The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in the preparedness of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) to handle large-scale disruptions. In response, IDI launched the Crisis and Risk Management for SAIs (CRISP) initiative to support SAIs in strengthening their risk, crisis, and business continuity management systems.  

CRISP provides both open-access courses for the global INTOSAI community and direct support to selected SAIs in building resilient management frameworks. 

Why CRISP? 

The COVID-19 crisis revealed that many SAIs lacked effective business continuity plans, making it difficult for them to operate efficiently and uphold accountability during disruptions. The IDI Global SAI Stocktaking Report 2020 found that only 53% of SAIs worldwide had emergency preparedness and continuity plans, with lower-income countries facing the greatest challenges. 

While SAIs routinely assess risks in their audit work, many have not integrated the same level of risk awareness into their internal strategies and operations. CRISP addresses this gap by helping SAIs develop practical, tested, and implementable crisis management frameworks. 

What CRISP Offers 

CRISP provides structured support for SAIs through three key focus areas: 

1. - Risk Management – Identifying and addressing risks to enhance institutional resilience. 

1. - Crisis Management – Preparing SAIs to respond effectively to unforeseen disruptions. 

1. - Business Continuity Management – Ensuring that SAIs can continue operations during crises. 

SAIs can choose to participate in all three areas or focus on specific components based on their needs. 

CRISP delivers support through a combination of: 

• Training courses – Interactive learning modules on risk, crisis, and business continuity management. 

• Guidance materials – Practical tools, templates, and reference guides. 

• Regional and direct support – Tailored assistance to SAIs in implementing risk and crisis management frameworks. 

Progress so far: 

• The first Risk Management course was launched in 2022 for SAIs in the AFROSAI-E region, followed by rollouts in ARABOSAI, ASOSAI, and CREFIAF 

• Many participating SAIs have since adopted formal risk management policies and implemented risk registers 

• A Quick Reference Guide on Risk Management for SAIs is now available in English, with French, Arabic, and Spanish versions coming soon 

What’s Next? 

• 2025: Launch of CRISP’s Crisis Management course in English 

• 2026: Development and rollout of the Business Continuity Management component 

• Ongoing: Continued expansion of risk management support and tailored assistance for SAIs based on demand 

For more details, view and download the CRISP information brochure in your preferred language below or contact us at [email protected].