Expecting the unexpected is the title of a 26-page guide from the Home Office, for developing business continuity, helping a business to build resilience against a disaster.
To read the pdf document online, click here. The guide comes from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), the business group London First and the Business Continuity Institute (BCI).
The guide stresses planning and effective communication. It says: “Plans need to be simple but effective, comprehensive but tailored to the needs of the organisation. Employers have a responsibility to their staff for their safety and security, and we all share the desire to ensure that any disaster or incident – whether natural or otherwise – has a minimal effect on the economic well-being of the country.”
The document suggests that someone in senior management has ownership of business continuity management (BCM), and that risks are assessed.
Ask ‘what if?’ questions.
Ask what is the worst-case scenario.
Ask what functions and people are essential, and when.
Then agree on the ‘appetite for risk’ within your organisation, and develop and rehearse plans.
