Business Continuity Planning

Business Continuity Management is a pre-planned process that ensures that businesses and service providers are able to survive and recover from unexpected & disruptive events affecting their daily operations. Major incidents, high levels of staff absenteeism (whatever the cause) and utility failures e.g.,electricity, gas and water will test an organisation's ability to manage its business.

The inability to respond to such events can have a catastrophic effect on any business. According to the National Audit Office, 80% of businesses affected by a serious incident either never reopen or cease trading within 18 months; this highlights the necessity for Business Continuity Management & Planning. (BCM & BCP)

Worcestershire County Council has a statutory requirement to ensure that it has Business Continuity Plans (BCP) in place to guide it through periods of disruption until stability & normality is restored. It also has a responsibility to give advice and assistance on BCM to the business community and voluntary organisations within the county.

What is involved in Business Continuity Planning?

There are six stages in the BCM cycle which include: understanding your business, BCM strategies, developing a BCM response, embedding the culture, followed by exercising, maintaining and auditing. The BCM cycle is illustrated below and is a continuous programme as the business evolves.

Where can I find out more?

For more information on the BCM cycle please click here

‘Expecting the Unexpected’ provides practical advice for businesses: checklists and templates on risk assessment, business continuity and emergency response. Click here to download a copy. Alternatively a hard copy of the document can be obtained from Worcestershire Emergency Planning Unit.

To assist businesses in developing and reviewing influenza pandemic plans, the Government has developed a checklist

It identifies important and specific activities which organizations can do to prepare for a pandemic as well as where more general guidance will be provided by the Government. To view the checklist click here

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have produced a BCM guide. To view this please click here. Alternatively again Worcestershire Emergency Planning Unit has a small supply.

Useful Links

The websites listed below also provide businesses/organisations with useful information on BCM.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
Business Continuity Institution
Business Link
UK Resilience
Home Office
MI5
Foreign and Commonwealth Office