Business Continuity and Crisis Management

Business Continuity Management & IT Disaster Recovery

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Business Continuity Management (BCM) and IT Disaster Recovery (DR) strategies. Participants will learn to assess risks, develop recovery plans, and implement effective BCM frameworks tailored to their organisations' needs, ensuring resilience in the face of disruptions.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Organisations face increasing threats from cyber incidents, natural disasters, and operational failures, making effective Business Continuity Management (BCM) and IT Disaster Recovery (DR) strategies essential for maintaining operational integrity. These strategies help minimise downtime, protect critical assets, and ensure organisational resilience. Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to safeguard their organisation's continuity and recovery processes. By mastering BCM and DR, professionals can make informed decisions that align with organisational goals, improve stakeholder confidence, and ensure compliance with industry regulations, ultimately contributing to business stability and success.

This course equips professionals with the skills to analyse vulnerabilities, design robust recovery plans, and implement BCM frameworks effectively. Participants will practice developing detailed Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) and IT Disaster Recovery Plans (DRPs), ensuring they can respond to disruptions efficiently. They will also learn to conduct thorough risk assessments, prioritise recovery strategies based on business impact analysis, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. The hands-on approach fosters collaboration and critical thinking, enabling participants to address specific workplace challenges. By the end of the course, attendees will have the tools and confidence to enhance their organisation's resilience and ensure a swift recovery from incidents.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Critical business dependencies and recovery priorities not clearly mapped.
Continuity and IT recovery plans developed in isolation.
Untested recovery arrangements and unclear incident responsibilities.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of case studies, group discussions, and hands-on simulations to build practical skills in Business Continuity Management (BCM) and IT Disaster Recovery (DR). Participants will work on real-life scenarios that require them to assess risks, develop recovery strategies, and present their plans. Specific exercises include creating risk assessments, drafting Business Continuity Plans (BCPs), and developing IT Disaster Recovery Plans (DRPs). Outputs will include detailed recovery plans and risk assessments, demonstrating their understanding of BCM principles and practices. This interactive approach ensures participants can apply their knowledge effectively in their organisations, fostering a deeper understanding of BCM and DR processes.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse organisational vulnerabilities and risks related to business continuity.
Design a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan (BCP) tailored to specific organisational needs.
Assess the effectiveness of existing IT Disaster Recovery plans and identify gaps.
Construct a detailed IT Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) that addresses critical systems and processes.
Prioritise recovery strategies based on business impact analysis results.
Evaluate the compliance of BCM and DR practices with relevant standards and regulations.
Justify the allocation of resources for BCM initiatives based on risk assessments.
Implement a BCM training and awareness programme for staff engagement.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Business Continuity Managers responsible for developing and implementing BCM strategies.
IT Managers tasked with ensuring the resilience of IT systems and disaster recovery planning.
Risk Management Professionals who assess and mitigate organisational risks.
Compliance Officers ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements in BCM and DR.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Conducting risk assessments to identify potential threats.
Developing and documenting effective Business Continuity Plans.
Implementing IT Disaster Recovery strategies for critical systems.
Facilitating training sessions on BCM and DR awareness.
Evaluating the effectiveness of BCM and DR frameworks.
Communicating recovery strategies to stakeholders effectively.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Understanding Business Continuity Management

Applied activity: Participants will conduct a risk assessment for a fictional organisation, identifying potential threats and their impacts on business operations. They will categorise risks based on likelihood and severity, leading to a prioritised list of vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies.

Output: A comprehensive risk assessment report highlighting key vulnerabilities and proposed mitigation strategies.

09:00–09:54Define Business Continuity Management and its critical importance in modern organisations.
09:54–10:48Identify key components of a BCM framework that supports organisational resilience.
10:48–11:00Explore relevant standards and regulations (ISO 22301) that guide BCM practices.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Explore relevant standards and regulations (ISO 22301) that guide BCM practices. (continued)
12:12–13:06Discuss the role of risk assessment in identifying vulnerabilities and threats.
13:06–14:00Examine case studies of successful BCM implementations across various industries.

Day 2Developing Business Continuity Plans

Applied activity: Working in groups, participants will draft a Business Continuity Plan for a fictional company, focusing on critical functions and recovery strategies. They will present their BCP to the class for feedback and refinement.

Output: A detailed Business Continuity Plan document tailored to the fictional organisation.

09:00–09:54Outline the structure and essential elements of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
09:54–10:48Identify critical business functions and processes that require prioritisation in recovery efforts.
10:48–11:00Develop recovery strategies for essential operations, including resource allocation and timelines.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Develop recovery strategies for essential operations, including resource allocation and timelines. (continued)
12:12–13:06Incorporate communication plans into BCPs to ensure stakeholder engagement during crises.
13:06–14:00Review examples of effective BCPs from various industries to identify best practices.

Day 3IT Disaster Recovery Planning

Applied activity: Participants will create an IT Disaster Recovery Plan for a specific IT system within the fictional organisation, detailing recovery objectives, strategies, and resource requirements. They will present their DRP for peer review.

Output: A comprehensive IT Disaster Recovery Plan outlining recovery strategies for critical IT systems.

09:00–09:54Define IT Disaster Recovery and its relationship to overall Business Continuity Management.
09:54–10:48Identify critical IT systems and data that must be prioritised for recovery.
10:48–11:00Develop an IT Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) framework that addresses recovery objectives and strategies.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Develop an IT Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) framework that addresses recovery objectives and strategies. (continued)
12:12–13:06Explore backup and recovery technologies and solutions that support IT resilience.
13:06–14:00Assess the impact of downtime on business operations and the importance of timely recovery.

Day 4Testing and Maintaining BCM and DR Plans

Applied activity: Participants will design a testing plan for their BCP and DRP, including scenarios, objectives, and evaluation criteria. They will role-play a testing session to identify strengths and weaknesses in their plans and suggest improvements.

Output: A testing plan document outlining scenarios, objectives, and evaluation methods.

09:00–09:54Discuss the importance of regularly testing BCM and DR plans to ensure effectiveness.
09:54–10:48Identify different testing methodologies (tabletop, simulation, etc.) suitable for various scenarios.
10:48–11:00Develop a testing schedule and maintenance plan for BCM and DR to ensure ongoing relevance.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Develop a testing schedule and maintenance plan for BCM and DR to ensure ongoing relevance. (continued)
12:12–13:06Evaluate the results of tests and incorporate lessons learned into plan updates.
13:06–14:00Review case studies of BCM and DR plan failures to identify common pitfalls.

Day 5Integrating BCM and DR into Organisational Culture

Applied activity: Participants will create a training programme for staff on BCM and DR awareness, including objectives, content, and delivery methods. They will present their training plan to the group for critique and suggestions for improvement.

Output: A comprehensive training programme document for BCM and DR awareness.

09:00–09:54Explore strategies for fostering a culture of resilience within the organisation.
09:54–10:48Identify training needs for staff engagement in BCM and DR initiatives.
10:48–11:00Develop a BCM training and awareness programme that addresses organisational needs.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Develop a BCM training and awareness programme that addresses organisational needs. (continued)
12:12–13:06Communicate the value of BCM and DR to stakeholders and leadership effectively.
13:06–14:00Assess the long-term sustainability of BCM initiatives and their integration into daily operations.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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