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Communicating Your Business Continuity Plan: …
Communicating Your Business Continuity Plan: Public Or Private? A Disaster Recovery Report

May 4, 2021 by Siobhan Climer and Eric White

This article was originally published May 2020.

The business continuity plan has always been essential. Last year, many businesses found first hand the impact strategic disaster recovery programming and business continuity planning can have during a crisis.

communicating your business continuity plan

One question that has recently come to light is what level of transparency a business continuity plan should offer . As companies begin to develop hybrid work solutions and IT evolve, businesses should begin to adapt their plans. This brings up several other questions:

Who is responsible for creating and implementing a business continuity plan?

Whose role is it to communicate the business continuity plan.

Is it something you communicate to all internal employees?

Is there a risk to sharing your business continuity plan details?

Do you publish your business continuity plan publicly – on your website, for example.

Let’s break down these questions one by one to better understand the importance of communication in successful business continuity planning.

In mid-market and enterprise organizations, a Business Continuity Coordinator (BCC) is responsible for creating, testing, and implementing a business continuity plan. They must:

Understand how to work across potentially dozens of departments and stakeholders to identify mission-critical operations.
Document, test, and refine business continuity plan processes to ensure the BCP is regularly updated and functional.
Communicate the business continuity plan details internally and ensure smooth implementation if (and when) the plan becomes operational.

However, not every organization has a BCC. In many companies, the responsibilities of the BCC are split between leadership and technology teams. Leadership communicates the plan and the IT teams facilitate the implementation of the business continuity plan .

In an ideal situation? The BCC and CEO/COO would coordinate communication of the business continuity plan during its many phases, up to and including implementation.

Reality is far more complicated. The responsibility of communication falls to many different departments.

IT teams often carry the brunt of communicating actionable intelligence, from how to modify functional processes in new circumstances to ensuring data security, accessibility, and portability.

Should you communicate the business continuity plan to all internal employees?

Yes, at least elements of it. Communication is the beginning and ending of strategic business continuity planning. A BCP needs to address all employees, and – therefore – all employees should be aware of its existence. Certainly, the level of granular detail and responsibility varies; regardless, all employees need to have a basic understanding of their roles and responsibilities during a disaster event.

Yes. Sharing business intelligence has inherent risks and you should not share the full business continuity plan with just anyone – even trusted department leaders. In many cases, the BCC will maintain a master business continuity plan document – that houses possible scenarios, individual and departmental responsibilities, and crucial information – such as vendor contact details, mission-critical data access credentials, and disaster-scenario plans.

For a competitor or malicious entity, that information could be incredibly valuable. This data should be carefully monitored and protected. Make sure all employees have the information they need to successfully implement your BCP. And make sure you’ve made sure with business continuity plan testing.

A strong business continuity plan can send a strong message to your customers and clients. People want to work with an organization that is transparent and prepared, and a business continuity plan demonstrates just this.

Instead of simply publishing your BCP in full on your website, or even sharing it with potential clients or vendors, we recommend the following:

Offer business continuity plan FAQs. This is a far more user-friendly way to approach communication and business continuity planning. Identify and answer a list of questions for what you and your clients should do during specific situations.

Put communication and compassion front and center. Instead of putting together a piece of collateral that may or may not be effective, make sure your clients know what to do if they need to reach you. Give clients reliable contact information. Give them peace of mind.

Communicating Your Business Continuity Plan Matters

Your business is unique, and the details of your business continuity plan – and the specifics around communication and implementation – are equally individual. Yet communication is vital to every strategic business continuity plan, whether it is for a boutique pet groomer or multi-national SaaS-provider.

Ensure your employees and clients know what to do during a crisis event with comprehensive disaster recovery programming and business continuity planning. Our team are experts in matching business continuity planning to technology, ensuring that during disasters your infrastructure and systems continue to deliver what is needed.

You can find out more about protecting your data at our virtual webinar on May 18th.

About Mindsight

Mindsight is industry recognized for delivering secure IT solutions and thought leadership that address your infrastructure and communications needs. Our engineers are expert level only – and they’re known as the most respected and valued engineering team based in Chicago, serving emerging to enterprise organizations around the globe. That’s why clients trust Mindsight as an extension of their IT team.

Visit us at http://www.gomindsight.com .

About The Authors

Eric White is Chief Technology Officer and VP of Consulting Services at Mindsight. With over ten years of experience in information technology and leadership, Eric excels at implementing network and data center technologies, designing high-yield solutions for the business. Holding professional certifications from Microsoft, VMware, and EMC, as well as the Cisco CCNP, Eric is an expert at solving business realities with a client-centric focus that delivers.

Siobhan Climer writes about technology trends in education, healthcare, and business. With over a decade of experience communicating complex concepts around everything from cybersecurity to neuroscience, Siobhan is an expert at breaking down technical and scientific principles so that everyone takes away valuable insights. When she’s not writing tech, she’s reading and writing fantasy, hiking, and exploring the world with her twin daughters.

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What Is a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), and How Does It Work?

with whom can the business continuity plan document be shared

Investopedia / Ryan Oakley

What Is a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?

A business continuity plan (BCP) is a system of prevention and recovery from potential threats to a company. The plan ensures that personnel and assets are protected and are able to function quickly in the event of a disaster.

Key Takeaways

Business continuity plans (BCPs) are prevention and recovery systems for potential threats, such as natural disasters or cyber-attacks.
BCP is designed to protect personnel and assets and make sure they can function quickly when disaster strikes.
BCPs should be tested to ensure there are no weaknesses, which can be identified and corrected.

Understanding Business Continuity Plans (BCPs)

BCP involves defining any and all risks that can affect the company's operations, making it an important part of the organization's risk management strategy. Risks may include natural disasters—fire, flood, or weather-related events—and cyber-attacks . Once the risks are identified, the plan should also include:

Determining how those risks will affect operations
Implementing safeguards and procedures to mitigate the risks
Testing procedures to ensure they work
Reviewing the process to make sure that it is up to date

BCPs are an important part of any business. Threats and disruptions mean a loss of revenue and higher costs, which leads to a drop in profitability. And businesses can't rely on insurance alone because it doesn't cover all the costs and the customers who move to the competition. It is generally conceived in advance and involves input from key stakeholders and personnel.

Business impact analysis, recovery, organization, and training are all steps corporations need to follow when creating a Business Continuity Plan.

Benefits of a Business Continuity Plan

Businesses are prone to a host of disasters that vary in degree from minor to catastrophic. Business continuity planning is typically meant to help a company continue operating in the event of major disasters such as fires. BCPs are different from a disaster recovery plan, which focuses on the recovery of a company's information technology system after a crisis.

Consider a finance company based in a major city. It may put a BCP in place by taking steps including backing up its computer and client files offsite. If something were to happen to the company's corporate office, its satellite offices would still have access to important information.

An important point to note is that BCP may not be as effective if a large portion of the population is affected, as in the case of a disease outbreak. Nonetheless, BCPs can improve risk management—preventing disruptions from spreading. They can also help mitigate downtime of networks or technology, saving the company money.

How To Create a Business Continuity Plan

There are several steps many companies must follow to develop a solid BCP. They include:

Business Impact Analysis : Here, the business will identify functions and related resources that are time-sensitive. (More on this below.)
Recovery : In this portion, the business must identify and implement steps to recover critical business functions.
Organization : A continuity team must be created. This team will devise a plan to manage the disruption.
Training : The continuity team must be trained and tested. Members of the team should also complete exercises that go over the plan and strategies.

Companies may also find it useful to come up with a checklist that includes key details such as emergency contact information, a list of resources the continuity team may need, where backup data and other required information are housed or stored, and other important personnel.

Along with testing the continuity team, the company should also test the BCP itself. It should be tested several times to ensure it can be applied to many different risk scenarios . This will help identify any weaknesses in the plan which can then be corrected.

In order for a business continuity plan to be successful, all employees—even those who aren't on the continuity team—must be aware of the plan.

Business Continuity Impact Analysis

An important part of developing a BCP is a business continuity impact analysis. It identifies the effects of disruption of business functions and processes. It also uses the information to make decisions about recovery priorities and strategies.

FEMA provides an operational and financial impact worksheet to help run a business continuity analysis. The worksheet should be completed by business function and process managers who are well acquainted with the business. These worksheets will summarize the following:

The impacts—both financial and operational—that stem from the loss of individual business functions and process
Identifying when the loss of a function or process would result in the identified business impacts

Completing the analysis can help companies identify and prioritize the processes that have the most impact on the business's financial and operational functions. The point at which they must be recovered is generally known as the “recovery time objective.”

Business Continuity Plan vs. Disaster Recovery Plan

BCPs and disaster recovery plans are similar in nature, the latter focuses on technology and information technology (IT) infrastructure. BCPs are more encompassing—focusing on the entire organization, such as customer service and supply chain.

BCPs focus on reducing overall costs or losses, while disaster recovery plans look only at technology downtimes and related costs. Disaster recovery plans tend to involve only IT personnel—which create and manage the policy. However, BCPs tend to have more personnel trained on the potential processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is business continuity plan (bcp) important.

Businesses are prone to a host of disasters that vary in degree from minor to catastrophic and business continuity plans (BCPs) are an important part of any business. BCP is typically meant to help a company continue operating in the event of threats and disruptions. This could result in a loss of revenue and higher costs, which leads to a drop in profitability. And businesses can't rely on insurance alone because it doesn't cover all the costs and the customers who move to the competition.

