[OR] [GN] Module 4 Guidance Notes for Pre-course Preparatory Work

Guidance Notes for Pre-Course Preparation on Operational Resilience

OR-5000/ OR-400 Module 4

Dear Participants of Module 4,

To ensure a productive learning experience during the upcoming Operational Resilience Course, we kindly request that you complete the following pre-course preparation tasks. There are a total of seven tasks.

These tasks will help you reflect on your organisation's approach to operational resilience and enable us to tailor the course content to your specific needs. 

This is the preparation of related content before attending the Operational Resilience Expert Implementer course
It is essential to note that this lesson may be ahead of your regulatory requirements.

Hence, drawing on your experience with operational risk or business continuity management regulatory practices, you can use your prior experience with your regulator to answer these questions.

Select the relevant questions that you can answer.

If you have not implemented this stage of the OR Planning Methodology in your organisation, insert "My organisation has not implemented this OR stage. "

However, after attending the class, please provide details on how you will implement this phase.

Who is the executive team leader heading the OR team in your organisation? 

Executive Team Leader Heading the Team 

Briefly describe your core approach to sustaining the OR program for your organisation

• What communication strategies or channels are utilised to disseminate information about operational resilience across the organisation?

• How is the importance of operational resilience communicated to employees across different levels and departments?

• Are there designated communication plans or protocols for addressing operational disruptions or incidents within the organisation?

• Can you describe the frequency and format of communication related to operational resilience within the organisation?

• What measures are in place to ensure clear and effective communication during a crisis or disruption affecting operational resilience? 

• How are best practices or success stories regarding operational resilience shared among different teams or departments?
• Are there specific platforms or forums for employees to ask questions or seek clarification on operational resilience?
• Can you elaborate on how employee feedback on operational resilience communication is gathered and utilised to improve?
• What role do leaders and senior management play in communicating the importance and objectives of operational resilience throughout the organisation?
• How does the organisation ensure that the communication about operational resilience aligns with the overall strategic goals and values? 
• Are there any training or informational sessions provided specifically to enhance communication skills related to operational resilience?
• Can you share examples of how effective communication about operational resilience has helped prevent or mitigate disruptions within the organisation?
• How does the organisation ensure transparency and consistency in its communication about operational resilience across departments and geographic locations?
• Are there any metrics or indicators used to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies for operational resilience?
• What contingency plans or communication protocols are in place to address potential communication breakdowns during operational disruptions? 

Core Approach to Sustain the OR Program

Can you recall any such cultural change exercise being conducted in the past?

• Can you describe the current organisational culture and how it aligns with the goals of operational resilience?

• What specific cultural attributes or values are essential for fostering operational resilience within the organisation?

• Are there any ongoing initiatives or programs to promote a culture of resilience among employees?

• How do leadership and management drive cultural change to enhance operational resilience?

• Can you outline any training programs or workshops designed to instil a resilient mindset among employees?

• Are there success stories or case studies shared within the organisation to inspire and reinforce the desired cultural change for operational resilience?

• How does the organisation encourage collaboration and cross-departmental communication to support a culture of operational resilience?

• Can you describe any recognition or reward systems in place to acknowledge and reinforce behaviours that align with operational resilience?

• What steps are taken to ensure that the cultural change exercises for operational resilience are inclusive and engage employees at all levels?

• How does the organisation measure or assess the impact of cultural change exercises on operational resilience?  

• Are there specific communication strategies or channels used to consistently reinforce the importance of resilience within the organisational culture?
• Can you share any challenges encountered in implementing cultural change exercises for operational resilience and how they were addressed?
• How are employee feedback and suggestions incorporated into cultural change initiatives to drive operational resilience?
• Are there any partnerships or collaborations with external entities or experts to support cultural change efforts for operational resilience?
• How does the organisation ensure that the cultural change exercises for operational resilience align with the overall business strategy and goals? 

OR Cultural Change Exercise 

What type of communication is needed for OR implementation?

• What communication strategies or channels are utilised to disseminate information about operational resilience across the organisation?

• How is the importance of operational resilience communicated to employees across different levels and departments?

• Are there designated communication plans or protocols for addressing operational disruptions or incidents within the organisation?

• Can you describe the frequency and format of communication related to operational resilience within the organisation?

• What measures are in place to ensure clear and effective communication during a crisis or disruption affecting operational resilience? 

