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⚙️ Manual Steps (if needed)
RISK ASSESSMENT - SIMPLE MODEL
Creative Scotland Open Fund for Individuals
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Title: Fair Payment for Scottish Musicians: Loch Lomond Pilot
Applicant Name: Brian Hughes
Application Reference: CS-OFI-31740-2FE3
Start Date: 20th January 2026
Funding Requested: £4,800
How to Assess Risk:
In the grid below you will find a 'traffic light' system for assessing risk:
- RED – this risk might threaten my project being delivered successfully and/or safely
- AMBER – this risk is not a threat to safety. It might make my project more difficult to deliver
- GREEN – this risk would not threaten my project being delivered and is not a threat to safety
RISK ASSESSMENT
RISK 1: Low musician turnout / engagement
Initial Risk Level: AMBER
This risk might make my project more difficult to deliver. But it is not probable that the risk will occur.
How I will control this risk:
- Direct outreach to local musicians through existing networks
- Partnership with Friends of Loch Lomond and community groups
- Clear communication of fair payment model (90% to artists)
- Pilot phase allows for adjustment before full rollout
- Personal connections in local music community (Stoneymollan resident)
Residual Risk Level: GREEN
With direct outreach and fair payment model, engagement is likely. Pilot scale means we can adapt quickly.
RISK 2: Payment system issues preventing artists receiving funds
Initial Risk Level: RED
This risk might threaten my project being delivered successfully. However, I have measures in place to reduce this risk.
How I will control this risk:
- Payment system already built and tested with reliable web infrastructure
- Manual payment backup option via direct bank transfer if technical issues occur
- Small pilot scale (10-20 musicians initially) allows for controlled testing
- I have experience managing online payment systems and can troubleshoot issues
- Partnership with established payment providers (Revolut/Stripe) for reliability
Residual Risk Level: AMBER
System is functional, but pilot phase allows us to identify and fix any payment flow issues before scaling.
RISK 3: Public health / weather preventing outdoor performances
Initial Risk Level: AMBER
This risk might make delivery more challenging but is manageable.
How I will control this risk:
- Project timeline (Jan 2026 onwards) allows for seasonal flexibility
- Not dependent on outdoor performances only - studio recordings also qualify
- Online submission system means musicians can submit work remotely
- Pilot can be extended if weather significantly impacts timeline
- Indoor venue options available (community halls, pubs, etc.)
Residual Risk Level: GREEN
Project design is flexible and not weather-dependent.
RISK 4: Insufficient community awareness of the initiative
Initial Risk Level: AMBER
This risk might reduce initial participation but can be mitigated through outreach.
How I will control this risk:
- Local media outreach (Dumbarton Reporter, Loch Lomond Radio)
- Social media campaign targeting West Dunbartonshire
- Physical posters in community spaces (Balloch, Alexandria, Stoneymollan)
- Word of mouth through existing community networks
- Partnership promotion through Friends of Loch Lomond
Residual Risk Level: GREEN
Multi-channel approach ensures local awareness.
RISK 5: Fraud / misuse of payment system
Initial Risk Level: GREEN
This risk is minimal and well-controlled from the start.
How I will control this risk:
- Automated + manual verification of all submissions
- Small pilot scale makes fraud detection straightforward
- Community verification layer (local musicians verify each other)
- Payment records transparent and auditable
- Secure record-keeping of all transactions
Residual Risk Level: GREEN
Multiple verification layers make fraud highly unlikely in pilot phase.
RISK 6: Budget insufficient to sustain fair payment model
Initial Risk Level: AMBER
This risk could impact project sustainability, but is manageable with careful planning.
How I will control this risk:
- Pilot phase budget: £4,800 from Creative Scotland Open Fund
- Clear cost projections: £50-£100 per musician per submission
- 90% to artists, 10% to admin/maintenance is sustainable model
- Can scale pilot down if budget requires (fewer initial participants)
- Revenue model (10% admin fee) designed to be self-sustaining long-term
- No other large funding applications active - this is our focused start
Residual Risk Level: GREEN
£4,800 budget is realistic for 10-20 musicians in pilot phase. Careful spending ensures project success.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
This project has been designed with risk mitigation built into its core structure:
- Small pilot scale allows for controlled testing
- Multiple verification layers prevent fraud
- Flexible timeline accommodates weather/health challenges
- Proven payment system reduces delivery risk
- Strong community connections ensure engagement
All identified risks have clear, practical mitigation strategies. The pilot phase approach means we can adapt quickly to any unexpected challenges.
Signed:
Brian Hughes
(Project Lead)
Date:
13 October 2026