What Should a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Include?

Business continuity plans involve identifying any and all risks that can affect the company's operations. The plan should also determine how those risks will affect operations and implement safeguards and procedures to mitigate the risks. There should also be testing procedures to ensure these safeguards and procedures work. Finally, there should be a review process to make sure that the plan is up to date.

What Is Business Continuity Impact Analysis?

An important part of developing a BCP is a business continuity impact analysis which identifies the effects of disruption of business functions and processes. It also uses the information to make decisions about recovery priorities and strategies.

FEMA provides an operational and financial impact worksheet to help run a business continuity analysis.

These worksheets summarize the impacts—both financial and operational—that stem from the loss of individual business functions and processes. They also identify when the loss of a function or process would result in the identified business impacts.

The Bottom Line

Business continuity plans (BCPs) are created to help speed up the recovery of an organization filling a threat or disaster. The plan puts in place mechanisms and functions to allow personnel and assets to minimize company downtime. BCPs cover all organizational risks should a disaster happen, such as flood or fire.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. " Business Process Analysis and Business Impact Analysis User Guide ." Pages 15 - 17.

Ready. “ IT Disaster Recovery Plan .”

Federal Emergency Management Agency. " Business Process Analysis and Business Impact Analysis User Guide ." Pages 15-17.

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Understanding the Essentials of a Business Continuity Plan

In the face of unforeseen disruptions, a robust business continuity plan (BCP) is essential to preserve the trust of stakeholders. If you are able to seamlessly continue operations even in the face of sudden challenges, stakeholders are reassured of the company’s resilience and commitment to their interests.

In this blog post, we offer a comprehensive guide to business continuity planning, how it can benefit organizations and share key insights into Developing and Maintaining an Effective business continuity plan.

What is a Business Continuity Plan?

A business continuity plan (BCP) is an essential blueprint that outlines how a company will continue operating during an unplanned disruption in service. It’s more than just a reactive strategy; it’s a proactive measure to ensure that critical business functions can continue during and after a crisis. The purpose of a BCP is to provide a systematic approach to mitigate the potential impact of disruptions and maintain business operations at an acceptable predefined level.

The role of a BCP is crucial in maintaining operations during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or any other incident that could interrupt business processes. By having a well-structured business continuity plan, organizations can:

Minimize downtime and ensure that essential functions remain operational
Protect the integrity of data and IT infrastructure
Maintain customer service and preserve stakeholder trust

Why is a Business Continuity Plan Important

Immediate Response : A BCP ensures that there is a predefined action plan, minimizing downtime and demonstrating control over the situation.

Transparent Communication : Keeping stakeholders informed during a crisis promotes transparency and maintains confidence in the company’s management.

Inclusive Planning : Involve stakeholders in the business continuity plan development process. Their insights can enhance the plan’s effectiveness and ensure their needs are addressed.

Consistency in Service : By prioritizing critical operations, a BCP helps maintain the quality and consistency of services or products, which is important for customer retention.

The absence of a business continuity plan can lead to a domino effect of negative outcomes, including a tarnished reputation and the potential loss of future business. Stakeholders remember how a company responds in a crisis, and a well-executed BCP can be the difference between a temporary setback and a long-term impact on the company’s image and relationships.

Elements of a Business Continuity Plan

When exploring various business continuity plan examples, certain common elements emerge as critical for their effectiveness. These elements serve as the backbone for a robust BCP plan, ensuring that businesses can maintain operations and protect their reputation during unforeseen events. Here are some of the key components found in successful BCP examples:

Risk Assessment and Business Impact Analysis : Identifying potential threats and assessing their impact on business operations is a foundational step in any BCP plan.

Crisis Communication Plan : A clear communication strategy is essential to manage stakeholder expectations and maintain trust.

Recovery Strategies : Detailed procedures for restoring business functions and services post-disruption are indispensable.

Employee Training and Awareness : Ensuring staff are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the BCP plan is crucial for its successful implementation.

Case studies of successful BCP implementations often highlight how these elements are tailored to fit specific business models and industries. For instance, a financial institution may focus heavily on data security and regulatory compliance within their BCP, while a manufacturing business might prioritize supply chain alternatives and on-site safety protocols. Regular testing and adjustment of these plans are also a common thread, underscoring the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in business continuity planning.

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Business Continuity vs. Disaster Recovery

It’s important to distinguish between a business continuity plan and a disaster recovery plan. While both are vital, a BCP is broader and focuses on the continuity of the entire business, whereas a disaster recovery plan is more technical and concentrates on the recovery of specific operations, such as IT services. Understanding these differences helps organizations allocate resources effectively and ensures comprehensive preparedness for any type of disruption. Understanding when to activate a business continuity plan (BCP) versus a disaster recovery plan is crucial for maintaining operational resilience.

To ensure a comprehensive crisis management strategy, consider the following integration points:

Pre-emptive Planning : Establish clear triggers for when each plan is activated. For instance, a BCP might be initiated in the face of a supply chain disruption, while disaster recovery would come into play during a data breach or server failure.

Unified Communication : Both plans should have a coordinated communication strategy to inform stakeholders and employees about the status and steps being taken.

Regular Testing : Conduct joint drills that test both the BCP and disaster recovery plans to identify any gaps or overlaps in procedures.

Continuous Improvement : Use insights from drills and actual incidents to refine both plans, ensuring they evolve with the changing business landscape and technological advancements.

By integrating both plans, organizations can navigate crises with agility and confidence, minimizing downtime and protecting their reputation. Tools like Creately, with features such as real-time collaboration and visual project management, can help create and maintain these critical plans, ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page and ready to act when necessary.

Crisis Communication Strategies within Business Continuity Planning

A business continuity plan (BCP) is not just about responding to the crisis at hand, but also about how you communicate during the disruptions and the decisions you make. Here are some best practices to ensure your crisis communication and decision-making processes effective:

Clear Communication Channels : Establish predefined channels for internal and external communication. This ensures that messages are consistent and reach all stakeholders promptly.

Designated Spokespersons : Identify individuals who are authorized to speak on behalf of the company during a crisis. This helps maintain a unified voice and message.

Factual Updates : Provide regular, factual updates to keep stakeholders informed. Avoid speculation and commit to transparency.

Decision-Making Protocols : Implement decision-making protocols that are clear and allow for swift action. This includes having a chain of command and predefined criteria for making critical decisions.

Training and Simulations : Regularly train your crisis management team and conduct simulations to prepare for potential scenarios. This ensures that when a crisis does occur, your team is ready to act effectively.

By integrating these best practices into your BCP plan, you can maintain control during a crisis, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively with all parties involved. Remember, the goal is to protect your company’s operations, reputation, and stakeholder relationships during unexpected events.

Utilizing Business Continuity Plan Templates and Tools

When it comes to developing a robust business continuity plan (BCP), leveraging templates can offer a significant head start. These templates serve as a foundational framework that can be customized to align with the specific requirements of your business. Here’s why using BCP templates is advantageous:

Efficiency in Development : BCP templates provide a structured approach, ensuring that all critical elements are considered without starting from scratch. This saves valuable time and resources.

Consistency Across the Organization : Templates help maintain a uniform response strategy, which is crucial for coherent and coordinated action during a crisis.

Ease of Customization : While templates offer a general outline, they are designed to be adaptable. This means you can tailor them to reflect your business’s unique operational processes, risk profile, and recovery objectives.

Incorporating features like crisis response directions into your BCP template is essential. With Creately you can,

Visualize these procedures on an infinite canvas, ensuring clarity and accessibility for all team members.
Easily modify the plan as your business evolves, with the drag-and-drop functionality, making regular testing and adjustment a seamless process.
Create a central repository of information by having docs, links and attachments in the notes panel of any shape in your diagram.

Key Insights for Developing and Maintaining an Effective Business Continuity Plan

A robust business continuity plan (BCP) is not a ‘set it and forget it’ document; it requires ongoing attention and refinement. Here’s why regular testing, updates, and staff training are non-negotiables in business continuity:

Financial Protection : By regularly testing your BCP, you can identify and rectify gaps that could otherwise lead to significant financial losses during a crisis. It’s not just about having a plan, but ensuring it works effectively when you need it most.

Reputational Safeguarding : Your company’s reputation is on the line when disaster strikes. A well-rehearsed BCP means your team can respond swiftly and competently, preserving stakeholder trust and customer loyalty.

Customization for Evolving Threats : The threat landscape is constantly changing. Regular BCP reviews allow you to tailor your plan to new types of risks, ensuring your business remains resilient against the unforeseen.

Empowered Employees : Training staff on the BCP turns theory into practice. When every team member knows their role in a crisis, response times improve, and confusion is minimized.

Remember, a BCP is a living document. It thrives on the feedback loop created by regular drills and updates, ensuring that when a crisis does occur, your business is prepared not just to survive, but to continue operations with minimal disruption.

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How to craft an effective business continuity plan

Let me take you back in time to the United Kingdom in the 1970s. Punk music was gaining popularity, and the Sex Pistols entered the punk rock scene with the force of a shooting star, capturing fans’ attention.

How To Craft An Effective Business Continuity Plan

But as quickly as they arrived, they quickly left the scene. When they broke up in 1978 after a period of internal conflicts, legal troubles, and their frontman’s imprisonment, fans were left both shocked and surprised.

Just like the Sex Pistols, plenty of companies experience rapid growth and success, only to face unexpected challenges and internal conflicts that result in their downfall.

