PRIMO Europe | 25 September 2017

On 25 September 2017 in Paris, Mr Ronny Frederickx was presented with the PRIMO Risk Management Award 2017 by the President of PRIMO Europe, Mr Jack Kruf, in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the development of public risk management in Europe. He was awarded this prize for his efforts to raise awareness of the principles of ‘good governance’ and to highlight the importance of risk management among European local authorities.

Laudation

“The Board of PRIMO Europe presents the PRIMO Risk Management Award 2017 to Ronny Frederickx, President of UDITE, the European Association of city managers, for his long-standing commitment to integrating risk management as a discipline within the public sector into both the governance and day-to-day operations of the European network of municipalities.

‘Ronny was formally the co-founder of PRIMO Europe in 2007. As a board member of PRIMO Europe, a member of the Executive Committee and President (2015–2017) of UDITE, he has worked tirelessly for many years – through numerous meetings and European initiatives – to promote the value of the discipline of risk management. In doing so, he has contributed to the quality of local government in the broadest sense. His focus on promoting the effective achievement of public values through good stewardship of municipal organisations is undeniable.

Moreover, he himself mastered the craft of the municipal secretary like no other. He knew from his own experience that the municipal secretary is crucial both as part of and as an adviser to local authorities. He strongly championed the municipal organisation’s ultimate responsibility for achieving this goal, through his personal style, skill and knowledge, guided by the precautionary principle. His constant accessibility and openness towards his colleagues and his own staff, combined with his respect and diligence in achieving public values, resolving issues and mitigating future risks

Ronny’s consistently constructive attitude and constant drive for improvement and innovation in the field of governance and management of local communities deserve great praise. His personal drive and attitude, focused on collaboration, connection, knowledge sharing, and practical coordination, are what make Ronny who he is. He is a unique and wonderful person.

Ronny proved to be an indispensable link between the relatively new field of public risk management and the further development of expertise in ‘good governance’ from the perspective of the municipal secretary within the European network. Knowledge-sharing across European borders was indispensable in this regard. He made it happen. He was authoritative.

Within PRIMO Europe, Ronny has contributed to the development and application of diagnostic tools, such as the PRIMO/UDITE think tank ‘From Global to Local’, organising meetings and stimulating dialogue and research. He has been indispensable to the portfolio’s development.

Dear Ronny, you are most deserving of this award. On behalf of the board and the entire network, I thank you for your exceptional dedication, your contributions and the many years of collegiality and friendship.”

On behalf of the board of PRIMO Europe,

Jack Kruf, president

John O’Dea, secretary general

This award, established by PRIMO in 2007, aims to recognise, acknowledge and highlight standards in the field of risk management and their application for the benefit of a safe public domain. It is awarded in particular for an innovative approach to risk management that has resulted in improved processes, cost control, and excellent governance outcomes within the public sector. The award consists of a stylised image (designed based on the organisation’s logo as presented in Strasbourg in 2005), depicting the unifying power of people and organisations to achieve success (the stars).”