Business Continuity and Crisis Management

Exercising and Testing Business Continuity Plans

Plans that are not exercised often fail when needed. This course covers designing and running continuity exercises, from walkthroughs and tabletop exercises to simulations and live tests, including objectives, scenario design, facilitation, evaluation, reporting and improvement tracking.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

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

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Regular, well-designed exercises build confidence and expose gaps before a real incident. This course gives you the skills to run effective exercises.

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 uses exercise design workshops, facilitation practice, a full tabletop exercise and evaluation activities.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

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

Explain exercise types and their purposes
Set exercise objectives and scope
Design realistic scenarios and injects
Facilitate exercises effectively
Evaluate performance and capture lessons
Report results and track improvements

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Business continuity managers
Crisis management coordinators
IT disaster recovery professionals
Risk managers
Emergency planners

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Exercise design
Scenario development
Facilitation
Evaluation
Reporting
Improvement tracking

Course outline

Your learning journey.

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

Day 1Exercise Programme

09:00–09:54Why exercise
09:54–10:48Exercise types
10:48–11:00Programme planning
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Programme planning (continued)
12:12–13:06Standards
13:06–14:00Exercise: Programme review

Day 2Designing Exercises

09:00–09:54Objectives
09:54–10:48Scope and participants
10:48–11:00Scenarios
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Scenarios (continued)
12:12–13:06Injects and timelines
13:06–14:00Workshop: Scenario design

Day 3Facilitation

09:00–09:54Facilitator roles
09:54–10:48Managing participants
10:48–11:00Observers
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Observers (continued)
12:12–13:06Handling surprises
13:06–14:00Practice: Facilitation

Day 4Running an Exercise

09:00–09:54Tabletop exercise
09:54–10:48Simulation elements
10:48–11:00Debriefing
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Debriefing (continued)
12:12–13:06Hot wash
13:06–14:00Simulation: Full tabletop exercise

Day 5Evaluation and Improvement

09:00–09:54Evaluation methods
09:54–10:48Reports
10:48–11:00Action tracking
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Action tracking (continued)
12:12–13:06Maturing the programme
13:06–14:00Capstone: Exercise plan

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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