Business Continuity and Crisis Management

Business Continuity Management: Standards, Plans and Systems

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Business Continuity Management (BCM), focusing on standards, planning, and systems. Participants will learn to develop, implement, and maintain effective BCM strategies that ensure organisational 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 risks from natural disasters, cyber threats, and operational disruptions. Effective Business Continuity Management is essential for minimising downtime and ensuring critical functions continue. Participants will explore how to identify vulnerabilities, assess potential impacts, and develop robust plans that protect assets and maintain service delivery during crises. By mastering these skills, professionals can enhance their organisation's resilience, safeguard stakeholder interests, and ensure a swift recovery from disruptions. This course empowers participants to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and risk mitigation strategies, which are crucial for maintaining operational integrity in challenging circumstances.

This course equips professionals with the skills to create and implement BCM plans aligned with recognised standards such as ISO 22301. Participants will engage in practical exercises to develop response strategies, conduct thorough risk assessments, and establish effective communication protocols. These capabilities are vital for safeguarding organisational reputation and stakeholder trust. Additionally, participants will learn to test and refine their BCM systems, ensuring they remain effective and relevant in the face of evolving threats and challenges. By the end of the course, attendees will be prepared to lead BCM initiatives, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience within their organisations.

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.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of interactive workshops, case studies, and simulations to facilitate hands-on learning. Participants will engage in group discussions to analyse real-world scenarios, allowing them to apply BCM principles in practical contexts. Specific exercises, such as developing Business Continuity Plans and conducting risk assessments, will enable participants to create tangible outputs. By working collaboratively, they will produce comprehensive BCM plans and risk assessment reports, demonstrating their understanding and application of the concepts taught throughout the course. This approach ensures that participants not only learn theoretical aspects but also gain practical skills that can be immediately applied in their organisations.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

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

Analyse the principles of Business Continuity Management and its importance in organisational resilience.
Develop a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) that addresses potential risks and recovery strategies.
Assess organisational vulnerabilities through a structured risk assessment process.
Design communication strategies to ensure effective information flow during a disruption.
Implement BCM standards, including ISO 22301, in organisational practices.
Evaluate the effectiveness of BCM systems through testing and maintenance protocols.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Business Continuity Managers responsible for developing and implementing BCM strategies.
Risk Management Professionals focused on identifying and mitigating organisational risks.
IT Managers tasked with ensuring technology resilience and data recovery.
Operations Managers involved in maintaining critical business functions during disruptions.
Compliance Officers ensuring adherence to regulatory BCM standards.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Conducting thorough risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
Creating comprehensive Business Continuity Plans tailored to organisational needs.
Implementing BCM standards and frameworks effectively.
Facilitating training and awareness sessions for staff on BCM protocols.
Testing and reviewing BCM plans to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
Establishing clear communication channels for crisis management.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

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

Day 1Foundations of Business Continuity Management

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a fictional company's BCM framework, identifying strengths and weaknesses in their current approach. They will discuss how to enhance resilience based on best practices and prepare a presentation for stakeholders.

Output: A report summarising the analysis and recommendations for improving the BCM framework.

09:00–09:54Introduction to Business Continuity Management and its significance for organisations.
09:54–10:48Overview of BCM standards, including ISO 22301 and their relevance.
10:48–11:00Key components of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and its structure.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Key components of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and its structure. (continued)
12:12–13:06Understanding the BCM lifecycle: analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance.
13:06–14:00Roles and responsibilities in BCM within an organisation and stakeholder engagement.

Day 2Risk Assessment and Business Impact Analysis

Applied activity: In small groups, participants will perform a BIA for a fictional organisation, identifying critical processes, potential impacts of disruptions, and recovery priorities. They will present their findings to the class for feedback and discussion.

Output: A completed Business Impact Analysis document outlining critical functions and recovery priorities.

09:00–09:54Conducting a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) to identify critical functions and dependencies.
09:54–10:48Methods for assessing risks and their potential impact on operations and resources.
10:48–11:00Prioritising recovery strategies based on BIA findings and organisational needs.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Prioritising recovery strategies based on BIA findings and organisational needs. (continued)
12:12–13:06Developing risk assessment matrices and tools to evaluate threats.
13:06–14:00Integrating risk assessment with overall BCM strategy for comprehensive planning.

Day 3Developing Effective Business Continuity Plans

Applied activity: Participants will draft a Business Continuity Plan for a fictional scenario, incorporating recovery strategies, roles, and communication protocols. They will work in pairs to critique each other's plans and suggest improvements.

Output: A draft Business Continuity Plan ready for implementation and testing.

09:00–09:54Step-by-step process for creating a Business Continuity Plan, including templates and guidelines.
09:54–10:48Incorporating recovery strategies for various types of disruptions, including IT and operational risks.
10:48–11:00Establishing roles and responsibilities within the BCP to ensure accountability.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Establishing roles and responsibilities within the BCP to ensure accountability. (continued)
12:12–13:06Creating a communication plan for stakeholders during a crisis and ensuring clarity.
13:06–14:00Reviewing and updating the BCP regularly to reflect changes in the organisation.

Day 4Implementing and Testing BCM Systems

Applied activity: Participants will design a testing and training programme for their drafted BCP, outlining objectives, methods, and evaluation criteria. They will create a mock drill scenario to test their plans in action.

Output: A comprehensive testing and training programme document, including a mock drill scenario.

09:00–09:54Strategies for implementing BCM plans across an organisation, including training and resources.
09:54–10:48Developing training and awareness programmes for staff to ensure preparedness.
10:48–11:00Testing BCM plans through simulations and drills to evaluate effectiveness.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Testing BCM plans through simulations and drills to evaluate effectiveness. (continued)
12:12–13:06Evaluating the effectiveness of BCM systems post-testing and identifying areas for improvement.
13:06–14:00Continuous improvement of BCM processes based on feedback and evolving threats.

Day 5Integrating BCM into Organisational Culture

Applied activity: Participants will create a presentation to propose a BCM integration strategy for their organisation, including stakeholder engagement, communication plans, and training initiatives. They will present their strategies to the group for critique.

Output: A presentation deck outlining the BCM integration strategy, including key engagement tactics.

09:00–09:54Strategies for embedding BCM into organisational culture and daily operations.
09:54–10:48Engaging leadership and stakeholders in BCM initiatives to foster support.
10:48–11:00Communicating the value of BCM to all staff levels for buy-in and participation.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Communicating the value of BCM to all staff levels for buy-in and participation. (continued)
12:12–13:06Monitoring and reviewing BCM effectiveness regularly to ensure relevance.
13:06–14:00Case studies of successful BCM integration in organisations and lessons learned.

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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