Gentle reader, remember that pesky CrowdStrike incident that brought businesses worldwide to their knees? Chaos, right? That’s why every organisation, from your local bookstore to a tech giant, needs a rock-solid business continuity policy.
Think of it as a survival kit for your business’s future. It’s not just about bouncing back from disasters; it’s about thriving in the face of the unexpected.
Business continuity policy versus plan: What the fog?
Now, I know there’s some head-scratching about policies versus plans. Think of it this way: the policy is the constitution, the big-picture vision of how your organisation handles disruptions. The plan? That’s the tactical manual, the nitty-gritty steps you take when things go sideways. Deepen your understanding of the distinction by checking out our article.
10 steps to a business continuity policy
- Define and set the course: First, we must agree on what “business continuity” means for your organisation. Then, set clear goals—like how quickly you want to be back up and running after a hiccough.
- Guidelines to live by: Look to industry standards (like the trusty ISO 22301) or create your internal benchmarks to guide your policy.
- Take stock and collaborate: Dust off those existing policies (like your information security one) and see where they overlap. And don’t forget to chat with the risk management folks—teamwork makes the dream work!
- Write it down, plain and simple: Craft a policy that even your non-technical colleagues can understand. Remember, we’re focusing on the big picture, not the technical minutiae.
- Mind the gap: Hold your current policy up to the light. Does it cover all the bases? If not, it’s time for a tune-up.
- Get everyone on board: Share your draft policy with the team and welcome their feedback. It’s like a good peer review—always leads to a potent final product.
- Fine-tune and get the nod: Incorporate that valuable feedback and tailor the policy to your organisation’s unique quirks. Once it’s polished, get those important sign-offs from the higher-ups.
- Spread the word: Share the approved policy far and wide within your organisation. Make sure everyone knows where to find it and why it matters.
- Keep it fresh: Regularly revisit your policy, especially when things change significantly in your industry or organisation.
- Walk the talk: Your policy should scream commitment to business continuity. Ensure it’s crystal clear what you aim to achieve and how you’ll keep improving.
Need a helping hand?
At ITLawCo, we’re your personal business continuity experts. We can help you craft a policy that’s tailor-made for your organisation, ensure it’s legally sound, and even train your team to make the most of it.
So, gentle reader, don’t let a disruptive event catch you off guard. Let’s create a guideliness for your organisation to survive and thrive, no matter what comes your way. Reach out to ITLawCo—we’re always up for a good chat about your future!