In this article, we’ll draw inspiration from the Sex Pistols’ turbulent journey to explore the concept of business continuity planning (BCP). We’ll look at what a BCP is, why you need one and delve into the strategies and contingency measures that can help you maintain your rhythm and continuity, even when faced with the inevitable storms that can disrupt your operations.

What is a business continuity plan?

A business continuity plan describes how you’ll continue your business when disaster hits. It is a structured strategy outlining how your organization will maintain essential functions when disaster strikes, to ensure minimal downtime and guarantee that operations continue.

Why do you need a BCP in place?

The BCP is crucial and revolves around ensuring your resilience and ability to continue operating in the face of unexpected disruptions, such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or other emergencies.

Let’s look at it a bit closer, and understand some of the key reasons to have a BCP better:

Minimize downtime

Protect revenue and reputation, compliance and legal requirements, resource allocation, maintain customer service, employee safety.

A BCP helps you minimize downtime. It does this by providing a structured approach to quickly recover and resume your critical business functions.

Example: You’re a retail company with an extensive online presence. If your website experiences a cyberattack that takes it offline, a well-prepared BCP outlines the steps to take to mitigate the attack, get your website back up in no time, and allow you to continue serving your customers.

No one likes disruptions as they result in revenue loss and can damage your reputation. A BCP helps you protect against financial losses and keep customer trust.

Example: You’re the owner of a restaurant chain with multiple locations and one of your branches has a food safety crisis. A BCP can guide you in managing the crisis, ensuring food safety compliance, and communicating effectively with customers to maintain trust in the brand and other locations.

Some industries, like the financial, and pharma industries, have regulatory requirements that mandate businesses to have BCPs in place. Failure to do so has legal and financial consequences.

Example: You’re the owner of a FinTech company. You are required by regulators to have robust BCPs to ensure customer data security and financial system stability.

When a crisis hits you need the right resources to get you back up and running. A BCP helps allocate resources effectively during a crisis, ensuring that personnel, equipment, and materials are used efficiently to address the most critical needs.

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Example: You’re a manufacturing company hit by a sudden supply chain disruption because the Suez Canal is blocked again. You use your BCP to allocate available resources to meet customer demands and minimize production delays.

When all hell breaks loose you want to make sure customer experience takes a minimum blow. A BCP outlines measures to maintain customer service and communication, so customers receive timely updates and support.

Example: You run an airline and there is a labor strike. Your BCP tells you how to manage customer inquiries, rebook affected passengers, and maintain a level of service.

Let’s not forget about the well-being of your employees. During a crisis, this is a top priority. A BCP includes procedures for evacuations, remote work arrangements, and employee support.

Example: There is a fire at your workplace. The BCP outlines evacuation routes, assembly points, and contact information for employees to report their safety status.

Business continuity planning: Steps for success

That’s a lot of reasons, right? Now that we addressed the necessity and urgency of having BCP, let’s look at 5 steps to creating a successful one:

Analyze your company
Assess the risk
Create the procedures
Get the word out
Iterate and improve

1. Analyze your company

In this phase you conduct an analysis to identify critical activities, determine which activities must continue, which can be temporarily paused, and which can operate at a reduced capacity.

You then assess the financial impact of disruptions. This involves asking yourself the question, “How long can I operate without generating revenue and incurring recovery costs?”

As this step covers your whole company, it’s important to get key stakeholders involved from the beginning.

2. Assess the risk

Now you have a good overview of your critical processes and the impact of disruption. At this point, pivot your attention to the risks they face, how well you can handle when things don’t work as usual, and how long you can manage if things go wrong.

The goal here is to understand what could go wrong and find ways to avoid, reduce, or transfer them. This assessment will help you strengthen your preparedness and resilience.

3. Create the procedures

Once you analyze and assess, you need to create procedures.

Develop detailed, step-by-step procedures to minimize risks to your organization’s people, operations, and assets. This can include changes to your operating model, such as using alternative suppliers or implementing remote work options.

4. Get the word out

A plan is just a plan and no one will know how to act if you don’t communicate.

This step is all about communication. Integrate the BCP into your operations, policies, and company culture, and train, test, and communicate with your employees.

And don’t forget that communication is not limited to your company only. Communicate with external stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and so forth.

5. Iterate and improve

Before implementing your BCP ensure its effectiveness.

Don’t worry there are plenty more options to test your BCP. Consider involving external stakeholders or vendors as it makes exercises more realistic. Frequently train those who are accountable for executing the BCP.

After experiencing a real incident or conducting a training exercise, update your plan to improve its ability to protect your business. Keep in mind that both your organization’s development and the circumstances you operate in change, so a regular review isn’t a luxury but a necessity.

How to structure your continuity plan

Now you have a high-level understanding, let’s look at how to structure your business continuity plan.

You can find a copy of the template I use here .

Make sure to include the following sections in your BCP:

Version history

Executive summary, functions and process prioritization, plan activation, governance and responsibilities, recovery plans, crisis communication plan, emergency location and contents, review and testing.

This section shows the revision history. It includes the version numbers of the changes made, by whom, when, and who approved the changes. The revision history allows anyone reading the BCP to understand how it has evolved over time.

The executive summary provides a brief summary of the key objectives, goals, scope, and applicability of the BCP.

This chapter outlines the critical functions and processes in scope of continuation in case of a disastrous event.

This section refers to the risk and business impact assessment outcome. Its aim is to set out what triggers the activation of the plan.

Governance and responsibilities talks about who has to act when the BCP is activated. It includes the members, a description of their responsibilities, contact details of the BCP team, and the chain of command during a crisis.

This section builds upon the business continuity strategies, specifically the one chosen when a disaster occurs. It describes the detailed recovery plans for each critical function, the procedures for restarting operations, resource allocation, and recovery time objectives (RTOs).

Here you cover the internal and external communication strategies. You also address employee awareness and training activities.

Now there is a good chance the disaster will require your crucial activities to temporarily continue at a different location. This section covers all details about the location and what needs to be available at the location.

The BCP is to be tested to reduce the risk of missing things or even worse failing. Here jot down the testing procedures and document results and lessons learned.

This section includes all appendices. Think about the following

Supporting documents, such as contact lists, maps, and technical specifications
References to external standards, guidelines, or regulations
Training programs for BCP team members
Review of insurance policies
Financial reserves and funding for recovery efforts
Procedures for keeping the BCP documentation up to date

Business continuity plan example

Earlier this year, the Koninklijke Nederlands Voetbal Bond (KNVB), which is the Royal Dutch Football Association, was hit by ransomware. The cyberattackers threatened to share personally identifiable information captured and the KNVB paid over one million euros to avoid this from happening.

What could have been done to mitigate the ransomware attack risk?

The Risk of the attack to succeed could have been mitigated with:

Regular data backups
Segmentation of networks
Intrusion detection systems

How to ensure business continuity in case of ransomware?

In response to the ransomware incident, and to allow for continued business as usual as soon as possible, steps could include:

Isolating affected systems
Activating backups
Notifying law enforcement
Engaging with a cybersecurity incident response team

Key takeaways

A business continuity plan (BCP) is like a safety net for your business when things go haywire. It helps you keep going, avoiding downtime, revenue loss, and reputation hits. On top of that, it’s a legal must in certain industries.

To make a solid BCP, just follow five steps: figure out what’s crucial for your business, spot the risks, plan how to bounce back, make sure everyone knows the plan, and keep fine-tuning it.

Structurally, your BCP should have sections like history, a quick guide, what’s most important, when to activate it, who’s in charge, the nitty-gritty recovery plans, how communication is done, where to go in a crisis, how to test the BCP works, and some extra info.

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Business Continuity Planning: Ensuring the Resilience of Your Organization

Let’s explore the intricacies of business continuity planning, from understanding its importance to implementing a robust strategy that safeguards your enterprise.

Published by Orgvue November 20, 2023

Home > Resources > article > Business Continuity Planning: Ensuring the Resilience of Your Organization

In an unpredictable world, the ability to sustain your business’s essential functions and operations, even in the face of disruptions, is paramount.

Business continuity planning is the framework that ensures your organization can weather storms, both literal and metaphorical.

What is Business Continuity Planning?

At its core, business continuity planning is the process of developing a proactive strategy to ensure an organization’s critical functions and operations can continue in the face of unforeseen disruptions.

It encompasses a range of activities, from risk assessment to the creation of detailed recovery plans, with the ultimate goal of minimizing downtime and ensuring the organization’s resilience.

The Importance of Business Continuity Planning

The importance of being prepared for various external and internal factors cannot be overstated. While many businesses have a standard business plan, not all of them consider the potential disruptions caused by natural calamities, economic downturns, or other unexpected events. Business continuity planning is the key to ensuring a company’s sustained operation, regardless of the challenges it may face.

Business continuity planning goes beyond the traditional business plan. While a business plan outlines goals and strategies for growth, a continuity plan focuses on how the organization will continue to function in the face of adversity. It involves identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate and recover from them. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a cyberattack or an economic recession, having a well-thought-out strategic plan is essential for business survival.

One of the most significant threats to businesses is an economic downturn, such as a recession. During these challenging times, consumer spending often decreases, and businesses may face financial instability. A recession can have a ripple effect on companies of all sizes, causing decreased revenue, layoffs, and even closures.

For a detailed look at the impact of recessions on businesses, read how to prepare for a recession , which delves into strategies for navigating these challenging economic conditions.