• How are best practices or success stories regarding operational resilience shared among different teams or departments?
• Are there specific platforms or forums for employees to ask questions or seek clarification on operational resilience?
• Can you elaborate on how employee feedback on operational resilience communication is gathered and utilised to improve?
• What role do leaders and senior management play in communicating the importance and objectives of operational resilience throughout the organisation?
• How does the organisation ensure that the communication about operational resilience aligns with the overall strategic goals and values? 
• Are there any training or informational sessions provided specifically to enhance communication skills related to operational resilience?
• Can you share examples of how effective communication about operational resilience has helped prevent or mitigate disruptions within the organisation?
• How does the organisation ensure transparency and consistency in its communication about operational resilience across departments and geographic locations?
• Are there any metrics or indicators used to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies for operational resilience?
• What contingency plans or communication protocols are in place to address potential communication breakdowns during operational disruptions? 

OR Cultural Change Exercise 

What are the training, awareness and education for operational resilience?

• What specific training programs or initiatives does the organisation have in place to educate employees about operational resilience?

• Can you outline the key components or topics covered in the training curriculum for operational resilience?

• How frequently are these training sessions conducted, and are they mandatory for all employees?

• Are there different training modules tailored for different departments or roles within the organisation regarding operational resilience?

• How are new employees introduced to the concept of operational resilience during onboarding? 

• Are there any certifications or qualifications encouraged or required for employees to demonstrate proficiency in operational resilience?
• Can you describe any simulations, drills, or exercises used to enhance awareness and preparedness for operational disruptions or crises?
• What resources or materials are available to employees for self-learning or ongoing education about operational resilience?
• How does the organisation ensure that its training and awareness initiatives effectively reach all levels of the organisational hierarchy?
• Are there any feedback mechanisms or assessments in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the training programs on operational resilience? 
• How does the organisation encourage a culture of resilience and preparedness among its employees beyond formal training sessions?
• Can you share examples of how the training on operational resilience has positively impacted the organisation during challenging situations?
• Are there any specific roles or designated individuals responsible for overseeing or delivering training related to operational resilience?
• How does the organisation ensure that the training content remains up to date and aligned with evolving threats and changes in the operational landscape?
• Are there any external partnerships or collaborations utilised to enhance the educational initiatives for operational resilience within the organisation? 

OR Cultural Change Exercise 

What are the self-assessment requirements as required by your regulator? Provide the key ones that they have asked for

• What specific criteria or guidelines does the regulator outline for conducting self-assessments on operational resilience?

• How frequently are these self-assessments mandated by the regulator?

• Can you elaborate on the key components or areas these self-assessments should cover regarding operational resilience?

• What methodologies or frameworks are recommended or required by the regulator for performing these self-assessments?

• Are there specific documentation or reporting requirements associated with the self-assessment process for operational resilience? 

• How does the regulator define or measure the effectiveness of these self-assessments in ensuring operational resilience?
• Are there any specific risk scenarios or stress-testing exercises that the regulator expects to be included in these self-assessments?
• What level of senior management or leadership involvement is required to oversee and participate in these self-assessments?
• Can you describe how the findings and outcomes of these self-assessments are communicated or reported to the regulator?
• Are there any provisions or recommendations from the regulator to improve operational resilience based on the outcomes of these self-assessments? 
• How does the regulator define or measure the effectiveness of these self-assessments in ensuring operational resilience?
• Are there any specific risk scenarios or stress-testing exercises that the regulator expects to be included in these self-assessments?
• What level of senior management or leadership involvement is required to oversee and participate in these self-assessments?
• Can you describe how the findings and outcomes of these self-assessments are communicated or reported to the regulator?
• Are there any provisions or recommendations from the regulator to improve operational resilience based on the outcomes of these self-assessments? 

OR Cultural Change Exercise 

What independent operational resilience review channels are offered within your organisation?

• How frequently are independent operational resilience reviews conducted within the organisation?

• What specific methodologies or frameworks are utilised during these independent reviews?

• Who leads or oversees the organisation's independent operational resilience review process?

• What are the key objectives or goals set for these reviews?

• How are potential risks identified and assessed during these reviews?

• Can you elaborate on the criteria for selecting independent reviewers or auditors for operational resilience assessments?
• Are there established communication channels to report findings or concerns identified during these reviews?
• How are the recommendations or outcomes from these reviews implemented or integrated into the organisation's operational strategies?
• What measures are in place to ensure the independence and objectivity of these review channels?
• How does the organisation ensure continuous improvement based on the feedback and insights obtained from these operational resilience reviews? 
• Can you provide examples of how past reviews have influenced changes or improvements in the organisation’s operational processes?
• Are there any specific regulatory or compliance standards that these operational resilience reviews aim to address or fulfil?
• How does the organisation ensure transparency and accountability in the findings and actions resulting from these reviews?
• Are there any challenges or limitations encountered in conducting these independent operational resilience reviews, and how does the organisation address them?
• Can you describe the feedback loop established to gather insights from stakeholders impacted by the outcomes of these reviews? 

Independent OR Review Channels