Business continuity in times of crisis

5 Standards helping with business continuity in challenging times

Disruptions can originate from large-scale natural, human or technological changes. When facing the impacts of a major disaster, how well-prepared a business is can be the difference between staying afloat or sinking under the pressure.  

A comprehensive business continuity strategy is a must for any business of any size and in any industry. Circumstances can change in any given moment and the need for a fast, effective response is crucial to maintain business operations and prioritise the safety of all involved. 

To assist in with establishing or updating a business continuity management system, there are many Standards an organisation can implement to feel confident when preparing for and responding to a crisis. 

Discover five Standards guiding businesses in structuring a comprehensive business continuity plan.

1. ISO 22301:2019 ISO Security and resilience - Business continuity management systems - Requirements 

It's important for any organisation to consider management processes and systems  for when crisis or disruptions arise. ISO 22301 specifies the requirements to implement, maintain and improve a management system to assist with business continuity when facing challenging times. This Standard focuses on protecting against and reducing the likelihood of these situations, as well as helps prepare, respond and recover from times of crisis.

2. ISO 31000:2018 Risk management - Guidelines  

The success of an organisation throughout a time of drastic change heavily relies on the ability to manage risk. In order to provide a clearer guidance on risk management, ISO 31000 can assist. 

This Standard provides risk management principles and processes and can be implemented in any organisation, regardless of the industry. Utilising ISO 31000 can help to achieve business objectives, improve the ability to identify risks and opportunities and help allocate resources.

3. ISO/TS 22331:2018 Security and resilience - Business continuity management systems - Guidelines for business continuity strategy 

A well-formed business continuity plan can help any organisation increase their resiliency and capability to deal with a range of challenges. ISO/TS 22331 is consistent with the requirements in ISO 22301, where implementation can assist with determination and selection of business continuity strategies. This Standard can help identify business continuity strategy options and ensure the strategy remains suitable to  your business. 

4. BS PD25111(2010) : 2010 Business continuity management - Guidance on human aspects of business continuity 

People related to an organisation in any way - including employees and their families - can be directly impacted in the event of a crisis. Management throughout all phases of a disruptive period, including the immediate, ongoing and recovery phases, are crucial as part of a holistic business continuity plan. 

This Standard specifies guidance for the planning and development of human resource strategies and policies for all phases of a crisis and can develop and deliver a plan to minimise consequences to all people involved with the organisation. 

5. NFPA 1660 : 2024- Standard for Emergency, Continuity, and Crisis Management: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery 

This standard establishes a common set of criteria for emergency management and business continuity programs; mass evacuation, sheltering, and re-entry programs; and the development of pre-incident plans for personnel responding to emergencies.

Standards can guide any organisation in forming a structured approach to effectively face a disaster head-on. Prepare for the unexpected and implement a business continuity strategy.