Risk Management – Poland

Poland is increasingly asserting itself as a strategic hub in Eastern Europe — a vital corridor between the West and a region grappling with the long-term consequences of political instability and war. As the country continues to develop economically and logistically, one crucial element remains under-addressed: professional security risk management and proactive duty of care.

At EPM Global, a security consultancy founded by professionals with deep Polish roots and global experience, we believe Poland stands at a crossroads. The opportunity to align with Western security standards is within reach — but it requires a decisive cultural shift away from reactive crisis management toward forward-looking risk mitigation strategies.

One of the most pressing issues we’ve observed across Poland and parts of Eastern Europe is a reactive approach to risk. Unlike the UK or the US, where preventive strategies are embedded into business continuity and risk governance frameworks, many organisations in Poland tend to respond only after a crisis has occurred.

This reactive culture is not due to a lack of competence — Poland has world-class professionals. It stems from long-standing budget constraints, fragmented security practices, and a prevailing mindset that sees security as a cost, rather than an investment in continuity, safety, and reputation.

The True Cost of Being Unprepared:

• Delayed responses lead to higher financial losses during crises.
• Employees deployed to high-risk areas often lack proper training or support.
• In the absence of proactive planning, insurance coverage becomes limited or unavailable, especially for conflict zones.
• Brand reputation can suffer long-term damage from even one poorly managed security incident.

It’s time to shift the narrative. Risk management is not a luxury — it’s a core pillar of resilient business operations.

Another critical gap in the region’s security landscape is the dilution of accountability through over-subcontracting. International corporations, NGOs, and even media organisations often outsource security tasks across multiple layers — without clear governance or performance oversight.

This model results in:

• Inconsistent threat assessments and incomplete risk profiles.
• Inadequate training, especially for deployments to volatile environments like Ukraine.
• Legal grey zones in crisis response.
• Budget-first decisions that compromise personnel safety.

By contrast, the UK and other Western countries maintain strict regulatory frameworks that define clear lines of accountability and ensure that duty of care is preserved — not outsourced.

Poland has a deep bench of experienced veterans — many of whom have operated alongside NATO forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. These individuals bring expertise in crisis response, intelligence analysis, and executive protection.

Yet, many of them are underutilised in corporate or NGO environments, where procurement policies favour lower-cost subcontractors over professional security personnel with conflict zone experience.

At EPM Global, we actively integrate former Special Forces and military professionals into our operational model — ensuring our clients benefit from:

• Advanced threat anticipation and mitigation.
• Military-grade crisis preparedness.
• Executive protection services aligned with global standards.

To build a resilient future, organisations must embed security into their operational DNA. This starts with viewing security not as a reactive department, but as a strategic partner in business continuity and growth.

We recommend:

• Risk Assessment as Standard Practice — not just a box-ticking exercise.
• Budgeting for Prevention — including HEAT training, contingency planning, and protective intelligence.
• Direct Employment of Security Experts — especially those with field-tested experience.
• Compliance with International Duty of Care Protocols — making security a cornerstone of governance.

With over two decades of experience in conflict zones and corporate security consulting, EPM Global is proud to support businesses, NGOs, and HNWIs across Poland, Ukraine, and the wider Eastern European region.

We deliver:

• Tailored risk assessments and strategic advice.
• High-risk training including FREC, tactical response, and HEAT.
• Full-spectrum crisis response planning.
• Executive protection rooted in international best practices.

Poland is evolving — and with it, the expectations of international partners, insurers, and governing bodies. The time to embrace a proactive, professional approach to security is now. By prioritising preventive risk management and leveraging Poland’s talented professionals, the country can become a regional leader in safety, resilience, and operational integrity.

At EPM Global, we are ready to lead this transformation.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your organisation in navigating the complex risk landscape of Eastern Europe.