Strategic risk management for universities, colleges, and education providers

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) training for stronger governance, compliance, and institutional resilience. Our Enterprise Risk Management in Higher Education training programme provides a practical, sector-specific framework for identifying, assessing, and managing risk across academic institutions. Designed and delivered by expert consultants, this course equips leaders and professionals with the tools to strengthen governance, protect reputation, and support sustainable organisational performance.

Effective risk management is critical in today’s complex higher education environment _ where institutions must balance regulatory requirements, financial pressures, operational challenges, and reputational risks. This interactive one-day course delivers a comprehensive understanding of ERM principles aligned to international best practice, enabling you to embed a proactive, risk-aware culture across your organisation.

Through a blend of expert instruction, case studies, and practical discussion, you’ll learn how to integrate risk management into decision-making, governance structures, and daily operations. The course introduces internationally recognised frameworks such as ISO 31000 and demonstrates how to apply them specifically within the higher education sector.

OUR EXPERTS

Carl Dunckley is a seasoned professional with more than 23 years of experience in the risk consulting industry, currently serving as the Risk practice lead — Casualty at Gallagher Bassett. Carl has honed his expertise in risk management, safety advisory, and strategic leadership, which uniquely positions him to deliver unparalleled results for clients. His three key strengths — developing robust risk control strategies, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, and providing insightful risk assessments — enable him to consistently exceed client expectations and drive superior outcomes.

Carl's journey at Gallagher Bassett began more tha two decades ago, demonstrating his profound commitment and expertise within the field. Since November 2009, Carl has excelled as the manager — Risk Consulting, where he's been instrumental in leading various high-impact projects. His role involves designing and implementing comprehensive risk management frameworks, ensuring clients receive the highest quality service, and facilitating continuous improvement in risk practices — garnering him respect and admiration from both colleagues and clients.

Before serving in his current capacity, Carl was a valued risk control consultant at Gallagher Bassett from January 2002 to November 2009. During this tenure, he specialised in delivering innovative risk control solutions, conducting meticulous risk assessments, and guiding organisations in strengthening their safety protocols. His proactive approach to understanding client needs and his ability to tailor risk strategies effectively contributed significantly to enhancing client safety and risk resilience.

Before joining Gallagher Bassett, Carl's career began as a health and safety advisor, first at Ravensbourne NHS Trust from May 1992 to December 1999 and then at Commerzbank AG from January 2000 to December 2001. In these roles, he was responsible for implementing health and safety policies, conducting regular safety audits, and cultivating a culture of safety awareness within organisations. This foundational experience provided Carl with invaluable insights into risk management, forming the bedrock of his successful career trajectory.

Carl has a diploma in safety management from the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), and a post-graduate diploma in risk management from University of Glasgow.

Carl's extensive experience of more than two decades in risk management and consulting has been invaluable to his roles at Gallagher Bassett. His deep industry knowledge and practical insights into safety protocols and risk assessments have consistently informed his strategic decisions and guidance, proving beneficial in his work as a leader within the company.