Business Continuity and Crisis Management

Strategic Crisis Management, Incorporating Security & Major Emergency Response

This course equips professionals with strategic crisis management skills, focusing on security and major emergency response. Participants will learn to assess risks, develop response plans, and implement effective communication strategies to manage crises effectively within their organisations.

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.

Crisis situations can arise unexpectedly, impacting operations, reputation, and safety. Professionals must be prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to minimise damage and ensure safety. Understanding strategic crisis management is essential for maintaining organisational resilience and public trust. Participants will learn to identify potential threats, assess their impact, and develop actionable response strategies. This course will also cover the integration of security measures into crisis management, ensuring a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate and long-term concerns. By honing these skills, participants will be better equipped to lead their organisations through turbulent times and safeguard their assets and personnel.

Effective crisis management requires a combination of strategic planning, communication, and coordination among various stakeholders. Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world crisis scenarios, allowing them to develop skills in risk assessment, crisis communication, and emergency response planning. They will practice making informed decisions under pressure, ensuring they can lead their teams effectively during emergencies. Additionally, the course will emphasise the importance of post-crisis evaluation and continuous improvement, enabling participants to refine their strategies and enhance their organisation's resilience. This comprehensive skill set is vital for professionals tasked with navigating complex crises.

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 case studies, simulations, and group workshops to enhance learning outcomes. Participants will analyse crisis scenarios, develop strategic response plans, and engage in role-playing exercises to practice decision-making under pressure. Specific exercises will include crisis communication drills and emergency response simulations, allowing participants to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. Outputs include crisis management plans, communication strategies, and risk assessment reports tailored to specific scenarios, providing tangible evidence of learning. This hands-on approach ensures that participants not only understand the concepts but also gain the confidence to implement them effectively in their organisations. The integration of feedback and peer review further solidifies their learning experience.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

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

Analyse potential crisis scenarios and their impact on organisational operations and reputation.
Develop a comprehensive crisis management plan that addresses security and emergency response.
Assess the effectiveness of communication strategies during various crisis situations.
Prioritise actions and resources in response to a major emergency scenario.
Construct a risk assessment matrix for identifying organisational vulnerabilities.
Justify the selection of specific crisis management tools and frameworks for real-world application.
Evaluate post-crisis responses to improve future crisis management strategies and plans.
Design a training programme for staff to enhance crisis preparedness and response capabilities.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Crisis Management Professionals: Responsible for developing and implementing crisis strategies.
Security Managers: Oversee security protocols and emergency response plans.
Emergency Response Coordinators: Manage on-the-ground response during crises.
Business Continuity Planners: Ensure operational resilience during emergencies.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Crisis assessment and analysis skills.
Strategic planning for crisis management.
Effective communication in high-pressure situations.
Resource prioritisation and allocation during emergencies.
Risk identification and mitigation techniques.
Collaboration and leadership in crisis response.
Post-crisis evaluation and improvement strategies.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

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

Day 1Understanding Crisis Dynamics

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a fictional crisis scenario involving a data breach and its implications for the organisation. They will identify key stakeholders, outline initial response steps, and discuss potential impacts on operations and reputation.

Output: A preliminary crisis response outline addressing stakeholder communication and immediate actions.

09:00–09:54Defining crisis management and its importance in organisations.
09:54–10:48Identifying types of crises: natural disasters, security breaches, and public relations issues.
10:48–11:00Exploring the crisis lifecycle and phases of response.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Exploring the crisis lifecycle and phases of response. (continued)
12:12–13:06Understanding the role of leadership in managing crises effectively.
13:06–14:00Examining case studies of successful and failed crisis management responses.

Day 2Risk Assessment and Planning

Applied activity: Using a provided template, participants will conduct a risk assessment for their organisation, identifying vulnerabilities and potential crises. They will draft a crisis management framework based on their findings, including roles and responsibilities for crisis response.

Output: A detailed risk assessment report and a draft crisis management framework outlining key components.

09:00–09:54Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment for potential crises and their impacts.
09:54–10:48Developing a crisis management framework tailored to organisational needs and resources.
10:48–11:00Identifying critical resources and response teams for effective crisis management.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identifying critical resources and response teams for effective crisis management. (continued)
12:12–13:06Creating a crisis communication plan for internal and external audiences during crises.
13:06–14:00Establishing protocols for crisis escalation and management to ensure readiness.

Day 3Crisis Communication Strategies

Applied activity: Participants will develop a crisis communication strategy for a simulated environmental disaster affecting their organisation. They will create key messages for different stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the media, ensuring clarity and consistency in communication.

Output: A comprehensive crisis communication strategy document detailing key messages and channels.

09:00–09:54Understanding the principles of effective crisis communication and messaging.
09:54–10:48Identifying key messages and target audiences during a crisis situation.
10:48–11:00Utilising various communication channels for effective crisis messaging.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Utilising various communication channels for effective crisis messaging. (continued)
12:12–13:06Developing a media response strategy and handling press inquiries during crises.
13:06–14:00Evaluating communication effectiveness post-crisis to improve future responses.

Day 4Emergency Response Coordination

Applied activity: In groups, participants will simulate an emergency response to a fictional natural disaster, coordinating roles and resources in real-time. They will assess their response effectiveness, focusing on communication and resource allocation during the exercise.

Output: A debrief report detailing the response actions taken, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvement.

09:00–09:54Understanding the roles of emergency response teams and their coordination during crises.
09:54–10:48Developing incident command structures for effective crisis response management.
10:48–11:00Practicing decision-making under pressure during emergency scenarios and drills.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Practicing decision-making under pressure during emergency scenarios and drills. (continued)
12:12–13:06Utilising technology and tools for crisis response management and coordination.
13:06–14:00Evaluating the effectiveness of emergency response plans through simulations and feedback.

Day 5Integrated Crisis Management Simulation

Applied activity: Participants will engage in a comprehensive simulation involving a coordinated response to a major crisis, integrating all learned skills and strategies. They will work in teams to manage the crisis effectively, making real-time decisions and adjustments based on evolving scenarios.

Output: A final crisis management action plan based on the simulation outcomes and team evaluations.

09:00–09:54Bringing together crisis management, communication, and emergency response strategies.
09:54–10:48Conducting a full-scale simulation of a multi-faceted crisis scenario involving various stakeholders.
10:48–11:00Evaluating team performance and decision-making processes during the crisis simulation.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Evaluating team performance and decision-making processes during the crisis simulation. (continued)
12:12–13:06Identifying areas for improvement in crisis management plans based on simulation outcomes.
13:06–14:00Developing an action plan for future crisis preparedness and response enhancements.

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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