IIRSM and DFS announce new partnership

The International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) and retail giant DFS today announced a new partnership.

DFS Group is a leading retailer of sofas in the UK with more than 50 year heritage, operating across two core brands, DFS and Sofology. It began its journey in 1969 with a single store near Doncaster, and now has grown its portfolio with a 36% market share. 

DFS showcases its brands with a network of showrooms across the UK and Ireland and the Group runs UK manufacturing facilities that manufacture around 20% of their sofas. It also operates its own distribution centres with around 200 vehicles and over 600 delivery colleagues who install their products into customers' homes. 

IIRSM is both a professional membership organisation for those responsible for managing risk in all its forms and a strategic partner of corporates operating across industries.

The Institute works collaboratively for mutual benefit with a wide network of partners and supporters that share its belief that everyone should be empowered to identify, manage and communicate risk.

Together, the two organisations will collaborate on influencing the risk agenda and raising awareness and standards of risk and safety management.

DFS Group HSE Director Jane Taylor said: “Our business is diverse and therefore risk management is fundamental to driving our successful integrated business model, helping us to make informed decisions and strengthen our planning. 

“IIRSM are always on point with topical discussions and articles that provide us insights to strengthen our decision making. Partnering with IIRSM also aids the professional development of our teams who drive sustainable improvements.”

IIRSM Chief Executive Phillip Pearson said: “DFS is a household name and a hugely important retailer, so we’re delighted to get the opportunity to collaborate. 

“Risk management plays a vitally important role in retail, including supply chain, security and health and safety, and we’re very much looking forward to working with the DFS team to develop our offer for risk and safety managers in the sector.”