The BCM life cycle -
Stage 4: Building and embedding a BCM culture
Documenting the BCP is one element of developing a BCM strategy. Its success, however, depends upon:
- implementation of the recommendations made, across the entire organisation;
- a programme of training for those directly involved in the execution of the plan; and
- an education and awareness programme to ensure understanding and adoption of the plan in relevant parts of the organisation - this applies to both internal and external stakeholders (eg employees and suppliers).
It is important to ensure that relevant people across the organisation - and in other organisations where appropriate - are confident and competent concerning the plan. A training programme should be developed and run for those directly involved in the execution of the Business Continuity Plan should it be invoked.
It is also important to ensure that all staff within an organisation are aware of business continuity arrangements, and what they should do if an emergency happens.
Key Messages to all staff:
- BCM is important
- Who is involved in BCM (the BCM team)
- What to do in the event of a plan being invoked
- The level of service that will be provided at the time of an emergency
- Support from senior executives
- Examples of where BCM has been effective in the organisation or similar bodies.
Techniques for raising awareness:
- Incorporating BCM in the staff induction process
- Items in staff newspapers
- Email bulletins
- Intranet pages
- Workshops and exercises to coincide with the National Business Continuity Awareness Week
- Videos
- Booklets and prompt cards
- Posters, mousemats, other promotional items
- Contact details on building passes.
[return to top]
