[BCM] [OD] Plan Development Phase for Business Continuity Management Planning Methodology

Plan Development Phase for Business Continuity Management Planning Methodology

The Plan Development Phase represents the fifth step in the Business Continuity Management (BCM) planning methodology advocated by the BCM Institute.

This phase is critical in transforming the analysis and strategies developed in previous phases into actionable, detailed plans. These plans ensure organisational resilience by maintaining essential functions during and after a disruption.

Objectives of the Plan Development Phase

Detailed Plan Creation: Develop comprehensive business continuity (BC) plans, which include specific actions, responsibilities, and resources necessary to respond effectively to disruptions.
Alignment with Organizational Goals: Ensure BC plans align with the organisation's objectives, risk appetite, and compliance requirements.
Resource Allocation: Identify and allocate necessary resources, including personnel, technology, and financial support, to implement the BC plans.
Documentation: Produce clear, accessible documentation that outlines the procedures and protocols to be followed during a disruption.

Key Components of the Plan Development Phase

Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

Purpose and Scope: Define the scope of the BCP, identifying the critical business functions and processes that need to be maintained. The purpose of the BCP is to ensure that the organisation can continue to operate during and after a disruption. The scope should clearly outline the plan's boundaries, including which departments, locations, and processes are covered.
Activation Criteria: Specify the conditions under which the BCP should be activated. These criteria should include scenarios such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or other incidents that could disrupt normal operations. The plan should detail the decision-making process for activation.
Roles and Responsibilities: Assign roles and responsibilities to key personnel, ensuring clarity in command and communication during an incident. This includes identifying a crisis management team, department heads, and other critical staff members who will take charge during a disruption.
Response Procedures: Detail step-by-step response procedures, including communication plans, resource mobilisation, and recovery steps. These procedures should be comprehensive and cover the immediate actions required to stabilise the situation and longer-term recovery efforts.
Plan Maintenance and Review: Establish a schedule for regular review and updates of the BCP to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. This includes conducting periodic drills and exercises to test the plan and make improvements based on lessons learned.
Training and Awareness: Develop a training program to ensure that all employees are familiar with the BCP and understand their roles and responsibilities. Regular training sessions and awareness campaigns can help reinforce the importance of business continuity and ensure readiness.

Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)

IT Systems and Data Recovery: Develop strategies for the recovery of IT systems, data, and infrastructure.
Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs): Establish clear RTOs and RPOs to guide the recovery priorities and timelines.

Crisis Communication Plan

Internal and External Communication: Outline communication protocols for internal stakeholders and external entities such as customers, partners, and media.
Message Templates: Prepare pre-approved message templates for rapid dissemination during a crisis.

Continuity Strategies

Alternate Worksites: Identify and prepare alternate work locations to ensure continued operations.
Resource Redundancies: Develop redundancies for critical resources, such as power supply, communication systems, and supply chains.

Steps in the Plan Development Phase

Plan Drafting: Create initial BC plan drafts based on the data collected during the Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and risk assessment phases.
Plan Review and Refinement: Engage stakeholders, including department heads and key employees, to review the draft plans. Incorporate feedback to refine and enhance the plans.
Approval and Endorsement: Present the finalised plans to senior management for approval. Ensure that the plans receive formal endorsement, signifying organisational commitment.
Plan Integration: Integrate the BC plans into the organisation's overall risk management and operational frameworks.

Summing Up...

The Plan Development Phase is a pivotal stage in the BCM planning methodology. By translating strategies into well-structured, actionable plans, organisations ensure they are prepared to navigate disruptions with minimal impact on operations.

This phase not only strengthens the organisation’s resilience but also fosters confidence among stakeholders in the organisation’s ability to manage crises effectively.

Business Continuity Management Planning Methodology

More Information About Business Continuity Management Courses

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the BCM-300 Business Continuity Management Implementer [B-3] course and the BCM-5000 Business Continuity Management Expert Implementer [B-5].