An assessment of the effectiveness of the Risk Management Committee at the Eastern Cape Department of Health

Abstract

The Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDoH) is an organisation that has been dealing with several challenges such as litigation, maladministration and irregular expenditure. All these challenges can be averted through effective implementation of risk management. This study assesses the issues that affect the effectiveness of the RMC at ECDoH. It assesses the functional risk management processes being monitored by the RMC, issues affecting the effectiveness of the RMC and measures that can be taken to improve the effectiveness of RMC at ECDoH. To achieve these objectives of this research investigation, the study used the qualitative research methodology to collect data with semi-structured interviews. The study selected participants for the study using purposive sampling to choose information rich participants that are part of the RMC. The study used thematic analysis to analyse the collected data. The findings of this study indicated that the functional processes of risk management are identification; analysis; evaluation and ranking; treating; monitoring and mitigation of risks. However, the study also found that not all RMC members were fully aware of the functional processes of risk management. The study also noted that the issues that affect the effectiveness of RMC include lack of knowledge on the importance of risk management, clarity on roles and responsibilities, lack of skills and competences, frequency of meetings, independence of the RMC, lack of commitment and poor adoption of technology in risk management. Based on these findings, the study recommends the use of orientation and training to help improve knowledge and skills among the RMC members. Furthermore, the study recommends the improvement of communication and increase of capacity to improve the RMC’s ability to operate effectively. The study also recommends the adoption of risk management related technology to aid RMC at ECDoH.