Business strategy planning is not just about surviving during tough times; it’s also crucial for capitalizing on periods of growth. When businesses experience an upturn, they often need to scale rapidly to meet increased demand. Having a continuity plan in place allows for a smoother transition during periods of growth, ensuring that the infrastructure, resources and workforce can adapt effectively.

The financial consequences of not having a business continuity plan can be devastating. Without a plan in place, businesses are more vulnerable to unexpected disruptions, which can result in significant financial losses. These losses may come from increased downtime, lost revenue, legal liabilities, reputational damage and the costs associated with recovery efforts.

Considerations for Business Continuity Planning

Creating a robust business continuity plan is a complex task that involves a multitude of factors. Among these considerations, three key aspects stand out: cultural differences, limited resources and alignment with business objectives. A successful business strategy plan takes these factors into account to ensure that an organization can effectively respond to disruptions while maintaining its core values and strategic direction.

1. Cultural Differences

Cultural diversity is a significant consideration in business strategy planning, especially for multinational companies or organizations with a diverse workforce. Cultural differences can influence how employees perceive and respond to crises. When developing a business continuity plan, it is important to consider the following aspects:

Communication Styles : Different cultures have varying communication norms and hierarchies. Understanding how employees from various cultural backgrounds communicate during a crisis can help in crafting effective crisis communication strategies.
Decision-Making Processes : Some cultures prioritize consensus-driven decision-making, while others lean towards hierarchical authority. A business continuity plan should acknowledge these differences and provide flexibility in decision-making approaches during disruptions.
Crisis Response Expectations : Cultural expectations can shape how employees expect the organization to respond to a crisis. Your business strategy plan should be sensitive to these expectations and ensure that response strategies align with cultural norms.

2. Limited Resources

For many businesses, resource constraints are a reality. When developing a business continuity plan, it’s crucial to consider the organization’s resource limitations, such as budget, personnel and technology. Here are some key considerations:

Resource Allocation : Prioritize critical functions and allocate resources accordingly. Not all business processes are equally important, and a business continuity plan should identify and protect the most essential ones first.
Efficiency and Scalability : Develop strategies that focus on efficiency and scalability. Efficient resource use is critical, and a business strategy plan should outline how to adapt to changing resource constraints during a crisis.
Collaboration : Collaboration with external partners, such as suppliers, can be a resource-saving strategy. Establishing relationships with partners who can provide support during disruptions is a valuable aspect.

3. Business Objectives

A business continuity plan should align with the broader business objectives to ensure that it doesn’t hinder growth or innovation. Consider the following aspects:

Market Expansion: If the organization’s objective is to expand into new markets, the business strategy plan should accommodate this goal. It should address the challenges and opportunities that come with market expansion, including regulatory compliance and logistical considerations.
Relocation or Migration : If there are plans to relocate or migrate operations, the business continuity plan should include strategies for a seamless transition. This may involve considerations such as data migration, employee relocation and continuity of customer service.
Competitive Landscape : Changes in the competitive landscape, such as the emergence of new competitors, can impact the organization’s continuity. The business strategy plan should be flexible enough to adapt to shifts in the competitive environment.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to adapt rapidly, with remote work becoming the norm for many, reshaping entire industries like healthcare and e-commerce.
The global recession of 2008 had long-lasting effects on financial institutions and prompted regulatory changes that influenced business operations.
The rise of the internet transformed countless businesses, from retail to media, and required adaptation to online platforms.
Looking ahead, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence have the potential to disrupt industries in unprecedented ways, with automation and data-driven decision-making reshaping the future of work. These events emphasize the critical importance of adaptable and comprehensive business continuity planning to navigate the unpredictable landscape of our ever-evolving world.

Developing a Strategic Business Plan

A well structured business plan serves as a roadmap for your organization, guiding actions and decisions while enabling effective response to a dynamic business environment.

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the business.
Review financial statements, market positioning and operational performance.
Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Evaluate the company’s internal resources and capabilities.
Analyze micro-environment factors such as competitors, customers, suppliers and regulatory changes.
Examine macro-environment factors like economic trends, technological advancements and political factors.
Use tools like PESTEL analysis and Porter’s Five Forces to assess the external business environment.
Clearly define short-term and long-term business objectives.
Make objectives specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).
Align objectives with the company’s mission and vision.
Identify key operational processes that drive business success.
Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of these processes.
Prioritize improvements in critical areas to align with strategic objectives.
Plan for potential risks and uncertainties that could impact the business.
Create contingency and crisis management strategies.
Establish a risk management framework to mitigate and respond to unforeseen events.
Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress.
Regularly review and revise the business plan based on changing market conditions.
Adapt to emerging opportunities and challenges.
Ensure that the strategic plan is communicated effectively throughout the organization.
Secure buy-in and commitment from employees at all levels.
Ensure that all team members understand their roles in achieving the plan’s objectives.
Allocate resources, including finances and manpower, in alignment with the strategic priorities.
Develop a budget that reflects the financial requirements of the plan.
Monitor spending and adjust budgets as needed.
Develop a timeline and action plan for the execution of the strategic initiatives.
Assign responsibilities to specific teams or individuals.
Regularly review progress and make adjustments to stay on track.
Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the strategic plan.
Solicit feedback from employees, customers and stakeholders.
Use feedback to make continuous improvements and refine the plan.
Establish a system for measuring and reporting progress.
Create dashboards or reports to communicate key metrics to stakeholders.
Ensure that performance data aligns with the defined objectives.
Incorporate sustainability and responsible growth practices into the plan.
Address social and environmental impacts as part of corporate responsibility.
Seek opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation.
Develop scenarios that explore alternative future situations.
Consider various outcomes and their implications on the business.
Prepare for different scenarios to enhance adaptability.
Leverage technology for data analytics, automation, and efficiency.
Stay updated on emerging technologies that can support the strategic plan.
Integrate technology solutions to enhance business processes.

Implementing a Business Continuity Plan

Importance of Training and Awareness:

Awareness: Create awareness about the business continuity plan across the organization to foster a culture of preparedness. This includes educating employees on the potential risks and the importance of the plan.

Consistent Review of the Plan:

Conduct post-incident reviews to assess the BCP’s performance after a real event and make necessary adjustments.

Address Cultural and Technological Issues:

Technological Challenges: Recognize and mitigate technological hurdles that can hinder the plan’s execution, such as infrastructure limitations or cybersecurity threats. Ensure that IT systems are resilient and can support the plan.

Software Integration:

Organizational design software like Orgvue can assist in visualizing and optimizing the organizational structure, enabling efficient allocation of resources and responsibilities during a disruption.

Business continuity planning is not merely a precaution but a strategic imperative for any organization. It provides a structured approach to safeguarding business operations in the face of unforeseen disruptions, thereby minimizing downtime and potential financial losses.

By fostering a culture of preparedness, training employees, regularly reviewing and adapting the plan, addressing cultural and technological issues, and leveraging software solutions like Orgvue for organizational design, businesses can ensure their resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing landscape.

For businesses with specific 1-5 year plans, the integration of business strategy planning is paramount. It aligns seamlessly with forward-looking strategies by fortifying the organization’s ability to execute those plans in the face of unexpected events.

By weaving business continuity considerations into your strategic framework, you not only protect your investments but also demonstrate your commitment to long-term success, customer trust and stakeholder confidence. The benefits of such foresight extend far beyond mitigating risk; they empower your business to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable world. Therefore, it is recommended that businesses of all sizes prioritize and integrate business continuity planning as an integral part of their strategic vision and ongoing operations.

Business Continuity Plan FAQs

● where does business continuity planning belong in an organization.

Depending on the organization’s culture, the department your business continuity plan falls under varies. IT is usually one of the most vital components of any business strategy plan, in which case it could belong under the IT department. Or, if financial impacts are your organization’s main concern, the finance department may need to run the plan.

● Who Is Responsible For the Business Continuity Plan?

The business continuity plan usually falls under the responsibility of a dedicated role or department, often led by a Business Continuity Manager, who reports to senior leadership. This individual or team is responsible for creating, implementing, and regularly updating the plan to ensure the organization’s resilience in the face of disruptions.

● Is Business Continuity Planning a Legal Requirement?

It is not always a legal requirement, but certain industries and jurisdictions may have regulations or standards that mandate organizations to have such plans in place to ensure operational resilience and preparedness for emergencies.

● What Role Can Business Continuity Planning Play In Recovering From an Incident?

It plays a crucial role in helping organizations recover from incidents by providing a structured framework to assess, respond to and mitigate the impact of disruptions, minimizing downtime and financial losses. It outlines clear procedures and responsibilities, ensuring that essential operations can resume swiftly and efficiently, thus safeguarding the organization’s reputation and maintaining stakeholder trust.

● When Should a Business Continuity Plan Be Activated?

A business continuity plan should be activated as a preventative measure in the event a disruptive incident occurs. Triggers may include natural disasters, cyberattacks, supply chain disruptions or any event that threatens the continuity of critical business functions.

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How to write a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?

Are you ready for any surprises that might throw you off track? If you're responsible for information security in your organisation, having a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is key to making sure your operations keep running, even when things get tough.

In this article, we're going to dive into what a BCP is, why it matters, what goes into one, and how you can put together your own. Plus, we'll cover the best tips for nailing your BCP and point out the pitfalls you should steer clear of. Find out how to protect your organisation from unforeseen information security threats by implementing a solid BCP.

In this blog post, we'll cover:

What is a BCP?

