What is Business Continuity Essentials?

Business continuity essentials is taken from the ISO 22301 standard, it is the IMSM “best practice” for business continuity for small and medium sized businesses. It is designed to help organisations ensure they are ready against potential issues, events and disruptions.

At the heart of the business continuity essentials is a service which creates a set of processes that when combined help protect your business, regardless of size, sector or perceived risk. It helps you actively prepare for disruptive events by conducting relevant business impact analysis and risk analysis. Implementing the business continuity essentials is much like an ISO standard, we base it around your own requirements, while still taking international best practice into account.

What is involved?

1. Initial Consultation: Our consultant will review what you currently have in place and where you may or may not be actively preparing for disruptive events. We’ll then explain the documentation that will be provided and how it will be completed. At this stage we will begin drafting the required documentation for you, based on the information and examples you’ve provided to our consultant.

2. Production of Documentation: After the first meeting, our consultant will draft all required documentation. We’ll regularly update you and may ask for examples of documentation or business practices throughout this process. At this stage your business continuity plan will become customized to your business operation, and we’ll work with you to conduct the relevant business impact analysis and risk analysis, which is required and contained within the business continuity essentials service.

3. Review and Training: Once you have approved the documentation provided and any required amendments have been made, our consultant will guide you as the documentation is implemented and you communicate it throughout the organisation. As well as training you and your team on the documentation, we will show you how to test the business continuity plan as well as modifying your risk and impact analysis.

4. Successful Completion: Congratulations. You’re now demonstrating best practice continuity and can clearly show your customers and other stakeholders that you are here to stay in business. Using your business continuity plan, you can plan immediate, medium and long-term response and preparation to a variety of issues and circumstances. IMSM will issue you with a “Business Continuity Best Practice” logo for inclusion on your company website and other documentation.

How can ISO specialists help your business?

Getting started with ISO certification can seem like a daunting process, which is why many businesses choose to use the help of an ISO consultant. We support and guide your business through certification. Our experienced assessors take the lead on auditing your business, helping you use the results to improve your quality management system. If necessary, there is also plenty of room for training.