An online health-check to assess business preparedness has been launched so that corporate planners can check if their continuity and disaster recovery plans are fit for purpose.
Developed by the British Standards Institute, the self-assessment tool enables any organisation to evaluate its business continuity management (BCM) provisions, testing strengths and probing for weak spots.
The BSI said that for those in the public sector – or working with it – the tool will support effective business continuity management as encouraged by the Civil Contingencies Act.
Flood and fire can bring down a business quicker than any financial problems would, and use of the online tool should help bring a level of confidence that a business could cope in a crisis.
The need for the development became apparent after research carried out by the Chartered Management Institute found that only 47% had a specific BCM plan in place.
The online questionnaire covers all the requirements of BS 25999-2 Business Continuity Management Specification, so that organisations can identify necessary improvements to their existing plans as they progress toward certification, the body said.
