What Makes a Good BCMS Policy?
Having a solid Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) policy isn’t just paperwork. It’s crucial for keeping your business running when things go wrong.
But what makes a good BCMS policy? Looking at standards like ISO 22301 and BCI Good Practice Guidelines.
An effective BCMS policy should be a strategic commitment that aligns with an organization’s objectives, regulatory requirements, and resilience goals. Today’s article will help you explore the key elements of a strong BCMS policy.
Leadership Commitment and Strategic Alignment
A BCMS policy must be established and endorsed by top management.
Align with Strategy
BCMS policy must align with the organization's strategic direction and business objectives.
Demonstrate Commitment
Show management's dedication to business continuity.
Integrate BCMS
Incorporate BCMS into corporate governance and risk management.
By doing so, the policy is not just a compliance requirement but a core business principle that enhances organizational resilience.
Clearly Defined Scope
A good policy defines which parts of the business the BCMS will cover, considering:
Critical products and services (From BIA results).
Regulatory and legal obligations.
Internal and external dependencies, including supply chains.
By outlining the scope clearly, organizations can be sure that business continuity efforts are focused on the most critical parts.
Establishing Business Continuity Objectives
A strong BCMS policy sets measurable objectives, such as:
Reducing downtime and focusing on rapid recovery.
Protecting assets, data, and critical operations from disruptions.
Ensuring compliance with ISO 22301 standard and regulatory requirements.
An effective policy should reflect all applicable laws, industry regulations, and contractual obligations. This ensures that the organization is not only prepared for disruptions but also remains compliant with regulations such as, GDPR, financial regulations, and sector-specific mandates.
Commitment to Continual Improvement
A BCMS policy should promote ongoing evaluation and improvement. This includes:
Regular testing and exercises to validate continuity plans.
Post-incident reviews to enhance preparedness.
Employee training and awareness programs to strengthen resilience.
By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, organizations ensure that their business continuity strategies are robust and prepared for any emerging risks.
Communication and Awareness
A policy is only effective if it is understood and embraced at all levels of the organization. It should be:
Communicated internally to employees and key stakeholders.
Made available externally to partners, regulators, and customers as needed.
Integrated into employee training to ensure awareness and preparedness.
Clear communication helps embed business continuity into the company’s day-to-day operations and decision-making.
Does Your Organization Have a Robust BCMS Policy?
If your business continuity policy lacks clarity, leadership commitment, or measurable objectives, now is the time to strengthen it. A resilient business is one that prepares today for the uncertainties of tomorrow. Contact us today!
