Business continuity management

Business continuity management is a process that helps manage risks which could affect the smooth running of your organisation or the delivery of a service.

Business continuity management ensures that critical functions can be continued in the event of a disruption, with an effective recovery afterwards.

The British-Irish Council believes in the importance of good Business Continuity Management and recognises that its effective use helps businesses protect their market share and reputation.

A survey, A Decade of Living Dangerously, undertaken by the Chartered Management Institute in 2009 found that in the United Kingdom:

• 64% of managers reported that Business Continuity Management is important in their organisation
• 91% of businesses who had invoked their Business Continuity Plans in the last year agreed that it had reduced disruptions
• 40% of organisations reported experiencing disruptions due to loss of IT in the last year
• 25% due to severe weather
• 24% due to loss of people

However, only 25% of small organisations have a Business Continuity Plan, a figure rising to 49% for medium sized organisations and 64% for large businesses. It has been identified therefore that it is small to medium sized enterprises that need most assistance.

The British-Irish Council has provided this guidance to help all organisations understand Business Continuity Management and to identify further sources of useful information.