[CM] Roles and Responsibilities of Crisis Management Steering Committee

Roles and Responsibilities of Crisis Management Steering Committee

The article explores the pivotal role played by this strategic oversight body in orchestrating practical crisis management efforts within organisations.

It delineates the essential responsibilities and functions of a crisis management steering committee, which typically include setting strategic direction, establishing policies and protocols, and providing guidance and support to crisis response teams.

Moreover, the committee serves as a central decision-making authority during crises, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and facilitating timely and informed decision-making to mitigate risks and minimise the impact of crises. 

Please note that the Steering Committee has a "peacetime" role in most cases. At the same time, it reorganises itself into the Crisis Management Team should it have an "operational" role, which is the start of a crisis or disaster.

Furthermore, the article emphasises the importance of cross-functional representation within the crisis management steering committee, drawing expertise from diverse departments and disciplines to address multifaceted challenges effectively.

By bringing together senior leaders, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders, the committee fosters collaboration and communication across organisational silos, enabling a cohesive and coordinated approach to crisis management.

The crisis management steering committee is critical in enhancing organisational resilience and readiness to navigate crises with agility and confidence through proactive planning, regular review, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Roles and Responsibilities

A Crisis Management Steering Committee strategically oversees and guides the organization's crisis management efforts. Here are the typical roles and responsibilities of a Crisis Management Steering Committee:

Policy Development

• Develop and review crisis management policies and procedures.
• Ensure alignment with organisational goals and values.

Strategic Planning

• Develop a strategic crisis management plan aligned with organizational objectives.
• Set priorities and long-term goals for crisis preparedness and response.

Resource Allocation

• Allocate resources, including budget and personnel, for crisis management activities.
• Prioritize investments based on potential risks and impact.

Risk Assessment and Analysis

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential crises.
• Analyse and evaluate the potential impact of identified risks.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with key stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Foster collaboration with government agencies, community partners, and industry peers.

Crisis Communication Oversight

• Oversee the development and execution of crisis communication strategies.
• Ensure consistency and accuracy in messaging.

Training and Exercises

• Establish and monitor training programs for crisis management teams.
• Conduct and evaluate crisis response exercises to enhance preparedness.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure crisis management plans comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• Guide legal aspects of crisis response.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of crisis management initiatives.
• Identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.

Decision-Making Authority

• Have the authority to make critical decisions during a crisis.
• Guide crisis management teams based on strategic objectives.

Post-Crisis Review

• Conduct thorough reviews after a crisis to assess the organization's response.
• Identify lessons learned and areas for improvement in crisis management.

Coordination with External Entities

• Collaborate with external organisations, government agencies, and industry associations.
• Strengthen relationships to enhance collective crisis response capabilities.

Media and Public Relations Oversight

• Oversee the organisation's approach to media and public relations during a crisis.
• Ensure the organisation maintains a positive public image.

Post-Crisis Recovery Planning

• Develop strategies and plans for post-crisis recovery.
• Address long-term implications and recovery efforts.

Summing Up ...

The Crisis Management Steering Committee acts as the driving force behind the organisation's preparedness, response, and recovery from crises.

Their strategic oversight ensures a cohesive and practical approach to crisis management.

Pre-reading Advice for CM Course Participants

There is a frequently asked question about how these teams operate within the organisation's crisis management initiative.  Here's an analogy:

Resource