Three considerations for embedding business continuity
As a rule of thumb, success will only be achieved through a collaborative approach to business continuity, and within this, there are three important considerations for any embedding strategy:
- Ensure senior management buy-in, for example through continuous programme briefings and workshops. If senior management is not fully committed to this there will be times when you feel like you are swimming against the tide. Involving senior management in the process will give them a better sense of the importance of business continuity, while bringing potential vulnerabilities that require allocated resources to their attention. Senior management buy-in will also ensure that business continuity is aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals and culture as well as being included in any relevant agendas moving forward.
- Identify and train business continuity champions. Invest time and resources in the teams and individuals who will continue to develop and deliver BCM into the future. Cultural change takes time and champions will be the drivers of it, with the support of senior management. Giving them the tools to impact change and deliver results will help their and your cause moving forward.
- Keep it simple. Business continuity can seem complex for anyone who is not a professional. If you present it in a language that the organisation understands, i.e., one that is fit for purpose and not full of business continuity lingo, you remove the complexity and make it more approachable. Successfully embedding business continuity is about understanding the organisation and its BCM maturity, and as such, adjusting the level of ambition and priorities accordingly.