Definition of Business Continuity
Business continuity management is about planning for the unexpected business interruption or emergency and reducing the risk of loss to the organisation.
It’s about knowing and understanding business functions and putting into place arrangements that allow the organisation to continue to deliver its services or products seamlessly during an interruption.
In summary, business continuity management is about:
- Reducing risk
- Responding effectively
- Restoring normality
This information should be read in conjunction with the associated subject of Civil Protection/Planning for Emergencies.
Why You Need a Business Continuity Plan
Arriving at the office, we generally expect that today will be the same as yesterday; and so it might be, but just think for a minute about what you would do if the regular routine was interrupted:
- What if the office was off limits?
- Who would you contact?
- How would they be contacted?
- Where would you go?
- Who would tell you where to go?
- What would you need to take with you?
- How would you communicate?
- Could you work away from site?
- Who makes what decisions?
At any time an emergency, interruption or disaster can strike any organisation; it can present itself in many ways:
- Flood
- Storm
- Excessive heat or fire
- Action by others
- Contamination
- Viral infections
- Or simply something just happened and we don’t know what it is because we haven't been told
Any of the foregoing and many others could result in the loss of:
- Utilities (gas, electricity and water)
- Staff
- Information Technology - computer virus, unlawful access to data bases
- Key documents
- Contact details
- Computer hardware and software
- Damage to buildings infrastructure
If the interruption is large enough it will put you out of action. For how long will depend on how much effort has gone into planning for the day that does not follow the expected pathway.
How Business Continuity Will Help
Business Continuity Management is a management process that will help to continue to provide services or products to your customers, if there is a disruption to the normal working routine.
To help understand the structure and processes involved you can download the following information.
Further Information
Want to know more or need some help? A number of websites providing helpful information about Business Continuity Management are listed in the Useful Links page...
You can also contact:
Alistair Ireland
Business Continuity Manager
Swindon Borough Council
Civic Offices
Euclid Street
Swindon
SN1 2JH
Tel: 07824 868420
E-mail: alireland@swindon.gov.uk
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