Why is a bcp important, what are the components of a bcp, how to create a bcp, what are the best practices for writing a bcp, what are the common mistakes to avoid when writing a bcp, frequently asked questions.

A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is a comprehensive strategy that outlines the steps and framework a business will follow to ensure continuity during and after a disruptive event.

It helps you anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from any unforeseen occurrences that could potentially disrupt operations. A well-designed BCP minimises downtime, safeguards resources, maintains customer trust and preserves brand reputation.

Essential components of a robust BCP include risk management , business impact analysis, crisis communication protocols, alternate operating procedures, and regular testing and updating.

Following best practices like involving key stakeholders, clearly defining roles and responsibilities, establishing clear communication channels, and conducting regular drills are vital for developing an efficient BCP.

A BCP provides a strategic approach to risk assessment, communication plans, stakeholder engagement, and organisational resilience in the face of disruptive events.

Through a well-thought-out BCP, you can better understand potential risks, develop robust response strategies, and ensure swift recovery after a crisis.

For instance, doing an impact analysis is a key step in getting ready for what might come your way. It's about figuring out how different disruptions could mess with your main business activities, so you can be one step ahead. This doesn't just cut down on downtime; it also boosts your efficiency and how people see your brand because it shows you're on top of managing risks.

The BCP is all about being ready for anything - figuring out what could go wrong, making sure everyone knows what to do when there's trouble, and having a clear game plan for getting back on track fast. This way, the business can bounce back quickly, minimizing downtime and money lost.

Here are some of the key BCP components in more detail.

1. Business impact analysis (BIA)

Business impact analysis (BIA) is a critical component of a BCP that involves identifying risks, assessing potential impacts, determining recovery time objectives, and recovery point objectives for key business functions.

By conducting a comprehensive impact analysis, businesses can prioritize their resources efficiently. Risk mitigation strategies can be developed to address vulnerabilities identified during the analysis. Various methodologies, such as quantitative and qualitative assessments, are employed to gauge the impact on financial, operational, and reputational aspects.

Determining recovery time objectives helps in establishing time frames for restoring critical functions, while recovery point objectives define acceptable data loss limits. Integrating these elements into a cohesive plan ensures readiness to respond effectively to disruptive events and minimise downtime.

2. Risk assessment

Risk assessment in a BCP involves identifying potential risks , assessing their likelihood and impact, developing risk management policies, and prioritising critical business functions based on risk scenarios. This process is crucial in ensuring continuity of operations and minimising disruptions in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Risk management strategies such as risk avoidance, risk reduction, risk transfer, and risk acceptance play a vital role in preparing an organisation for potential threats. Implementing robust policies for risk mitigation helps in proactively addressing vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience.

By identifying various risk scenarios, businesses can tailor their response plans to specific threats, ensuring that essential functions are safeguarded and can quickly recover in the face of adversity.

3. Recovery strategies

Recovery strategies in a BCP focus on developing actionable plans to address business impacts, recovery strategies for critical functions, conducting recovery testing, and allocating resources effectively for restoration.

These strategies are crucial as they help businesses prioritize recovery efforts based on the impact analysis conducted. By aligning the recovery strategies with the findings of the business impact analysis, organizations can ensure that the most critical functions are restored in a timely manner.

You might also be interested: What are backups and data recovery?

Recovery testing methodologies play a key role in validating the effectiveness of these strategies, allowing companies to identify gaps and refine their plans. Proper resource allocation is essential for effective restoration, ensuring that the necessary personnel, technology, and facilities are available when needed.

4. Communication plan

A communication plan in a BCP outlines protocols for crisis communication, emergency notifications, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management to ensure effective communication during disruptive events.

It is imperative to establish a clear chain of command and communication flow, detailing who will lead the communication efforts , what platforms will be used for broadcasting updates, and how often updates will be shared.

Crisis communication strategies must take into account different scenarios, such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or operational crises. Effective emergency notification protocols should include multiple channels like text messages, emails, and social media alerts to reach stakeholders promptly.

Engaging key stakeholders throughout the crisis ensures transparency and builds trust, while crisis management procedures should provide step-by-step instructions for responding to various types of emergencies and mitigating potential risks.

5. Training and testing

The training and testing in a BCP strategy focuses on conducting awareness training, recovery exercises, supplier assessments, and emergency drills to ensure preparedness and validate the effectiveness of the plan .

Awareness training plays a crucial role in equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to identify potential risks and respond appropriately in a crisis. Regular recovery exercises help organisations test their procedures, evaluate response times, and fine-tune their BCP strategies.

Supplier assessments are essential for understanding the dependencies on critical suppliers and ensuring they also have robust continuity plans. Emergency drills simulate real-life situations, allowing teams to practise their roles under pressure and coordinate with critical suppliers for a seamless continuity response.

To start the process, the first step is to identify critical business functions that are essential for the organisation's operations. This includes pinpointing key processes, systems, and resources that are crucial for business continuity. Next, conducting a thorough risk assessment is imperative to understand potential threats and vulnerabilities that could disrupt these critical functions.

Once risks are identified, it's important to develop effective recovery strategies that outline how to mitigate and respond to these risks in a timely manner. Then, establishing a robust communication plan, including communication channels, key contacts, and procedures, is crucial for ensuring seamless coordination during a crisis.

Finally, implementing training and testing protocols is essential to prepare employees and stakeholders for various scenarios and evaluate the effectiveness of the BCP.

Here's the step-by-step process in more detail.

1. Identify critical business functions

Identifying critical business functions involves mapping dependencies, assessing IT systems, establishing a recovery team, and prioritising essential functions for continuity planning.

By having a clear understanding of which functions are crucial for the ongoing operations of the organisation, businesses can effectively allocate resources and implement strategies to ensure that these key activities remain resilient during disruptive events .

Mapping dependencies helps in recognising how different parts of the organisation interact and rely on each other, enabling a more comprehensive approach to business continuity. IT systems assessment is vital as technology plays a significant role in modern business operations, and ensuring their functionality during crises is paramount.

Forming a dedicated recovery team allows for a focused response to incidents, with assigned roles and responsibilities outlined in advance.

Prioritising essential business functions ensures that critical processes are restored promptly, reducing the overall impact of disruptions on the organisation.

2. Assess risks and potential disasters

Assessing risks and potential disasters in a BCP involves conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing risk mitigation strategies, analysing impact scenarios, and preparing for various risk scenarios.

Understanding the process of risk assessment in BCP is crucial for organisations to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their operations. By evaluating potential risks, businesses can develop proactive measures to address these vulnerabilities and minimise the impact of disasters. Risk mitigation practices such as implementing redundant systems, creating contingency plans, and regularly testing disaster recovery procedures are essential components of a robust BCP.

Watch our on-demand webinar: Incident response strategies: Navigating today's threat landscape

Impact analysis is also a key aspect, helping organisations assess the consequences of different risk scenarios and prioritise response strategies accordingly.

3. Develop recovery strategies

Developing recovery strategies in a BCP entails creating response procedures, conducting recovery testing, outlining the recovery phase objectives, and ensuring effective restoration processes.

Response procedures play a crucial role in guiding individuals on how to handle different scenarios in a structured manner. These procedures are carefully designed to mitigate risks and ensure a swift and organised response to unforeseen events.

Recovery testing methodologies are employed to assess the readiness of the organisation's recovery strategies and identify any gaps that need to be addressed. The recovery phase objectives serve as specific goals that the organisation aims to achieve during the restoration process to resume business operations as efficiently as possible.

Efficient restoration processes are essential to minimise downtime and mitigate potential losses during disruptions.

4. Create a communication plan

Creating a communication plan in a BCP involves developing protocols for emergency response, crisis communication, incident management, and establishing channels for effective communication during disruptions.

Emergency response procedures are vital components of this plan, outlining clear steps to take when faced with unexpected events. These procedures include guidelines on immediate actions to ensure the safety of individuals and assets.
Crisis communication strategies focus on maintaining transparency and conveying timely information to stakeholders.
Incident management protocols help in coordinating resources and managing the situation effectively. Clear communication channels play a crucial role in ensuring that information flows seamlessly within the organisation during critical incidents, enabling quick decision-making and response.

5. Train employees and test the plan

Training employees and testing the plan in a BCP strategy involves conducting awareness training, organisations can create a culture of preparedness and instil a sense of responsibility towards business continuity. Recovery exercises help teams understand their roles and responsibilities during unforeseen disruptions, allowing for smooth recovery processes.

Tabletop exercises simulate different disaster scenarios, enabling employees to practise decision-making and response strategies in a controlled environment. Emergency drills serve as practical tests of the plan, helping identify gaps, strengths, and areas for improvement in real-time response scenarios.

Engaging staff in these exercises not only enhances their skills but also ensures that the BCP is comprehensive and effective.

Adhering to best practices when writing a BCP is essential for success, including involving key stakeholders, simplifying plan details, and maintaining regular reviews and updates.

Engaging stakeholders in the development of the plan helps ensure that it considers diverse perspectives and expertise.
By keeping the plan design simple and easy to understand, all team members can quickly grasp their responsibilities in case of a disruption.

Continuous review and updates allow for adjustments based on new risks or changes within the organisation, keeping the BCP relevant and effective in real-world scenarios. This iterative approach fosters a culture of preparedness and resilience among all involved parties, from top management to frontline staff.

1. Involve key stakeholders

Involving key stakeholders in the BCP process is crucial for garnering support from leadership, enhancing organisational resilience, and aligning risk management strategies with business objectives.

