How would your organization cope in a crisis? Find out with a new online assessment tool
PRESS RELEASE
26 September 2007
The threat of terror and natural disaster should be a concern to UK organizations of every size and sector. But faced with such disruption, how many have a Business Continuity Management (BCM) system in place which will allow operation to continue throughout a crisis, meet moral and social responsibilities and satisfy stakeholders? A new online assessment tool, developed by BSI British Standards, and sponsored by Marsh, a leading insurance broker and risk advisor, will allow organizations to determine the adequacy of existing plans and develop confidence in their BCM strategies.
Business Continuity Assessment Online uses 191 questions and multiple choice answers covering each aspect of the British Standard BS 25999-1 Business Continuity Management Code of Practice, to find out where organizations are doing well and what improvements can be made.
Responses to questions such as ‘Is the importance and value of business continuity management understood and appreciated at the organization’s highest level?’ are used to suggest actions, which are ranked high, medium and low, helping to determine priorities. The tool contains an enhanced help option which gives guidance on interpreting the questions and explains what the answer options deliver in practice.
Completion of the online assessment will help an organization develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of Business Continuity Management and the component parts of BS 25999-1. Users will develop an appreciation of continuity planning and better understand how to develop, implement and manage Business Continuity plans. Business Continuity Assessment Online will identify areas of improvement and add value to businesses.
Mike Low, Director of BSI British Standards, said, “The Business Continuity Assessment tool will help organizations understand how to prepare a business continuity plan in a simple yet effective framework and will give added value to their business by enabling them to demonstrate improved risk management.”
The tool is aimed both at SMEs and listed companies looking for a cost-effective means of preparing a Business Continuity plan and understanding the capability of companies in their supply chain.
BS 25999-2 will be published later this year and independent assessment will be available after publication of part 2 of this standard.
About BSI Group
BSI British Standards is part of BSI Group, a global independent business services organization that inspires confidence and delivers assurance to customers with standards-based solutions. Originating as the world’s first national standards body, the Group has over 2,250 staff operating in over 100 countries through more than 50 global offices. The Group’s key offerings are:
• The development and sale of private, national and international standards and supporting information
• Second and third-party management systems assessment and certification
• Product testing and certification of services and products
• Performance management software solutions
• Training services in support of standards implementation and business best practice.
