PgM 15: Frequency of Training

Training Program Implementation

When it comes to training program implementation, the Organization BCM Coordinator will need to determine the frequency for providing training programs. The frequency varies with the competency and maturity of the organization with regard to BC.

Basically, the BC training lifecycle of any organization with BC knowledge encompasses the following three key stages:

• Infancy Stage
• Growing Stage
• Mature Stage

Infancy Stage

During the infancy stage of the BCM project, the organization has just started to explore, justify and seek support for the adoption of a BC Plan and establishment of a BC management model for the organization. In this stage, effort must be made to impart to every level of staff the appreciation of BCM concepts and fundamentals, and to convince them of the benefits of BCM in the organization.

Thus regular intensive sessions focusing on the following areas have to be conducted:

• Fundamental understanding of BC
• In-depth technical knowledge of risk assessment, business impact analysis and recovery strategy
• Knowledge of writing BC processes and recovery procedures

Growing Stage

In the growing stage, the management buys into the project and approves resources that are necessary for its success. The staff members start to appreciate the benefits of BCM. This stage usually involves numerous planning, analysis and documentation activities.

A systematic approach with a planned schedule for all the relevant staff members to attend all necessary trainings is recommended. The training encompasses all levels: basic, intermediate and advance.

Some types of trainings include:

• In-depth understanding of test strategy and execution of BC tests and exercises
• Technical know-how of performing recovery procedures
• Project management skill for development and maintenance of BC Plan

Mature Stage

In the mature stage, all staff members of the organization should have already gone through several intermediate and advanced BC tests or exercises. The emphasis in this stage should be on maintaining the level of competency and up-to-date knowledge of the staff members. Some types of training to be included during the mature stage are:

• Pre-test refresher course or briefing
• Annual BC test
• Orientation program for all new staff members
• Continuous training roadmap for newly appointed BC staff members
• Annual awareness program
• Ability to relate and translate changes, for example, due to business operations and expansion, to BC implications

Awareness Program Implementation

The frequency for BC awareness activities must be synchronized with planned testing efforts and organization changes. The reason is that the cost and effort to run awareness programs can be quite huge and they include the cost to purchase materials, engage speakers, purchase video, customize posters and obtain the manpower required to distribute or advertise the programs to the employees.

Awareness programs should be re-designed and implemented immediately after:

• The learning from a BC exercise
• A major disaster incidents such as September 11 attack, major flooding, riots and terrorist bombings
• A change of key appointment holders in the organization
• A relocation of the organization
• A restructuring of the organization
• A change of business operations, for example, the introduction of a new product line
  
  

Reference

Goh, M. H. (2021). Managing & Sustaining Your Business Continuity Management Program. Business Continuity Management Planning Series (3rd ed.). Singapore: GMH Pte Ltd.

Extracted from "Chapter 15: Frequency of Training"

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