Engaging key stakeholders ensures that the BCP is not only developed with a comprehensive understanding of the organisation's operations but also fosters a sense of ownership among those who will be directly impacted. With leadership support, stakeholders feel empowered to contribute their expertise, insights, and perspectives, leading to a more robust and holistic approach to BCP.

Involving stakeholders helps in identifying potential vulnerabilities, enhancing preparedness, and fostering a culture of proactive risk management. By aligning risk management practices with broader business goals, organisations can create a more coherent and effective BCP strategy that integrates seamlessly with overall operations.

2. Keep it simple and easy to understand

Simplicity and clarity in a BCP are essential for ensuring easy understanding, compliance with policies, and seamless execution during crisis situations.

A well-designed BCP that is simple and clear not only helps organisations adhere to industry standards but also fosters effective communication among stakeholders. By focusing on straightforward policies, companies can streamline their crisis response efforts, reducing confusion and potential errors.

Promoting a culture of straightforward communication within the organisation can enhance transparency, accountability, and overall resilience during unexpected events. Embracing simplicity in BCP can lead to quicker decision-making, smoother coordination, and increased confidence in navigating challenging situations.

3. Continuously review and update the plan

Regularly reviewing and updating a BCP is critical for maintaining its relevance, ensuring operational resilience, and aligning recovery strategies with evolving business impact scenarios.

By staying proactive in the upkeep of the BCP, organisations enhance their ability to swiftly adapt to changing circumstances and mitigate potential risks effectively. These maintenance practices involve revisiting risk assessments, updating contact information for key personnel, conducting regular drills to test response procedures, and incorporating lessons learned from past incidents.

Incorporating resilience planning into the mix adds another layer of protection by focusing on continuous improvement and adaptability. Aligning recovery strategies with dynamic business impact analysis ensures that the plan remains in sync with current operational priorities and potential threats, fostering a robust and responsive business continuity framework.

Avoiding common mistakes in writing BCP is crucial, such as neglecting risk scenarios, overlooking incident reporting protocols, and failing to maintain updated emergency contact information. Considering various risk scenarios is essential to ensure that the business continuity plan addresses a wide range of potential threats, from natural disasters to cyber-attacks.

Implementing robust incident reporting mechanisms helps in detecting and responding to crises swiftly, preventing them from escalating. Ensuring the accuracy of emergency contact details is vital for effective crisis response, as delays in reaching key personnel can hinder quick decision-making during emergencies.

Not considering all possible risks

Failing to consider all possible risks in a BCP can lead to gaps in recovery strategies, inadequate incident response plans, and insufficient preparedness for diverse risk scenarios.

This oversight may result in critical vulnerabilities that could cripple the organisation's ability to bounce back from an unexpected disaster. Without a comprehensive understanding of potential risks , businesses may struggle to allocate resources effectively during a crisis, leading to delays in recovery efforts.

Inadequate incident response plans can exacerbate the impact of an incident, prolonging the downtime and increasing financial losses. Insufficient preparedness for various risk scenarios also leaves organisations exposed to heightened operational disruptions and reputational damage.

Not testing the plan regularly

Neglecting regular testing of a BCP can result in unvalidated recovery strategies, inadequate evaluation of response protocols, and ineffective recovery exercises during actual disruptions.

This oversight can have severe consequences during a crisis, as untested plans may fail to deliver the expected outcomes. It is crucial for organisations to actively engage in recovery testing to identify gaps, fine-tune their strategies, and ensure that their response protocols align with current threats and vulnerabilities.

Through thorough evaluation of plan effectiveness, companies can increase their readiness to handle any unforeseen events effectively. Regular recovery exercises not only validate the preparedness of a business but also highlight areas that may require improvement for better resilience.

Not communicating the plan to employees

Failure to communicate the BCP to employees may lead to confusion during emergencies, lack of awareness training, and ineffective coordination among emergency response teams. This lack of communication can result in delays in responding to crises, heightened levels of risk, and potentially severe consequences for both the organisation and its employees.

By ensuring that all employees are well-informed about the BCP through comprehensive awareness training, companies can empower their staff to respond effectively in emergency situations. Establishing clear communication channels within the organisation facilitates the seamless flow of information during crises and enhances the overall efficiency of emergency response efforts.

Effective coordination among emergency response teams is crucial for swift and decisive actions in mitigating risks and minimising the impact of disasters.

Need help setting up your BCP?

If you could use more help and guidance on how to go about information security in your BCP and prepare for various risk scenarios, we'd be happy to consult. Check out our infosec-as-a-service offering or reach out for a chat:

A BCP, or Business Continuity Plan, is a documented strategy that outlines procedures and processes for an organization to continue operating during and after a disruption or crisis.

Why is it important to have a BCP?

Having a BCP in place can help minimise the negative impact of a disruption or crisis on your business, as it outlines steps to ensure essential functions can continue and operations can be restored as quickly as possible.

Where do I start when writing a BCP?

The first step is to conduct a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) to identify critical business functions and processes, as well as potential threats and vulnerabilities. This information will help guide the development of your BCP.

Who should be involved in creating a BCP?

It is important to involve key stakeholders and departments across your organisation, including management, IT, human resources, and operations, to ensure all critical functions and processes are accounted for in the plan.

How often should a BCP be reviewed and updated?

It is recommended to review and update your BCP at least once a year, or whenever there are significant changes in your business operations, infrastructure, or potential threats.

Are there any resources available to help me write a BCP?

Yes, there are many resources available online, including templates and guides from reputable organisations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Business Continuity Institute (BCI). Additionally, you may consider hiring a consultant or attending training courses to assist in developing a comprehensive BCP.

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About the author.

DataGuard Insights provides expert analysis and practical advice on security and compliance issues facing IT, marketing and legal professionals across a range of industries and organisations. It acts as a central hub for understanding the intricacies of the regulatory landscape, providing insights that help executives make informed decisions. By focusing on the latest trends and developments, DataGuard Insights equips professionals with the information they need to navigate the complexities of their field, ensuring they stay informed and ahead of the curve.

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A Deming Cycle Approach to Business Continuity Strategy

Building your business continuity strategy on a Design-Test-Reflect-Iterate cycle lays a solid, adaptable foundation to manage dynamic risks.

Blog-CTA-Sidebar-Graphic-BusinessContinuity-Checklist

How to Build Your Business Continuity Strategy

It’s not a question of if but when a business will encounter disruption. Challenges are inevitable, whether natural disasters, cybersecurity breaches, or other unforeseen emergencies. How your company responds will determine its trajectory.

Forty-three percent of small businesses affected by a natural disaster never reopen. But a business continuity strategy can prevent your business from living the statistics. We’ve talked to financial, aerospace, and telecom industry leaders to understand their business continuity strategies. Read on to learn about crafting an adaptable, systemic approach to navigating expected and unforeseen challenges.

Download Our Business Continuity Checklist

A cyclical approach to business continuity.

Business is not static, and neither are the threats to operations. Organizations need dynamic frameworks to navigate uncertainty in an environment characterized by constant change and evolving risks. That’s why many companies turn to the Deming Cycle, also known as PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act).

A diagram of the Deming Cycle's four steps: Plan, Do, Check, Act

Plan: Develop a robust continuity strategy
Do: Execute the preparedness measures
Check: Assess effectiveness through testing
Act: Adjust based on feedback for continual improvement

A business continuity strategy ensures your organization can maintain operational resilience during and after a crisis. With a systematic approach, you can manage various disruptions effectively. But first, you need to understand the potential threats to your business and how those threats would disrupt operational continuity.

This assessment process is critical for your initial planning and as an ongoing pulse check to ensure your business continuity strategy is effective—considering how your organization’s vulnerabilities and risks are changing.

A cyclical diagram of our business continuity strategy in four steps: design, test, reflect, and iterate

Design: Develop the initial framework
Test: Implement controls to assess functionality and performance
Reflect: Evaluate outcomes and identify critical optimizations
Iterate: Adapt the strategy for improved business continuity management

Better business continuity planning with SAC Wireless

On The Employee Safety Podcast , we spoke with Larry Pomykalski, Director of National Programs & Business Continuity at SAC Wireless. Larry underscores the need to cast a wide net when planning for interruptions. The plan should be broad enough to encompass a broad range of scenarios while maintaining business processes. By continuously evaluating and adjusting plans based on feedback and changing circumstances, it’s possible to minimize business disruption and speed recovery.

Larry notes that while it’s impossible to foresee every disruption, having a variety of plans enables organizations to modify strategies quickly to suit the current situation. By identifying critical business functions and establishing recovery time objectives, businesses can prioritize risks as they develop effective mitigation strategies tailored to their specific needs.

“Remain open-minded; be imaginative about what you can and can’t see impacting your organization.[…] That’s the first step in tracking potential threats,” Larry advises.

1. Design a working business continuity management strategy

Identify stakeholders and plan leaders.

