New standard outlines practical steps to managing disruptions

Press Release - 17th December 2012

Business standards company BSI has published a new guidance standard to help organizations take practical steps towards mitigating risk and improving their business continuity management.

ISO 22313 Societal Security – Business Continuity Management Systems – Guidance describes the steps businesses need to take in order to meet the requirements of ISO 22301, the international standard for business continuity management (BCM).

Together, these BCM standards seek to support organizations in their on-going challenge to improve business resilience in the face of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather or civil unrest.

A recent survey by the Business Continuity Institute revealed that 73% of organisations recorded at least one supply chain disruption in 2011.

Many organizations continue to be under constant pressure to manage disruptions to normal operations and supply chain arrangements as a result of economic instability, environmental incidences and other unexpected risks.  These standards provide organizations with a framework and methodology for dealing with disruptions.

ISO 22313 is a complementary standard to ISO 22301.  It provides additional information to ISO 22301 and examples to help the reader better understand what good BCM looks like and how it might be implemented in their organizations.

“The publication of ISO 22313 represents BSI’s latest step towards helping organizations take proactive control of their futures,” said Shirley Bailey-Wood, Director of Publishing at BSI. “The standard brings together knowledge and experience from industry professionals, recognising that complacency in business processes is no longer an option.”

Rick Cudworth, partner at Deloitte and also Chairman of BSI’s Committee BCM/1 said: “ISO 22313 and 22301 will be of tremendous value to those organizations that are considering BCM anew as well as those that already have continuity arrangements in place.   These standards provide clear, jargon-free material for all organizations that want to establish or improve their resilience.”

International commitment and interest for the supporting guidance standard is reflected in the 50 participating countries which have supported its publication.

UK expertise and input have been received from a variety of parties including the:

About BSI

BSI (British Standards Institution) is a global organization that equips businesses with the necessary solutions to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. Formed in 1901, BSI was the world’s first National Standards Body and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Over a century later it continues to facilitate business improvement across the globe by helping its clients drive performance, reduce risk and grow sustainably through the adoption of international management systems standards, many of which BSI originated. Famed for its marks of excellence including the instantly recognizable Kitemark®, BSI’s influence spans multiple sectors including aerospace, construction, energy, engineering, finance, healthcare, IT and retail. With over 70,000 clients in 150 countries, BSI is an organization whose standards inspire excellence across the globe.

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