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Global Interagency Security Forum

Formerly EISF
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Glossary English

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) developed this Glossary to facilitate a common understanding of terms frequently used in security risk management.

The terms and definitions have been drawn from a range of trusted resources, including GISF’s own publications. They have also been informed by a working group of GISF members.

The GISF Glossary is available in four languages: English, French, Spanish and Arabic. The site has been designed to enable easy navigation between terms in each language, supporting more consistent and accurate communication across language barriers.

The GISF Glossary is reviewed and updated regularly, to reflect new terms and changing definitions within the security risk management sector. If you have a term you would like to add to the Glossary or a suggested amendment, please contact us through our feedback form.

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R

race

A social construct that seeks to divide humans into racial categories. These categories do not reflect any biological or scientific realities but are based on certain physical characteristics (i.e. skin colour, facial features). The concepts of ‘race’ (including the terms ‘white’, ‘brown’, ‘black’), ethnicity, and nationality and many others are socially constructed. Because the term ‘race’ is controversial in some languages, and many are unaware that the term does not reflect any biological reality, quotation marks are used to emphasise the artificial nature of this concept.
Related terms: discrimination , ethnicity , nationality
Source: Toward Inclusive Security: the impact of 'race', ethnicity and nationality on aid workers' security, GISF
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Translations: race , raza , العرق
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racism

Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different ‘race’ based on the belief that one’s own ‘race’ is superior. Racism is founded on a historical power relationship and includes certain ideologies about ‘races’. It is operationalised through forms and practices of discrimination.
Related terms: race
Source: Toward Inclusive Security: the impact of 'race', ethnicity and nationality on aid workers' security, GISF
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remote management

Managing a team and programme activities from another location, in some cases another country (also referred to as remote operations). Remote management can be considered a security strategy where an adaptation is required due to insecurity. This could include the withdrawal of at-risk staff, and the transfer of programme responsibilities to others.
Related terms: hibernation
Source: Security Management and Capacity Development: International agencies working with local partners, GISF
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remote threat

Events in which the organisation or a staff member receives a threat delivered by some remote mechanism, not face-to-face (e.g. email, SMS, phone, or general threats issued on a website, or social media). Includes direct threats issued during protests and demonstrations.
Related terms: cyber attack
Source: Security Incident Information Management (SIIM) Handbook, GISF
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residual risk

The level of risk remaining after all appropriate risk-reduction and mitigation measures are taken. Regardless of the various mitigation measures implemented, some level of risk will remain: ‘residual risk’. Residual risk should be determined to assist decisions on the acceptability of the risk and ultimately whether activities should be conducted or continue.
Related terms: risk acceptance , risk mitigation
Source: Security Management and Capacity Development: International agencies working with local partners, GISF
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response consultant

An external advisor specialising in high-risk incidents who can support organisations in developing and implementing an effective response strategy. For example, a response consultant can provide advice and support in the management of incidents such as abduction, kidnapping, detention, cyber exploitation, etc.
Source: Abduction and Kidnap Risk Management Guide, GISF
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restricted travel

Any limitations placed on the movement of an organisation’s staff in a particular area or country (also referred to as a travel ban). This type of event may be the result of insecurity, political or social unrest, outbreaks of disease, or natural disasters.
Related terms: hibernation
Source: Security Incident Information Management (SIIM) Handbook, GISF
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risk

The effect of uncertainty on the achievement of specific objectives. Risk is the product of potential threats on the organisation, its staff, assets, reputation, or programmes, within the operating environment, and the level of exposure, or vulnerability, to them.
Source: ISO 31000: Risk management
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Translations: risque , riesgo , خطر
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risk (attitude) statement

A brief explanation of how SRM risks relate to, and may impact, the overall strategy of the organisation, based on its mission, aims, objectives and operational context. It specifies what there is zero attitude for, what there is a cautious attitude for, and why in some circumstances there could be a higher level of risk attitude. Establishing an organisational risk attitude statement specific to SRM can allow for more meaningful assessments of the risks that are relevant to achieving organisational aims. Without the framing provided by your risk attitude, it is harder for SRM teams to drive through actions when needed.
Source: Security Risk Management (SRM) Strategy and Policy Development: A Cross-Functional Guide, GISF
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risk level

Degree of potential impact and likelihood of a threat or hazard affecting personnel and/or an organisation’s operations. The risk level is derived using a table which for example may be through the application of a four-step sliding scale (Low, Moderate, High, Extreme). The risk level is calculated using likelihood and consequence criteria after considering the existing control environment.
Related terms: risk
Source: Risk assessment tool, GISF
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risk transfer

The intentional or unintentional creation, transformation, or shifting of risks (either increasing or decreasing in severity) for one actor due to the presence or action of another. For example, when international organisations work with local organisations security risks are frequently transferred to the local/national organisation.
Related terms: risk sharing
Source: Partnerships and Security Risk Management: a joint action guide for local and international aid organisations, GISF
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robbery

Taking property unlawfully from a person or place by force or threat of force. If a robbery involves the use of weapons, it is considered an armed robbery.
Related terms: burglary , theft
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