If not, it probably means that you do not have a Business Continuity Plan. This is an essential tool for your business as it is the procedure that you will use in time of a crisis, that includes information intended to ensure the ability of the services provided to continue in the event of a serious business interruption.
The roles and responsibilities of individuals are detailed, as are the tasks that should be followed to ensure an effective response to an adverse situation.
The objectives of the Business Continuity Plan are as follows:


• Safety and welfare of employees, visitors and the public are protected at all times


• The impact of the incident on the local community and the environment is minimised


• Continue to deliver crucial services to your customers


• The impact of any incident on your business is brought under control and minimised.


• Quick and appropriate response is made to any adverse situation that may arise.


• Fast and accurate assessment and verification of the potential impacts of the situation.


• Matching the degree and nature of the response to the potential impact.


• Clear and appropriate communication being made with management, employees and customers


The business continuity plan is designed to provide a framework for a structured response to any practicably foreseeable incident resulting in actual potential harm, damage or injury to people, the environment or assets associated with the business.


The business continuity plan is written assuming numerous scenarios associated with the operation of the business ranging from total loss of the facility through to lesser incidents that can be managed through reference to the relevant sections of the plan and utilisation of the recovery strategies. A key part of the business continuity plan is the assessment of key risks for the business that assesses the likelihood, potential severity and possible mitigations for the risks specific to the business, and prior consideration of potential alternative providers for key capabilities.
The business continuity plan is intended to provide task information relating to the emergency response only.