A risk register template can help plan the risk response strategy for each risk, assign a risk owner and provide risk status. It varies depending on the complexity of a project, and the requirements of stakeholders. Generally, a template should include columns for stakeholder name, influence, interest, risk tolerance, risk attitude, risk description, probability, impact, risk response, risk owner, and risk status.
In a software development project, the customer may have a high influence and interest, but a low-risk tolerance and an averse risk attitude. The risk description is that the software does not meet the customer's requirements or expectations, with a probability of 20% and a high impact. The risk response is to reduce the risk by conducting regular reviews and testing with the customer and incorporating feedback. The project manager would be the risk owner and mark the risk status as open. Similarly, the developer has a high influence and interest, but high-risk tolerance and seeker-risk attitude. The risk description is that the software has technical errors or bugs that affect its functionality or performance, with a probability of 40% and a medium impact. The risk response is to follow coding standards and best practices and perform quality assurance checks to reduce the risk. The developer is the risk owner and the risk status is open.