Welcome to Risk Companion
Get up and running quickly with this step-by-step guide. Learn how to navigate the app, complete your training, create projects, and use the dashboards.
App Navigation Overview
The main navigation sidebar includes the following sections:
- Dashboards (dropdown) - Summary, Focus, Project, Mitigations, and Compliance views
- Projects - Your main hub for managing risk projects
- Risk Register - View and manage all identified risks
- Action Register - Track mitigation actions and tasks
- Assigned Risks / Actions - Quick access to items assigned to you (appears when you own items)
- Administration - User management and system settings
Complete Your Training Course
Before you can access all features, you need to complete the Risk Companion training course. This ensures all users understand risk management fundamentals and how to use the app effectively.
- 1Access the training module
When you first log in, you will be prompted to complete the training course. You can also access it anytime from your profile menu.
- 2Work through the modules
The training covers risk identification, assessment methodologies, and how to use Risk Companion features. Take your time - the content is designed to build your risk management skills.
- 3Unlock full access
Once you complete the training, you will unlock access to create and manage projects, add risks, and use advanced features.
Important
Certain features remain locked until training is complete. If you see a restricted feature, check your training progress in your profile.
Creating and Managing Projects
Projects are the main hub in Risk Companion. Each project contains its own risks, actions, and team permissions. Here is how to create one:
- 1Click "Projects" in the sidebar
This opens the Projects list where you can see all projects you have access to.
- 2Click the "New Project" button
This opens the project creation form.
- 3Fill in the required fields
Enter the following information:
- Title - A clear name for your project
- Description - Details about the project scope and objectives
- Owner - The person responsible for the project
- Framework - Select the risk framework to use (e.g., ISO 31000, COSO)
- 4Save and configure
After creating the project, you can configure additional settings like phases, metrics, and permissions.
Best Practice
Choose the correct framework when creating a project - this determines the available risk categories and assessment criteria.
Configuring Project Settings
Each project has detailed settings that control how risks are managed. Access these by opening a project and clicking the settings icon or tab.
Phases
Define project phases with start and end dates to track risks across the project lifecycle.
Frameworks
Configure which risk frameworks apply to the project and their assessment criteria.
Input Metrics
Set up custom metrics to measure and track risk indicators specific to your project.
Expenditure Classes
Define spending categories to track costs associated with risk treatments.
Permissions
Control who can view, edit, or manage the project and its risks.
Notifications
Configure alerts for risk changes, reviews due, and action deadlines.
Quick Tip
Set up phases with accurate dates early - this helps the dashboards show timeline-relevant risk information.
Using the Dashboards
Click Dashboards in the sidebar to access the dropdown menu. Risk Companion provides five specialized dashboard views:
Summary Dashboard
A high-level overview across all your projects. See total risk counts, status distribution, and key metrics at a glance. Ideal for executives and managers who need a quick snapshot.
Focus Dashboard
Highlights risks that need immediate attention - overdue reviews, high-priority items, and risks approaching thresholds. Use this for daily risk management.
Project Dashboard
Detailed view of a single project's risks, including the risk matrix, timeline charts, and project-specific metrics. Select which project to view from the dropdown.
Mitigations Dashboard
Tracks the progress of risk treatments and mitigation actions. View completion rates, overdue actions, and resource allocation for treatments.
Compliance Dashboard
Monitor compliance-related risks and controls. Track audit findings, regulatory requirements, and compliance status across frameworks.
Navigation Tip
Use the Focus Dashboard as your daily starting point - it shows what needs your attention right now.
Risk and Action Registers
Risk Register
Click Risk Register in the sidebar to view all identified risks across your projects.
- Filter by project, status, owner, or risk level
- Click any risk to view full details, assessment history, and linked actions
- Add new risks using the "Add Risk" button
- Export the register for reporting
Action Register
Click Action Register in the sidebar to manage mitigation actions and tasks.
- View all actions across projects or filter by status
- Track due dates, assignees, and completion progress
- Link actions to specific risks for traceability
- Update action status as work progresses
Best Practice
Every high or critical risk should have at least one linked action in the Action Register with a clear owner and due date.
Administration
Click Administration in the sidebar to access system-wide settings (requires admin permissions).
User Management
- Invite new users by email address
- Assign system roles (Admin, Manager, User)
- View user activity and training completion status
- Deactivate or remove user accounts
System Settings
- Configure organization-wide defaults
- Manage available risk frameworks
- Set up notification templates
- Configure integrations with external systems
Assigned Risks & Actions
When you are assigned as owner of risks or actions, Assigned risks and Assigned actions links appear in the sidebar. These provide quick access to items you're responsible for.
Admin Tip
Check the Administration section regularly to monitor user training completion - untrained users have limited access until they complete the course.
What's Next?
Now that you understand the app navigation and features, complete your training course (if you have not already) and create your first project to start managing risks.