It provides a framework for building resilience with the capability of an effective response that protects its key stakeholders.
The London Assembly website has information, guidance and practical templates and assessments that you can use to prepare for business continuity plans.
Read business continuity guidance
Preparation
A common way to identify and evaluate risks is to complete a Business Impact Analysis (BIA). Details on how to conduct a BIA can be found in the government's
business continuity management toolkit (PDF)
[569KB].
Following this analysis, a business should document and quantify critical activities that are required to deliver these key products and services (and identify a time period that this should be done within) and consider:
- undertaking internal reviews to assist in business continuity
- reviewing the flood protection in the local area to the business, in conjunction with the Environment Agency
- reviewing the transport arrangements for getting staff to and from work
- potential disruption caused by loss of staff that perform unique and/or specific tasks
- reviewing the way technology is protected (from attack/water/power failure)
- reviewing stakeholders to ensure that you have suitable alternatives for sourcing materials.
One of the best ways to successfully respond to an incident is to ensure a business is notified at an early stage. By getting accurate and timely forecasts (Met Office), flood alerts (Environment Agency) and warnings from other agencies, a business is able to fully prepare to react effectively.
It's good business practice to have a written continuity plan to manage disruptions that could affect the reputation and smooth running of your business. This will help ensure that your business is able to cope with the various risks of disruptions and continue to provide a good service to your customers.
For any more information on creating a business continuity plan, email us at businesscontinuity@hillingdon.gov.uk