The vulnerability assessment project leader

3 Develop/implement the VA schedule.
Developing the VA schedule is essential because it sets targets and priorities within an organized plan. It allocates time and resources in a logical way. Implementing this correctly ensures that the VA meets all of its objectives and does not skip anything important or dwell too long on one issue.
4 Assist in the initial site briefings to customer representatives and key personnel.
This is essential because good communication between the people involved eases information flow and creates a professional atmosphere for all concerned. The initial site briefing sets the tone and input on this point establishes the ground rules and creates clarity.
5 Oversee control of sensitive or proprietary information.
This is essential because the VA involves handling of personal details, which are protected by law, and company information, which is commercially sensitive. Both of these are at risk if no-one sets up systems to safeguard such information, or if no one controls how these systems work.
6 Interact with and support the team SMEs to ensure successful completion of the VA and resolve issues that may arise to present barriers to the successful completion of the VA.
This liaison role is essential because the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) each have an in-depth but partial knowledge of the issues that arise, and this can cause disagreement. Helping to give an overview, and removing hindrances, minimizes conflict and helps the team to work together better and stay focused on the goal.
7 Serve as the team’s primary point of contact with facility management and staff.
This is essential because messages to and from facility management and staff can get lost if they pass through many different people. This role provides a clear channel for communication and also maintains an overview of what is happening hour by hour.
8 Ensure completion of required briefing materials, analysis, and VA reports documenting the results of the VA.
The best VA in the world is useless if its results are not carefully documented. Findings will be better respected and acted upon if they are expressed with all accompanying data. Clarity here reassures everyone of the validity of the VA and sets out the basis of a clear plan for others to follow.
9 Provide final site briefings to customers’ senior management.
This is important because senior management has the power to ensure that a VA has lasting effects on the organization in the future. If they are kept informed they are more likely to engage in the work actively after the VA is over.
10 Conduct follow-on activities after the VA is completed to meet project objectives.
A VA is a useful snapshot of a situation at a moment in time and is worth doing in its own right. Its greatest value, however, is its potential to change behaviors and improve things in the future. Follow-on activities are essential because they underline the key messages of the VA and ensure that actions are taken to follow what has been recommended. Without this, there is a danger that the VA becomes only a paper exercise with no real impact.