Australia
Independent Schools Risk Report 2022
Independent Schools Risk Report 2022


This is produced in consultation with schools’ industry specialists and risk analysts. The report provides a snapshot of the complex, dynamic and unique risk environment that independent schools operate in, along with expert commentary, trends, and insights.

2022 – Thriving through change: making better decisions in uncertain times

The robust range of voices represented has enabled Aon to conclude the risk landscape for schools is like none ever witnessed previously. When comparing the top five risks as identified by independent school leaders in 2020 with the latest rankings from our 2022 survey, only one risk has remained – Student Safety. The other top risks identified are either new exposures or have risen in importance.

In the report we explore the top five risks facing schools, here is a summary:

RISK ONE - Attracting, Engaging and Retaining Talent: While border closures placed a temporary restriction on the supply of skilled employees for independent schools, this talent shortage has been compounded by a higher number of absences due to staff falling ill with COVID and isolation requirements. These are just two of many factors limiting schools’ access to skilled employees.

RISK TWO - Cyber Threat: With the transition to online learning accelerated by COVID, the cyber-attack surface for schools grew virtually overnight. Cyber threats across all sectors are on the rise, making schools ever more aware of the need to strengthen their defences and risk management for systems, staff and students.

RISK THREE - Mental Health: The complexity and uncertainty of COVID-related disruption has added to the factors contributing to stress and deteriorating mental health among staff and students. Importantly, this situation has led to greater awareness of the need for independent schools to protect against mental health risks, including taking steps to comply with the latest work health and safety guidance from state governments.

RISK FOUR - Covid/Pandemic: Not only have schools experienced significant disruption during several peaks in the pandemic, they are also continuing to manage the effects of the pandemic across the other four risk areas identified in the top five and many other impacts besides.

RISK FIVE - Student Safety: While matters of student safety have dominated in recent times by the health risks of COVID, other hazards, including concussion risk and child abuse, continue to pose a threat.

Previous Reports

Independent Schools Risk Report 2020
Independent Schools Risk Report 2018
Independent Schools Risk Report 2017
Independent Schools Risk Report 2016
Independent Schools Risk Report 2015
Independent Schools Risk Report 2014



 

© 2022 Aon Risk Services Australia Limited
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Aon has taken care in the production of this document and the information contained in it has been obtained from sources that Aon believes to be reliable. Aon does not make any representation as to the accuracy of the information received from third parties and is unable to accept liability for any loss incurred by anyone who relies on it. The recipient of this document is responsible for their use of it.