[CM] [RR] Composition of a Crisis Management Team with Roles and Responsibilities

Composition of a Crisis Management Team with Roles and Responsibilities

An effective crisis management (CM) team is the backbone of your organisation's ability to weather any storm. This CM team goes beyond senior leadership and should be a well-rounded group with diverse expertise.

While the specific composition will vary depending on your organisation's size and industry, some key roles are essential.

These roles include a CM Team Leader to spearhead decision-making, representatives from various departments (such as HR liaison, legal leader, communication coordinator, and Technology and IT Specialist) to bring their specific knowledge, and administrative support staff to handle logistics and documentation.

In larger organisations, sub-teams focusing on particular areas or regions might be formed. Remember, the ideal team prioritises clear communication, strong leadership, and the ability to work collaboratively under pressure.

Building a robust crisis management team involves selecting individuals with diverse skills.

Here is a suggested composition, and you can read more about their respective detailed roles and responsibilities.

Team Members	Roles and Responsibilities	Read More
Team Leader	Responsible for overall coordination and decision-making. Provide leadership to the CM Team Have strong leadership and crisis management experience.
Communications Coordinator	Manage internal and external communication during a crisis. Possess skills in media relations and crisis messaging.
Operations Manager	Focus on logistical aspects and ensure swift response. Coordinate resources and logistics for crisis resolution.
Subject Matter Expert (SME)	Provide specialized knowledge related to the specific crisis. Act as a consultant for informed decision-making.
Legal Advisor	Guide the team on legal implications and compliance. Assess potential legal risks and advise accordingly.
Human Resources Liaison	Address employee concerns and well-being. Manage HR-related issues during and after crises.
Technology and IT Specialist	Ensure the functioning of critical technological systems. Address cybersecurity concerns during crises.
Psychological Support Coordinator (PSC)	Focus on the mental well-being of team members. Provide support for individuals affected by the crisis.
Community Relations Manager (CRM)	Manage relationships with the community and stakeholders. Address concerns and maintain a positive image.
Training and Development Officer (TDO)	Ensure ongoing training for the team. Coordinate drills and exercises to enhance readiness.

Summing Up ...

This composition ensures a well-rounded team capable of effectively handling various aspects of crisis management.

Pre-reading Advice for CM Course Participants

Participants attending the BCM Institute will be directed to this blog. If you already have a crisis management team, it is essential to review its members.

For those setting up your CM Team, use these several related blogs to develop and form your CM team.

Note that the roles and responsibilities should NOT be an academic exercise copied from existing articles; the entire team must be analysed and designed to handle the crisis identified in your risk (crisis scenario) assessment.

Resource

Goh, M. H. (2016). A Manager’s Guide to Implement Your Crisis Management Plan. Business Continuity Management Specialist Series (1st ed., p. 192). Singapore: GMH Pte Ltd.

More Information About Crisis Management Courses

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