Every organization operates within a unique environment influenced by internal and external factors. To build a resilient business continuity management system (BCMS), organizations have to first understand their context. ISO 22301, the international standard for Business Continuity Management, outlines this process in Section 4, which focuses on the importance of identifying key influences on BCMS of your organization.
What is the Context of the Organization in ISO 22301?
The “Context of the Organization” (Section 4 of ISO 22301) defines how a company must assess its internal and external environment to establish an effective BCMS. This involves understanding of four key areas:
Organization and Its Context
Understanding these elements helps companies build a BCMS that aligns with their strategic direction.
Organizations must determine external and internal factors that impact their ability to achieve BCMS objectives.
- Economic & Market conditions
- Industry trends
- Regulatory changes
- Business priorities & Risk appetite
Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties
This ensures the BCMS is not just an internal initiative but one that aligns with industry and legal standards.
Stakeholders including customers, employees, regulators, suppliers, and investors have varying expectations regarding business continuity. Companies must:
- Identify key stakeholders
- Understand their requirements related to BC
- Ensure legal and regulatory compliance
Determining the Scope of the BCMS
To define the scope of the BCMS, consider the following topics:
- Companies mission & goals
- Critical products & services
- Internal, external obligations, and issues identified in 4.1
- Any requirement from interest parties in 4.2
Remark: The scope is required as documented information.
Business continuity management system
Finally, organizations must formally establish, implement, and continuously improve their BCMS in accordance with the other requirements in ISO22301.
This requirement from ISO makes sure that other parts of the BCMS are conformed with the standard. A well-structured BCMS ensures a company is prepared to handle disruptions effectively.
Find out more about BCMS in our articles below.
At InterRisk, we specialize in helping businesses navigate risk management and implement effective business continuity strategies. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey toward BCMS & ISO 22301 certification.
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