Utilising expertise to manage dynamic urban risks

Managing risk is usually multi-dimensional and frequently controversial, since a focus on one element may lead to outcomes that are unpopular with other stakeholders, who may have different agendas, objectives or motivations. This requires that judgements be made, which in many situations require expertise, which is hard won and specific. In some cases, however, the role of experts has been controversial, with other stakeholders challenging the basis on which decisions are made. In other instances management systems or standard operating procedures may hamper discretion. Effective risk management requires that the correct expertise is identified, recruited or developed and sufficiently supported by management practice, including training. It is important, but frequently challenging, to demonstrate that this is undertaken in a reasonable and defendable manner. The paper draws together a number of different concepts and evaluates their impact on the design of robust policy positions that may address the concerns that urban stakeholders may have in developing an appropriate and proportionate response to risks.

Permission granted on 30/08/16, by the ICUR 2016 Conference Secretariat to make the full text of the accepted manuscript version available in the Middlesex University Research Repository.

Conference paper published as:
Watt, John and Ball, David J. and Okoli, Justin (2016). Utilising expertise to manage dynamic urban risks. In: ICUR2016 Proceedings - International Conference on Urban Risks.
Teves-Costa P., D. Quino & R.A.C. Garcia (Ed.), CERU - European Centre of Urban Risks, Lisbon, pp. 123-129.