---
title: [OR] [PO] Understanding the Operational Resilience Policy
description: [OR] [PO] Understanding the Operational Resilience Policy
image: https://blog.bcm-institute.org/hubfs/Operational%20Resilience%20OR/Operational%20Resilience%20Morepost/OR%20Framework%20Morepost/IC_OR%20Understanding_Framework_BCM%20Policy.png
---
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###### Operational Resilience Framework and Policy Series
# \[OR\] \[PO\] Understanding the Operational Resilience Policy
As organisations face increasing threats—from cyberattacks and system outages to global pandemics and supply chain disruptions—maintaining the continuity of critical operations has never been more important.
In response, many institutions are adopting formal resilience strategies. One of the foundational documents in any such strategy is the **Operational Resilience Policy**.
But what exactly is an Operational Resilience Policy? And why is it so crucial?
[Moh Heng Goh](https://blog.bcm-institute.org/operational-resilience/author/moh-heng-goh) Apr 5, 2025
###### Operational Resilience Certified Planner-Specialist-Expert
### Strengthening Your Organisation: The Essentials of an Operational Resilience Policy
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/32b20ecb-4d50-4277-9acf-931829fb6169)As organisations face increasing threats—from cyberattacks and system outages to global pandemics and supply chain disruptions—maintaining the continuity of critical operations has never been more important.
In response, many institutions are adopting formal resilience strategies. One foundational document in any such strategy is the **Operational Resilience Policy**.
But what exactly is an Operational Resilience Policy? And why is it so crucial?
#### **Definition: What Is an Operational Resilience Policy?**
An **Operational Resilience Policy** is a formal, high-level document that outlines an organisation’s commitment, principles, and governance structure for ensuring operational resilience.
It sets the tone from the top, defines responsibilities, and provides the strategic direction for building and sustaining resilience across critical operations.
> **Think of it as the “why” and “who” behind the organisation’s resilience efforts—while the Operational Resilience Framework provides the “how.”**
#### **Purpose of the Policy**
The main objectives of an Operational Resilience Policy are to:
1. **Demonstrate senior management’s commitment** to operational resilience.
2. **Define governance structures and accountability** for resilience efforts.
3. **Set high-level goals and principles** that guide the organisation’s approach.
4. **Align with regulatory expectations** and industry best practices.
5. **Mandate developing and maintaining** operational resilience programs, frameworks, and testing protocols.
#### **Key Components of an Operational Resilience Policy**
While each policy will be tailored to the organisation’s size, industry, and regulatory context, most policies include the following key elements:
| **Component** | **Description** |
| --- | --- |
| **Policy Statement** | A clear expression of the organisation’s commitment to operational resilience. |
| **Scope** | Specifies which business units, locations, services, and systems are covered. |
| **Objectives** | Outlines what the policy aims to achieve (e.g., continuity of critical services). |
| **Governance and Accountability** | Defines roles and responsibilities, including Board and senior management. |
| **Definitions and Terminology** | Provides clarity on key terms like "critical operations" and "impact tolerance." |
| **Policy Principles** | Lists guiding principles such as customer protection, risk-based approach, etc. |
| **Regulatory Alignment** | References applicable laws, regulations, and standards (e.g., RBI, FCA, BSP). |
| **Compliance and Review** | Describes how the policy will be enforced, reviewed, and updated regularly. |
#### **How It Supports Operational Resilience**
The Operational Resilience Policy provides the foundation for the broader Operational Resilience Framework.
It authorizes the creation of structures and processes, allocates responsibilities, and ensures consistency across departments and functions.
Importantly, it also serves as a reference for internal audits, regulatory inspections, and enterprise-wide training.
#### **Who Owns the Policy?**
Typically, the policy is:
- **Owned by** the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), Head of Operational Resilience, or a similar executive.
- **Approved by** the Board of Directors or an executive risk/governance committee.
- **Implemented by** cross-functional teams spanning risk, operations, IT, compliance, and business units.
#### **Regulatory Context**
Globally, regulators now expect organisations to maintain an Operational Resilience Policy as part of broader resilience programs:
- [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/62d13b3a-23e6-4755-a055-ca6d76f2363f)The **UK’s FCA and PRA** require firms to document governance arrangements for operational resilience.
- The **Reserve Bank of India (RBI)** mandates that operational resilience efforts be supported by policies approved by senior management.
- The **Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)** calls for a clear policy and board oversight on resilience planning and execution.
- **APRA CPS 230** in Australia requires a Board-approved policy covering operational risk and resilience.
#### **Example: What Might a Policy Statement Look Like?**
> *“\[Organisation Name\] is committed to maintaining the continuity of critical business services in the face of disruptions. This policy defines the principles, roles, and responsibilities to ensure operational resilience across our operations. All business units are required to adhere to this policy and contribute to the implementation of our resilience framework.”*
### Summing Up ...
An **Operational Resilience Policy** is not just a formality—it’s a strategic tool guiding an organisation’s resilience approach.
The policy clearly defines roles, responsibilities, and expectations, ensuring that resilience is embedded in the organisation’s culture, operations, and governance.
It provides the “north star” for practical frameworks, testing strategies, and investments.
In today’s unpredictable world, a well-crafted policy is the first step toward becoming truly resilient.
| **Operational Resilience Framework Versus Policy** | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/729a7db1-1a66-48e5-b72a-ab47ceccfdf1) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/7a438a9e-4726-4e11-82f0-084b7e21e742) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/e8d0038d-cb9a-47a1-bcb3-08d75e36d336) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/32b20ecb-4d50-4277-9acf-931829fb6169) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/c791b6d3-67d3-48ab-8cea-9707eb107fcb) |
#### More Information About Blended Learning OR-5000 \[BL-OR-5\] or OR-300 \[BL-OR-3\]
To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the OR-3 Blended Learning OR-300 Operational Resilience Implementer course and the OR-5 Blended Learning OR-5000 Operational Resilience Expert Implementer course.
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