SAN DIEGO, CALIF.—The Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) released its Risk Management Professional Growth Model today at RIMS 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition in San Diego. RIMS Quality Advisory Council developed the model as a way to assess various risk manager experience levels and corresponding skill sets, and to be used as a guide in professional development. The career tool is being distributed to all RIMS members starting in May will be made available as a benefit to new members.

“RIMS Risk Management Professional Growth Model was born from the need to improve quality in the risk management industry—starting with the risk practitioner,” says Janice Ochenkowski, ARM, RIMS president and Managing Director of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. “The model focuses on what the risk manager can do to improve personal skills and effectiveness, thereby directly benefiting employers, the overall risk management industry and one’s desire to grow professionally.”

The new career tool provides risk practitioners with a roadmap of the characteristics and skills needed to better define the roles a risk manager and identify what tools can be leveraged in order to improve performance and advance one’s knowledge base and career—from entry through executive. A combination of vital communication, business and strategic risk management skills, along with management and leadership skills are outlined in the grid. The information falls into four categories, including abilities and knowledge; skills and attributes; tools; and distinguishing features.

RIMS Risk Management Professional Growth Model also serves to support employers in writing risk management job descriptions and hiring, as well as evaluating employees and risk departments. Ultimately, the tool offers a set of guidelines that allow risk managers to take control of managing and assessing performance excellence and career planning.

Access RIMS Risk Management Professional Growth Model at www.RIMS.org/Quality.