Operations 101

In today's corporate landscape, compliance with regulatory requirements and effective risk management are vital for the long-term success and sustainability of organisations. General Managers (GMs) play a critical role in overseeing business operations and ensuring that compliance and risk management practices are properly implemented. At BPC, Cassandra Allen effectively manages compliance and risk, implementing risk assessments, audits, controls, and compliance programs.

Identifying and mitigating risk

GMs are responsible for identifying potential areas of risk within an organisation. By conducting comprehensive risk assessments, they can gain insights into potential threats that may impact the organisation's reputation and financial well-being. These risks can range from operational inefficiencies to compliance violations, data breaches, or even natural disasters. Cassandra works alongside various departments across BPC to develop these strategies and implement controls that mitigate these risks effectively.

Protecting reputation and financial health

A well-functioning business relies on its reputation to attract customers, investors, and business partners. GMs recognise the importance of safeguarding the organisation's reputation and financial health. By actively managing compliance and risk, they can prevent incidents that may tarnish the organisation's image. This includes ensuring adherence to legal and ethical boundaries, which in turn minimises the risk of penalties, fines, and legal issues that could adversely affect the organisation's bottom line.

Implementing effective compliance programs

Cassandra understands that compliance is not a one-time activity but an ongoing process. She takes a proactive approach by implementing and maintaining effective compliance programs within BPC. These programs establish guidelines and procedures that align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. By disseminating compliance policies and providing adequate training to employees, experienced GMs ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and adheres to the organisation's compliance standards.

Collaboration and communication

Effective compliance and risk management require collaboration and communication across all levels of an organisation. GMs play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of compliance by promoting open dialogue and transparency. They encourage employees to report potential compliance issues or risks, ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to address them promptly. By fostering a culture of compliance, Cassandra creates an environment where BPC clearly understand the importance of compliance and actively contributes to risk mitigation efforts.

The input of a strong General Manager can be the difference between a struggling business and a thriving one. To learn more about why the general manager is vital for business success, follow Cassandra Allen as she explains her experiences as a GM at Barclay Pearce Capital.