As part of the ISO 22301 requirements for a robust Business Continuity Management (BCM) framework, Frasers Property must rigorously test and exercise its BCM Plans.
The testing and exercising phase is divided into Initial (Basic) and Advanced Tests.
The initial testing phase focuses on fundamental exercises that validate the essential components of the BCM program.
These tests serve as the foundation for more advanced testing in later stages. The key initial tests include:
Component tests focus on validating individual elements of the business continuity plan, such as backup power systems, IT recovery systems, emergency response equipment, and key communication channels.
The goal is to ensure these components function as expected before conducting more comprehensive exercises.
Call notification tests verify the effectiveness of the emergency communication system. These tests involve alerting designated personnel using multiple communication channels (e.g., phone, email, SMS) to confirm response times and message clarity.
This ensures that staff can be reached promptly in the event of an actual disruption.
Walkthrough exercises are structured reviews of business continuity procedures with key stakeholders. During these exercises, participants review step-by-step recovery actions in a controlled setting.
The objective is to identify gaps, clarify roles, and ensure employees understand their responsibilities in executing the plan.
After completing initial tests, Frasers Property can move on to more complex testing scenarios that simulate real-world disruptions.
These tests provide a higher level of confidence in the organisation's resilience capabilities.
Integrated tests involve coordinating multiple components and teams to evaluate their interactions in a continuity scenario.
These tests assess the effectiveness of cross-functional collaboration and communication between business units and external stakeholders.
Simulation tests create a controlled yet realistic environment in which teams respond to a hypothetical disruption. Participants engage in decision-making processes, problem-solving exercises, and incident-resolution strategies.
These tests help refine response actions and identify areas for improvement in the continuity plan.
Live tests are full-scale exercises that replicate an actual crisis. They involve activating the BCM Plan in real-time with minimal prior notice to participants.
Live tests validate the organisation's readiness to handle severe disruptions and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of its response under pressure.
The testing and exercising phase is critical to Frasers Property’s BCM planning methodology. It ensures that the organisation can effectively respond to disruptions.
By systematically progressing from initial tests to advanced exercises, Frasers Property strengthens its resilience and enhances its ability to safeguard operations, stakeholders, and assets.
Regular testing and continuous improvement are essential for maintaining an effective and ISO 22301-compliant BCM program.
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