In many respects 2013 has a large “risk hangover” from 2012, as world problems have been left rather than resolved, but this also presents us with many opportunities.

The start of a new year always brings as many positive thoughts as worries about risks that the future might bring.  If we look at the end of 2012, the fiscal cliff came and went but will be back in six or seven weeks, and political issues in Europe, China, the Middle East and Africa are all growing and continue to shout for our attention. 

So, what should we learn from 2012?  Here are a few key pointers that we live by, and  should become your daily approach to risks for 2013: 

·      Don’t put off till tomorrow what you know you should do today.

·      Aim to understand and manage risk, not to ignore it

·      Don’t waste time trying to plan for every eventuality, deal with real developments quickly and effectively

·      Risk can be good, but be clear about the potential results, good and bad, from the outset

·      Keep it simple – the world is complex enough already! 

Over the course of the next year we will be focusing on a number of risks that NGOs should be aware of, either in governance, investment strategy, reputation or day-to-day operations.  We’ll be looking to spark debates on the best way to handle risk, as well as what to do when the world seems to be turning against you. 

We will be opening these debates up on Twitter (a real risk!) and our Facebook pages for you to comment on and feed into the debate, as well as inviting your ideas for topics you would like us to consider in the future. We’ll also be hearing from others who are specialists in a number of areas.  Join us!

Finally, we would like to wish all that have been following us and those that are just finding us all the best in 2013 - may it be better than 2012!