Business Continuity Management

About the Course

Organisations face an increasing array of potential disruptions that can impact their operations, profitability, and reputation. Whether natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or supply chain interruptions, the ability to continue critical functions during and after a crisis is vital. Business Continuity Management (BCM) provides the framework and strategies to ensure organisations can withstand and recover from such challenges effectively.

This 5-day comprehensive Business Continuity Management training course will equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to develop, implement, and maintain a robust Business Continuity Plan (BCP). Emphasizing practical application, it aligns with The Business Continuity Institute (BCI) standards and the ISO 22301:2019 framework, ensuring delegates comprehensively understand the methodologies and best practices required for resilient business operations. Delegates will engage with current industry standards, learn to assess risks, establish continuity strategies, and communicate effectively during a crisis.

The training program is expertly tailored for risk management, operations, IT, and organisational resilience professionals. It offers advanced insights and strategies to manage business continuity effectively in today's complex environment. Delegates will acquire the skills needed to address and mitigate the impact of unexpected disruptions. It also prepares delegates to ensure organisational survival and seize opportunities for growth and improvement during challenging times. They will be well-equipped to lead their organisations through adversity and thrive in an evolving landscape.

Core Objectives

By the end of the training course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the key principles and components of Business Continuity Management (BCM) and how they align with The Business Continuity Institute (BCI) standards and ISO 22301:2019
• Apply risk assessment techniques to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities that could impact business operations and determine their implications for continuity planning
• Analyse organisational processes and functions to develop comprehensive Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) that address various types of disruptions and ensure critical functions can be maintained or rapidly restored
• Evaluate existing continuity strategies and plans to assess their effectiveness and compliance with industry standards and recommend improvements based on best practices
• Develop communication and training programs to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and prepared to act according to the BCP during an actual disruption
• Implement continuity strategies by coordinating with different departments and ensuring that all necessary resources and tools are in place to support the BCP
• Create a process for ongoing monitoring and review of business continuity practices, incorporating feedback and updates to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of the continuity plan

Training Approach

This training course will involve a mix of interactive lectures and practical exercises to provide delegates with a robust understanding of Business Continuity Management principles. They will use real-world scenarios and simulations to apply their knowledge and develop actionable continuity plans. Hands-on activities, group discussions, and expert feedback will be used to reinforce learning and ensure participants are equipped to implement effective business continuity strategies.

The Attendees

This training course is designed for professionals directly involved in developing, implementing, and managing business continuity plans.

It will be valuable to the professionals but not limited to the following:

• Business Continuity Managers
• Risk Management Professionals
• IT Security Analysts
• Emergency Response Coordinators
• Facilities Managers
• Operations Managers
• Compliance Officers
• Corporate Governance Experts
• Senior Executives
• Crisis Management Teams

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS CONTINUITY MANAGEMENT & ISO 22301:2019 

• Understanding Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS)
• Overview of ISO 22301:2019 Requirements
• Key Principles of Business Continuity Management
• Organisational Resilience and Business Continuity
• Context of the Organisation and Leadership in BCMS
• Scope and Objectives of ISO 22301:2019
• Benefits of Implementing Business Continuity Management

DAY TWO: BUSINESS IMPACT ANALYSIS & RISK ASSESSMENT

• Conducting a Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
• Identifying and Prioritising Critical Business Functions
• Assessing Business Continuity Risks
• Risk Mitigation and Control Measures
• Establishing Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO)
• Scenario Development for Risk Analysis
• Integration of Risk Management with Business Continuity Planning

DAY THREE: DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANS

• Structuring a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
• Developing Recovery Strategies for Critical Functions
• Incident Response and Crisis Management Planning
• Roles and Responsibilities in Business Continuity
• Communication Plans and Stakeholder Management
• Implementing Business Continuity Plans
• Integration with Emergency and Disaster Recovery Plans

DAY FOUR: EXERCISING, TESTING, AND MAINTAINING BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANS

• Planning and Conducting Business Continuity Exercises
• Types of Exercises: Tabletop, Simulation, and Full-Scale
• Testing Business Continuity Strategies and Plans
• Evaluating Exercise Outcomes and Identifying Gaps
• Continual Maintenance and Review of BCMS
• Documentation and Record-Keeping in Business Continuity
• Compliance and Auditing in Line with ISO 22301:2019

DAY FIVE: LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE, AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS CONTINUITY MANAGEMENT

• Leadership Roles in Business Continuity Management
• Governance and Oversight of BCMS
• Aligning Business Continuity with Organisational Strategy
• Performance Evaluation and Metrics in BCMS
• Reporting and Reviewing Business Continuity Performance
• Best Practices in Business Continuity
• The Role of Internal and External Audits in BCMS Compliance