The Risk Plot builds on the Risks and Assumptions Matrix (Tool 4.1) and supports project teams to analyse potential risks, consequences and mitigations strategies in order to identify and implement strategic and well planned child-sensitive PA interventions. Project teams should follow these four steps for using the Risk Plot:

Risk Plot Step 1 – Make a list for each potential PA intervention (based on the Risks and Assumptions Matrix Guide, as well as relevant findings from situation, context and needs assessments). 

Risk Plot Step 2 – Plot the likelihood of each potential risk to children associated with each potential PA intervention against the severity of the consequences if the risk occurs; and document (for each potential risk) in the corresponding table any relevant assumptions, potential risk mitigation strategies and the person responsible for taking action (if relevant for the project stage). 

Risk Plot Step 3 – Compare the risk plots for each potential PA intervention to determine which PA intervention is most appropriate for the context. 

Risk Plot Step 4 – Select the PA intervention that is most likely to have the highest positive outcomes for children based on the Risk Plot. 

Additionally, when designing PA interventions, project teams should use the Risk Plot to ensure that staff monitor critical risks and assumptions throughout project implementation and that project budgets include resources for the identified risk mitigation strategies.