Is your business continuity plan up to scratch?
Employers were quick to implement business continuity plans in response to the terrorist attacks in London on 7 July 2005, but many experienced difficulties accounting for staff and handling the volume of related communications, according to research.
These are among the findings of a joint survey into the business continuity response to the London bombings from the Business Continuity Institute (BCI) and Link Associates. Some 38% of BCI members surveyed invoked their business continuity plans in response to the attacks, while a similar proportion formed a team to respond to queries from relatives.
Accounting for staff was complicated by the timing of the attacks, which occurred when many employees were travelling to work. Respondents stated that internal checking was made easier by intranet and PA system announcements and e-mail messages. External checking was reliant on landline telephones, SMS text messaging and e-mail.
Communications were further complicated by surges in the use of mobile telephone networks, while many businesses also reported that their switchboard operations overloaded as operators struggled to cope with the volume of related inquiries.
The report offers guidance on how organisations can refine their business continuity plans in light of the events of 7 July 2005. One suggestion is that employers develop plans for internal evacuation, by stockpiling provisions and bedding in the workplace.
Elsewhere, the CBI has launched a new guidance document to help organisations assess their continuity and security planning arrangements. The document was produced with assistance from security and defence specialists QinetiQ, and draws on official advice from MI5.
CBI director general Sir Digby Jones comments that 'as New Year resolutions go, few things can be more important than ensuring your business has a future, whatever happens outside your door. … The preparations you make now could help your business survive a catastrophic event be it natural or man-made, continuity is vital and your customers will expect no less'.
Information & Communications Survey Report (PDF format, 1.25MB) Download the full survey findings from the BCI website. The survey is based on responses from nearly 80 BCI member organisations, predominantly located in the London area.
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Security Risk Management in conjunction with RAND Corporation and the Financial
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