A business continuity management (BCM) team is responsible for implementing your plan, so choosing the right people is vital to success. It’s typically an interdisciplinary team made up of individuals from various departments and roles within the organization, including:

Business Continuity Manager: This individual leads the continuity program’s development, implementation, and maintenance.
Risk Management Specialist: They identify, assess, and prioritize risks to the organization’s operations.
IT Director/Manager: This leader ensures critical IT systems and infrastructure resilience.
Operations Manager: Their role involves coordinating continuity efforts across departments and ensuring operational readiness.
Human Resources Manager: They are responsible for developing employee safety, communication, and workforce continuity plans.
Facilities Manager: This leader addresses physical security and facility-related risks.
Supply Chain Manager: They are responsible for assessing supply chain risks and developing strategies for continuity.
Legal and Compliance Officer: Their responsibilities include continuity plan compliance with regulatory requirements and contractual obligations.
Communications Coordinator: Their main task is to develop communication protocols and channels for internal and external stakeholders during emergencies.
Team Leaders: These individuals act as boots on the ground, providing direction and guidance to workers on the floor, in the field, or wherever they’re located.

By assembling a diverse and capable team with representation from these key areas, organizations can effectively address all aspects of business continuity planning and enhance their resilience to disruptions.

Assess potential risks and impacts

Only by knowing your risk profile inside and out can you manage and mitigate the risks to business continuity. The more you know, the more proactive you can be.

Assessments come in different forms. A threat or risk assessment considers the potential causes of disruptions, such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, power outages, supply chain interruptions, public demonstrations, public health risks, and many more. On the other hand, a business impact analysis focuses on the impacts that arise from these emergencies and disruptions, such as downtime, travel delays, compromised data, increased costs, facilities damage, delayed or lost income, regulatory fines, reputational damage, and more.

Begin with both types of assessment to understand the vulnerabilities and risks that could threaten business continuity.

Navigate resiliency challenges with regular assessments

Regular vulnerability assessments are crucial to maintaining business continuity, especially in the face of evolving challenges, such as a geographically dispersed workforce and climate-related disruptions. Jeff Dow, Manager of Protection and Resiliency at a major financial organization, highlighted the importance of staying vigilant during a recent interview on The Employee Safety Podcast .

Jeff’s team recognized that transitioning to a hybrid work model, with employees across 49 states, introduced new risks and vulnerabilities. They conducted thorough risk assessments to identify potential threats related to remote work, like extreme weather events.

They concentrated on three assessment methods to adapt their plans supporting business continuity:

Set your recovery time objective (RTO)

When setting a recovery time objective (RTO), you must consider your organization’s specific needs and priorities. Start by evaluating the criticality of each business process or system, considering factors such as customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and financial implications. Determine the maximum tolerable downtime for each function, keeping in mind that mission-critical systems may require a shorter RTO than less essential processes.

Once you’ve defined the RTOs for your key business functions, develop comprehensive strategies to achieve them. This may involve implementing redundant systems, establishing backup procedures, and investing in technologies that minimize downtime. Review and update your RTOs to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with your evolving business needs.

Remember to conduct tests and simulations regularly to validate the achievability of your RTOs and identify areas for improvement in your recovery strategies. Setting realistic and achievable recovery time objectives can enhance your organization’s preparedness for disruptions and minimize their impact on your operations and stakeholders.

Develop plans to prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recover from business disruptions

You might as well consider every version of your business continuity plan (BCP) a rough draft. Until it has been tested, you can’t be sure it’s comprehensive or effective enough to safeguard your business operations. Here are some necessary elements to consider for your dynamic strategy:

The tools and the team to monitor threats and determine their potential impacts on your organization
An emergency communication plan and a software system to keep everyone connected during expected and unexpected crises
Backup plans, equipment, locations, power, and any other redundancies that will keep operations running

Read more about the business continuity planning process on our blog.

2. Test your plan during actual and simulated emergencies

Train employees.

In the previous step, you determined which stakeholders need to be involved in the planning and preparedness efforts, risk mitigation, response procedures, disaster recovery, and any other elements of your business continuity strategy. This next phase involves preparing these people for their responsibilities. Here are suggested trainings tailored to each stakeholder’s role within the business continuity framework:

Business Continuity Manager: Training should cover developing and maintaining the continuity program, including risk assessment methodologies, plan development, testing protocols, and coordination with departmental stakeholders.
Risk Management Specialist: Offer detailed training on risk assessment techniques such as scenario analysis, impact assessment, and probability assessment.
IT Director/Manager: Conduct technical training on data backup and recovery procedures, system redundancy configurations, cybersecurity best practices, and incident response protocols.
Operations Manager: Provide training on crisis management principles, including incident response procedures, business impact analysis, and resource allocation strategies.
Human Resources Manager: Offer comprehensive training on crisis communication strategies, employee safety protocols, and workforce continuity planning. Include modules on remote work arrangements, employee assistance programs, and psychological support during crises.
Facilities Manager: Review building security systems, access control protocols, emergency response drills, and facility maintenance procedures.
Supply Chain Manager: Provide training on supply chain risk management techniques, including supplier assessment methodologies, inventory management strategies, and alternative sourcing options.
Legal and Compliance Officer: Cover topics such as data protection laws, industry standards, contractual obligations for continuity services, and legal implications of business disruptions.
Communications Coordinator: Provide comprehensive training on crisis communication strategies, including message development, media relations, stakeholder engagement techniques, and communication channel management.

By providing detailed and targeted training to each stakeholder, you ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to the organization’s business continuity efforts effectively. Of course, a significant part of that training is testing the skills they’ve learned.

Conduct drills and other exercises

Emergency drills , full-scale simulations, and tabletop exercises can test your preparedness, response, and recovery plans. These exercises allow you to identify weaknesses and gaps in your plans in a controlled environment, enabling you to address them proactively before a real crisis occurs. By simulating various scenarios, you can evaluate the effectiveness of your communication protocols, decision-making processes, and resource allocation strategies.

Involving key stakeholders in these exercises fosters collaboration, enhances coordination, and increases familiarity with their roles and responsibilities during emergencies. Regularly conducting drills and exercises ensures your team remains well-prepared and agile in responding to unexpected events, strengthening your organization’s resilience and ability to navigate challenges effectively.

After-action reviews following exercises, not just actual emergencies, are essential for continuous improvement and learning. These reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of your response and recovery plans in a structured manner before putting them to the test with your business on the line. By examining what went well and what could be improved, you can identify lessons learned and best practices to incorporate into future planning efforts.

On top of that, conducting after-action reviews fosters a culture of accountability and transparency within your organization, encouraging open communication and constructive feedback among team members. This process allows you to iterate on your strategies and capabilities, ensuring you are better prepared to handle real emergencies when they arise.

Activate the plan as any actual threats or disruptions arise

Hopefully, you’ve been able to prioritize training and exercises before a significant crisis hits. Doing so ensures that your team is well-prepared to execute the plan with confidence and efficiency when it matters most.

However, even if you haven’t had the opportunity to conduct extensive training beforehand, your preparation through drills and simulations will still significantly enhance your response capabilities. Remember to remain agile and adaptable during emergencies, leveraging the knowledge and experience gained from training to make informed decisions and effectively manage the situation.

3. Reflect on the plan’s effectiveness and its need to evolve

Perform after-action reviews.

After-action reviews (AARs) enhance business resilience by providing a structured post-crisis evaluation and improvement framework. These reviews thoroughly examine the response to a crisis or disruption, aiming to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for enhancement. They allow you to test your business continuity plan and management systems in real-time to address any gaps. Typically conducted shortly after the event, AARs gather input from key stakeholders involved in the response effort, including frontline responders, managers, and support staff.

Conducting an AAR begins with a comprehensive review of the incident, including the timeline of events, actions taken, and outcomes achieved. This retrospective analysis allows participants to understand what transpired during the crisis and how the organization responded. Facilitators guide discussions by prompting participants to reflect on their experiences, share observations, and identify successes and improvement areas.

Central to the AAR process is emphasizing open and honest communication, creating a safe space for participants to voice their perspectives and insights without fear of retribution. This collaborative approach fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the organization. By soliciting feedback from all levels of the organization, AARs capture diverse perspectives, enriching the insights gained from the review process.

Determine gaps and necessary contingency plans

The ultimate goal of conducting AARs is to distill lessons learned from the crisis response and translate them into actionable improvements to the organization’s business continuity plan and risk management strategy. This may involve updating procedures, refining communication protocols, or investing additional resources to address identified gaps. By leveraging the insights gleaned from AARs, organizations can strengthen their preparedness for future crises, enhancing their resilience and ability to navigate adversity effectively.

Boeing’s all-hazards approach to business continuity

An effective business continuity plan relies heavily on the team’s ability to collaborate seamlessly, even across physical and geographic boundaries. On The Employee Safety Podcast , we spoke with Keith Berthiume, Enterprise Emergency Preparedness Program Manager at Boeing, to understand why Boeing is an excellent example of an agile, collaborative approach.

Keith underscores the significance of assembling diverse teams to evaluate impacts, recognize critical needs and functions, and coordinate responses promptly. This real-time collaboration has proven instrumental for Boeing, enabling the company to swiftly adapt and respond to evolving situations, such as the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boeing’s success highlights the importance of effective communication and coordination within the organization and with external stakeholders, including service providers and off-site teams. Businesses can enhance their resilience and readiness to navigate complex, unforeseen disruptions by fostering collaboration across boundaries.

“Having senior leaders all together on a team is a significant force multiplier because the executives at the highest level of the company are able to ensure implementation of integrated and coordinated response, seamless coordination, and a unified direction from the leadership team,” Keith told us.

4. Iterate on your strategy in light of dynamic risks

Adapt to company changes.

The after-action reviews are what keep the cycle turning. While the advance threat and impact assessments help you align with and prioritize what you know, post-event reviews are about opening up to what you don’t know—or what you didn’t know with the most recent iteration of your plan.

