[CM] [ISO] ISO 22336 Introduction

ISO 22336:2024: Enhancing Organizational Resilience with Policy and Strategy Guidelines

ISO 223361:2024 Simplified

Organisations face increasing challenges in today’s rapidly evolving global environment, from natural disasters and cyberattacks to economic disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties.

ISO 22336:2024 standard is a standard developed to support the ISO 22361:2022

Organisations must embed resilience into their core operations to thrive amidst such uncertainty. The ISO 22336:2024 standard provides a comprehensive framework for developing effective resilience policies and strategies, ensuring organisations can withstand, adapt to, and recover from disruptions.

Understanding ISO 22336:2024

ISO 22336:2024, titled Security and resilience—Organizational resilience—Guidelines for resilience policy and strategy, offers a structured approach for organizations to establish, implement, and sustain resilience strategies. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it aligns with the broader ISO 22300 series, which focuses on security and resilience management.

The document emphasizes the importance of integrating resilience into strategic planning, ensuring that resilience policies are not standalone initiatives but integral to organizational governance and decision-making.

Core Components of ISO 22336:2024

1. Policy Development

The standard guides organizations in crafting a resilience policy that reflects their mission, vision, and values. Key considerations include:

• Alignment with Organisational Objectives: Ensuring resilience goals complement the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Involving internal and external stakeholders to build consensus and address diverse needs.
• Commitment to Continual Improvement: Embedding resilience as an evolving practice rather than a one-time initiative.

2. Strategy Formulation

ISO 22336:2024 outlines steps to develop a resilience strategy that addresses current and emerging risks. The strategy should:

• Identify critical business services, dependencies, and potential vulnerabilities.
• Define clear objectives for preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Allocate resources efficiently to support resilience measures.

3. Integration Across Functions

Resilience strategies must permeate all levels of the organization, fostering a culture of resilience. The standard encourages:

• Cross-departmental collaboration to ensure a holistic approach.
• Regular training and awareness programs to build competencies.
• Embedding resilience into supply chain management, IT systems, and customer service operations.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

The guidelines emphasize establishing performance indicators and conducting periodic reviews to measure the effectiveness of resilience policies. Lessons learned from disruptions and drills should inform continuous improvements.

Key Benefits of Implementing ISO 22336:2024

1. Enhanced Risk Management: By identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, organisations can reduce the likelihood and impact of disruptions.
2. Operational Continuity: Robust resilience policies ensure critical business services can continue even during adverse events.
3. Stakeholder Confidence: A well-articulated resilience strategy reassures customers, partners, and investors of the organisation’s reliability.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Aligning with ISO 22336:2024 helps organisations meet regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
5. Competitive Advantage: Resilient organisations are better positioned to seize opportunities and recover faster than their peers.

ISO 22336:2024 in Practice

To successfully implement ISO 22336:2024, organizations should take a phased approach:

1. Assessment: Conduct a resilience maturity assessment to identify gaps and strengths.
2. Policy Development: Draft a resilience policy aligned with ISO guidelines and organizational goals.
3. Strategic Planning: Develop a multi-year strategy, prioritising high-impact areas.
4. Implementation: Integrate resilience initiatives into existing processes and allocate necessary resources.
5. Review and Revise: Regularly evaluate and refine the policy and strategy to adapt to changing circumstances.

Summing Up ...

ISO 22336:2024 is a vital resource for organizations seeking to bolster their resilience in an unpredictable world.

By adopting its guidelines, organisations can create robust resilience policies and strategies that safeguard their operations, protect their stakeholders, and ensure long-term success.

Embracing ISO 22336:2024 isn’t just about surviving disruptions—it’s about thriving in a dynamic, interconnected landscape.

Organizations ready to take the first step toward resilience can explore the full text of ISO 22336:2024 and engage with experts to tailor its principles to their unique context.

Resource