The Orange Book: Management of Risk – Principles and Concepts sets out the UK Government’s principles-based approach to effective risk management. Rather than prescribing processes, it explains how organisations should integrate risk management into governance, leadership, planning and decision-making to improve performance, service delivery and value for money.

The guidance is organised around five core principles: embedding risk management within governance and leadership; integrating it into organisational activities; ensuring decisions are informed by collaboration and the best available information; applying structured risk management processes; and continually improving capability through learning and experience. It emphasises that effective risk management is not a standalone activity but an integral part of achieving strategic objectives and responding to uncertainty.

The 2023 edition introduces a new Risk Control Framework, providing accounting officers and public sector organisations with a structured way to organise internal controls, assurance activities and governance responsibilities. Built around four pillars (governance and management, roles and accountabilities, strategy and reporting, and policies and procedures), the framework is underpinned by the Three Lines Model and aims to strengthen assurance while enabling organisations to take informed risks with confidence.

Although written for UK government departments and public bodies, the Orange Book offers broadly applicable guidance for organisations seeking to embed a positive risk culture, improve decision-making, clarify accountability and enhance organisational resilience in complex and uncertain environments.