringing consistency and transparency to assessments.
  • Alignment on priorities, including the top risks requiring immediate treatment or escalation to senior governance forums.

“Kerry supported our team through a critical risk assessment following a major project change. She delivered a timely, professional service with deep knowledge of risk management, balancing structure with flexibility to suit our team. The outcomes were thorough, well-presented, and tailored for different audiences — enabling us to move forward with clarity and confidence.”
— Senior Manager, Energy Sector

From Register to Readiness

The output was not just an updated spreadsheet. The process created alignment across disciplines, strengthened accountability for risk ownership, and embedded a cadence for ongoing review. In addition, the refreshed risk register was presented in an executive summary format, complete with heat maps and clear guidance on next steps.

Why It Matters

In an environment where cost, schedule, and safety risks intersect with broader enterprise challenges, risk management can’t be left to chance. By blending structured analysis with inclusive facilitation, the organisation now has a risk register that not only meets governance requirements but also equips leaders to make better, faster decisions in the face of uncertainty.

discover • create • engage • energise • solve  • plan • succeed

make it happen.

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