Upstream Risk Management is a specialist operational risk consultancy that helps you protect your assets and gain competitive advantage by providing human resource.
Why we exist
We are passionate about collaborating with our customers to solve tricky problems and keep operations moving.
What we do
We help turn risk into opportunity by identifying and managing security and operational risks. Through consulting, outsourcing, talent advisory and training services, we offer best-practice support to help you achieve your mission and meet legal duty of care responsibilities.
How we do it
People are at the heart of our risk management philosophy and we pay close attention to values and culture fit. We love getting to know you and your needs before integrating the right people to help you.
services
supporting you throughout the risk management cycle
We specialise in risk management services which help you build an effective, resilient and compliant organisation.
Risk analysis: Identify and assess the threats
threat id and analysis
risk assessment
embedded analysts
due diligence
threat and risk monitoring
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Security planning:
Manage the risks
developing security policy
operational procedures
physical security design
business continuity
medical evacuation
Operational support: Implement your plans
embedded advisers
bespoke training
field travel support
training and test exercises
guard force management
Audit and review: Your third line of defence
security audit
document review
compliance assessment
risk assessment review
investigations
Crisis management: Preparation and response
crisis management planning
training and test exercises
response consultants
after action review
investigations
HR support: Finding the right talent
consultancy
contracting
recruitment
change management
interim
why us
a proven track record,
value for money
Being small means we can share our blue chip experience at competitive rates. Your money goes on the service, not our overheads, and we get the satisfaction of providing you with the very best support.
Approach inspired by diverse experience
We have worked with some of the world's largest organisations from multiple sectors including tech, extractives, international
development and humanitarian.
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As a result, we are skilled at applying nuanced cross-sectoral best practice to manage a broad range of strategic and operational risks.
what our clients say
"We chose to work with Upstream Risk for the experience of its management team, the quality of its deployed consultants and its responsiveness to the dynamic needs of our organisation.
I have no hesitation in endorsing the company in managing and executing security risk operations.”
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CEO,
AAOG plc
"Wow! This guy is a machine. I could not be more pleased or impressed with his enthusiasm and ability. He has fitted into the team really well and I can already see he is going to be a trail blazer.
He is a pleasure to work with and I am super excited about what he will be able to help us achieve."
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Regional Security Director,
Tech Giant
"The team at Upstream have consulted for us on a number of security issues. They have always taken the care to understand our organisation and requirements, and provided the right consultant for the job.
I am very happy to unreservedly recommend their risk management consultancy services."
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Security Adviser,
European Union
what our employees say
“I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to Upstream Risk Management. Since joining, your organization has been nothing short of an employer of choice. The caliber of people I have had the privilege of working alongside has been remarkable, talented, dedicated, and genuinely good human beings who made my experience a pleasure even on the most challenging days. The opportunities afforded to me over the past five years have been instrumental in shaping my professional growth, and I do not take that for granted. Upstream Risk Management gave me a platform to develop, contribute, and thrive, and for that I will always be grateful.”
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Cape Town, South Africa
people
experienced, collaborative,
flexible
Meet Our Team
Our HQ team and network of associates has a diverse range of sectoral, geographical and functional experience. We are passionate about partnering you with the right people.
Emma works closely with the URM management team providing hands on HR support to develop and implement people management policies, processes and practices, in line with business strategy and objectives.
She also supports URM staff throughout the employee lifecycle; from onboarding, employee engagement, reward, performance management and any HR related queries or issues that may arise.
David founded Upstream Risk Management in 2018, with the aim of helping organizations navigate complex risk landscapes with confidence and clarity.
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He​ has spent over 30 years working in risk and security, with broad, multi-sectoral experience focussed on Africa, the Middle East & Americas. He’s done everything from escorting media in war zones to founding one of the UK's premier risk businesses.
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David was educated in risk management and leadership at the UK's Royal Military Academy, where he won the Sword of Honour, going on to lead regular and special forces.
David Livingston
Founder and CEO
Tom joined Upstream in 2018 and has developed our client services to the round the clock operation we offer today. He is now responsible for developing and delivering strategy.
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Tom's resume in risk management spans the commercial, not-for-profit and public sectors. Clients benefit from experience as in-house head of security for the British Red Cross and 13 years in global risk management consulting.
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Professional experience is underpinned by a BA in international relations from King's College London and a military education from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Tom Vila
Managing Director
Alasdair provides the link between Upstream Risk, our customers, and our people, with the mission of delivering exceptional client services.
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He has 20 years’ experience leading military and security operations in Europe, Asia and Africa. In between operations, he has focussed on strategic leadership, training and equipment capability.
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Alasdair’s natural tendency to think big is supported by a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from King’s College London.
Alasdair Luff
Head of Operations
Suzie is responsible for designing and delivering initiatives to enhance the employee experience through the entire employment lifecycle. This includes engagement, global benefits, events, and communications, thereby improving our insights to attract, retain and deliver satisfaction.
She brings a wealth of experience in people operations, having worked broadly across sectors and services, including banking, international development, and editorial.
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Suzie has a strong affiliation to our people-first commitment, reinforced by a BSc degree in behavioural science.
Suzie Fadhlaoui
Employee Experience Lead
Emma develops and implements people policies and processes, and provides hands-on support to staff throughout the employment lifecycle.
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She has over 20 years’ HR Generalist experience working for large organisations within the public sector, financial services, tech and manufacturing.
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Emma has a BA in Applied Psychology, and a postgraduate diploma in Personnel and Development from the CIPD.
Emma Cooper
HR Manager
Louise oversees all group financial policies and processes, interfacing our people-centred operations with efficient business processes.
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She brings a wealth of experience as a people operations manager, having spent most of her career working in professional services.
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Louise is an experienced accountant and CIPD-qualified people professional, bringing a unique blend of skills.
Louise Clark
Head of Finance
Sophie ensures the smooth and accurate delivery of payroll and billing processes across the business, providing a vital link between our people, customers, and financial operations.
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She trained as an Executive Assistant in France before moving to the UK, where she built her career across hospitality, HR, and Payroll.
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Sophie has since specialised in payroll and benefits, while expanding her expertise in billing and finance operations.
Sophie Jophe
Payroll and Billing Manager
Esmerelda supports the day-to-day running of operations and contributes to the efficiency and coordination of cross-functional projects.
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She joined the team after earning a BSc in Business and Management, and has strong skills in organization, communication, and problem solving, gained in retail and events.
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Esmerelda has gained substantial professional experience with Upstream Risk, and has developed a unique ability to think one step ahead of our operations.
Esmerelda Hida
Operations Coordinator
