1. Define risks and linked controls
Start with a business process, document the risk event and its consequences, assign an accountable owner, and link the controls intended to reduce exposure.
Risk & control self-assessment
RCSA software that connects assessment, evidence and review
Make operational risk assessments easier to follow: keep risk ownership, linked controls, testing evidence, reviewer challenge and remediation in a connected workflow.
How an RCSA works
One assessment lifecycle, clear accountability
A practical five-stage model for preparing and reviewing risk and control assessments. Ask for a demonstration of the workflows available in your deployment.
2. Prepare and document the assessment
Record inherent risk, assessment rationale, control design and operating-effectiveness conclusions, with a named first-line preparer.
3. Gather testing evidence
Link evidence to the specific control, test period and conclusion so the reviewer can trace how each assessment was reached.
4. Challenge and approve
Route work to the second-line reviewer for questions, independent challenge and return where clarification or additional evidence is needed.
5. Track findings and treatment
Connect control weaknesses and remediation actions to responsible owners and deadlines, and monitor residual risk through the next cycle.
What to look for
Evidence-based assessments instead of disconnected spreadsheets
Ownership and accountability
Keep risk descriptions, accountable owners and related controls together so assigned work has the context reviewers need.
Traceable evidence
Assess whether each control operated as intended and document evidence, testing steps and conclusions.
Independent challenge
Give second-line reviewers a clear view of assessments, exceptions and the basis for approval or return.
Product demonstrations show the capabilities currently available in your selected configuration. Features may differ by deployment or release.
RCSA questions
Answers before you start
What is an RCSA?
A risk and control self-assessment (RCSA) is a structured process for identifying operational risks, evaluating the design and operation of associated controls, and documenting residual exposure and remediation.
Who participates in an RCSA?
Typically the first line owns and assesses the risks and controls, the second line independently challenges the assessment, and an authorized approver signs off according to the organization's governance model.
Can TrustsComply replace consulting support?
TrustsComply is a software platform for organizing ongoing risk and control work. It can reduce manual coordination but does not replace independent assurance, required professional judgment or regulatory obligations.
Learn more about enterprise risk management, control and compliance management, and audit evidence.
See an RCSA workflow using your risk and control structure.
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