You may only know about certain vulnerabilities once you are in an actual or simulated emergency. So, looking back and acting on those learnings is foundational to business continuity.

Adapt to changing risk

Twenty years ago, businesses rarely considered the effect that a prolonged pandemic could have on their ability to operate. Continuity plans were based more on immediate threats like natural disasters or economic downturns.

However, the landscape has shifted dramatically, emphasizing the need for organizations to adapt and expand their risk management strategies to encompass emerging threats such as pandemics. The global impact of COVID-19 has underscored the importance of proactive planning and preparedness for unforeseen events that can disrupt operations on a massive scale. As businesses navigate the complexities of this evolving risk landscape, it becomes increasingly crucial to prioritize resilience and agility in their continuity planning efforts.

In response to the lessons learned from COVID-19 and other emerging risks, business leaders can take proactive steps to stay ahead of future challenges. To adapt to changing risks, you should:

Conduct regular risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
Diversify supply chains to mitigate disruptions.
Prioritize employee well-being and flexible work arrangements.
Implement cross-training programs to ensure redundancy in critical roles.
Maintain adequate financial reserves to weather economic uncertainties.
Strengthen cybersecurity measures for remote work environments by implementing multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular security training.

Organizations can also make use of various technologies for proactive threat monitoring. Threat intelligence platforms can help them discover cyber risks, while real-time alert tools can keep them ahead of natural disasters or other widespread disruptions.

Strategic Planning to Keep the Wheel Turning

Business continuity planning is not a nice-to-have but a necessity in today’s unpredictable world. Whether it’s a natural disaster, cybersecurity breach, or other unforeseen emergency, the ability to respond effectively can make or break a business. As industry leaders and best practices highlight, adopting a structured approach like the PDCA cycle is essential for building resilience and adaptability.

Learning from business continuity strategy examples, companies can prioritize collaboration, real-time communication, and flexibility in their response efforts. Download our business continuity checklist for a template to help guide you on solid business continuity planning.

Business Continuity Checklist

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Business Continuity Plan Template

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A business continuity plan template is a document that outlines the steps that need to be taken in order to ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster or emergency. It can help to ensure that your business can continue to operate in the event of a disruption. Your business continuity plan template should include information about business continuity in general, the business's mission and values statement, business description, key contacts (name, positions held), suppliers, clients/customers/donors, associates (employees who are not part of management or do not hold critical roles in operations) that may be affected by an emergency, business location(s), business phone numbers and fax numbers, business email addresses, business bank account information (name and address on file), back up services (a list of providers and contact information for restoring lost data), insurance providers (contact information on file) and billing statements. When developing your business continuity plan template, you should create a section for business activities where employees may volunteer to participate in the business continuity planning process. Additionally, business goals and objectives should be developed to ensure

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Communicating Your Business Continuity Plan: Public Or ...
Is there a risk to sharing your business continuity plan details? Yes. Sharing business intelligence has inherent risks and you should not share the full business continuity plan with just anyone - even trusted department leaders. In many cases, the BCC will maintain a master business continuity plan document - that houses possible scenarios, individual and departmental responsibilities ...
How to Create a Resilient Business Continuity Plan
Step 4: When every second counts — define tolerable delays for vital functions. Keeping all your critical functions running during a disruptive event isn't always feasible. That's why you must define the maximum allowable downtime for these functions in your business continuity planning.
PDF Business Continuity and Risk
Step 1: Establish your core planning team. You will need to identify an individual or group in charge of developing the Business Continuity Plan. The size of the planning team will depend on your business operations, requirements, and resources. It may be one person or perhaps several; each should deliver a particular skill or knowledge set.
All about Business Continuity Planning
A business continuity plan includes guidelines and procedures to guide a business through disruption. The efforts to create a plan are the same for large or small organizations. A simple plan is better than no plan. The basic steps for writing a business continuity plan are as follows: Create a governance team.
What Is a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), and How Does It Work?
Business Continuity Planning - BCP: The business continuity planning (BCP) is the creation of a strategy through the recognition of threats and risks facing a company, with an eye to ensure that ...
Business Continuity Plan: Example & How to Write
Step 3: Establish the business continuity plan objectives. Step 4: Evaluate the potential impact of disruptions to the business and its workers. Step 5: List actions to protect the business. Step 6: Organize contact lists. Step 7: Maintain, review, and continuously update the business continuity plan.
Understanding the Essentials of a Business Continuity Plan
A business continuity plan is a document that outlines how a company can keep running during a crisis. It covers everything from backup systems, communication channels, emergency contacts, and recovery strategies. A good business continuity plan can help you avoid downtime, minimize losses, and protect your reputation. In this blog post, we'll show you how to create a business continuity ...
Business Continuity Planning: How To Create and Maintain BCPs
Step 3: Document business continuity plans. Based on the selected strategies and solutions, you'll then document your BCPs and make them available to key stakeholders. According to the ISO 22301:2019 standard on business continuity management systems requirements, BCPs should: Include specific immediate steps to be taken following a disruption.
PDF Creating a Business Continuity Plan
CREATING THE BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN The business continuity plan (BCP) is intended to be a dynamic plan and can be used in emergencies, disasters, and other catastrophic events where the technology, facility, or a department is severely impacted. BCPs are critical in keeping the facility open and providing care to the community.
PDF The Definitive Guide to Business Continuity Planning
Welcome to the Definitive Guide to Business Continuity Planning—the. indispensable resource for developing your business continuity plan. This handbook can be used to guide you in developing a BC plan from start to finish, or as a tool to test and improve your existing plan, or for anything in between.
How to craft an effective business continuity plan
Create the procedures. Get the word out. Iterate and improve. 1. Analyze your company. In this phase you conduct an analysis to identify critical activities, determine which activities must continue, which can be temporarily paused, and which can operate at a reduced capacity.
How to Write a Business Continuity Plan
Here is an example of a BCP format: Business Name: Record the business name, which usually appears on the title page. Date: The day the BCP is completed and signed off. Purpose and Scope: This section describes the reason for and span of the plan. Business Impact Analysis: Add the results of the BIA to your plan.
PDF BUSINESS CONTINUITY QUICK START GUIDE AND TEMPLATE
If you need a business continuity plan right now to respond to a disruption or an unfamiliar situation, gather your key decision-makers, and follow these steps. Keep the formatting simple, such as in a Word document in a shared folder. Later, you can take time to build a thorough business continuity plan.
Business continuity plan (BCP) in 8 steps, with templates
Step 1: Establish an emergency preparedness team. Assign a team the responsibility for emergency preparedness. Select a few managers or an existing committee to take charge of the project. It's advisable to assign one person to lead the planning process.
What is a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?
A business continuity plan (BCP) is a document that consists of the critical information an organization needs to continue operating during an unplanned event. The BCP states the essential functions of the business, identifies which systems and processes must be sustained, and details how to maintain them.
PDF Business Continuity Plan Guide
A business continuity plan to continue business is essential. Development of a business continuity plan includes four steps: • Conduct a business impact analysis to identify time-sensitive or critical business functions and processes and the resources that support them. • Identify, document, and implement to recover critical business ...
PDF The Professional Practices for Business Continuity Management
3.4.8. business continuity plan documentation, 3.4.9. plan testing, exercise, maintenance, and audit activities, and 3.4.10. response, recovery, and restoration activities during an event. 3.5. Monitor the status of the ongoing budget impact of the business continuity program per the entity's existing budget management process. 3.6.
Business Continuity Planning: Why You Need It and Why It Is So Important
The business continuity plan usually falls under the responsibility of a dedicated role or department, often led by a Business Continuity Manager, who reports to senior leadership. This individual or team is responsible for creating, implementing, and regularly updating the plan to ensure the organization's resilience in the face of disruptions.
Business Continuity Planning: Testing, documenting and operationalizing
Once this has been done, let all your staff know that the business continuity plan has been approved. Generally, things such as duration and the process to update contacts, maintenance of the plans, yearly awareness and testing should be part of the overall Business continuity management system — we will cover this in a future series.
Business Continuity Plan Template: Free & Customizable
To ensure the proper execution of our continuity plan, the company will have (number of drills, e.g., 2) drills over the year on (add dates). Each one will be carried out by our emergency response team during work hours. Employees will receive a reminder email a week before the drill to prepare. During each drill, we will review the ...
How to write a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)?
A BCP provides a strategic approach to risk assessment, communication plans, stakeholder engagement, and organisational resilience in the face of disruptive events. Through a well-thought-out BCP, you can better understand potential risks, develop robust response strategies, and ensure swift recovery after a crisis.
Business Continuity Strategy Guide [+Free Checklist]
Better business continuity planning with SAC Wireless. On The Employee Safety Podcast, we spoke with Larry Pomykalski, Director of National Programs & Business Continuity at SAC Wireless.Larry underscores the need to cast a wide net when planning for interruptions. The plan should be broad enough to encompass a broad range of scenarios while maintaining business processes.
Business Continuity Planning FAQ
FINRA Rule 4370 (e) states: Each member must disclose to its customers how its business continuity plan addresses the possibility of a future significant business disruption and how the member plans to respond to events of varying scope. At a minimum, such disclosure must be made in writing to customers at account opening, posted on the member ...
Business Continuity Plan Template
A business continuity plan template is a document that outlines the steps that need to be taken in order to ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster or emergency. It can help to ensure that your business can continue to operate in the event of a disruption. Your business continuity plan template should include information about ...