In this article by Smartsheet, you will find expert tips and implementation guides. As well as how ISO 22301 can fortify your business against disruption. I was fortunate to be part of the creation of the article.
Included in this article, you will find an International Standards Organization (ISO) 22301 audit checklist template, a simplified ISO 22301 cheat-sheet, and an ISO 22301 self-assessment checklist. Also included are examples of ISO 22301 in action and an ISO 22301 quick-start guide.
What is ISO 22301?
ISO 22301 is a global standard for business continuity planning requirements. The standard helps organizations to protect themselves against disruptions. The most current version is 22301:2019, Security and resilience – Business continuity management systems – Requirements.
The requirements in ISO 22301 address disruptive incidents that can be natural or human-made, widespread or local, intentional or unintentional. Example are a snowstorm, a broken water main, an epidemic, a data breach, or a phishing attack. Large or small, for- and nonprofit organizations alike, each can use ISO 22301.
ISO 22301 Requirements
The ISO 22301 standard offers a framework for planning, testing, and monitoring a business continuity management system, or BCMS. The ISO 22301 document contains 10 sections. It introduces the standard and its definitions. As well as actionable requirements of the standard.
As with other ISO requirement documents, ISO 22301 describes only what organizations must do to reach minimum proficiency. It does not prescribe how to achieve these standards. Each organization must consider its distinct conditions and obligations to find the best way to follow the requirements.
Benefits of ISO 22301
Business continuity management systems practitioners suggest that continuity preparations produce substantial gains. Below are some examples of the benefits of ISO 22301.
- Protect against and recover from disruptive incidents.
- Identify and control current and future threats.
- Improve your risk management planning efforts.
- Prevent large-scale damage.
- Become proactive in preventing problems and recovering from incidents, rather than reactive to damage and disruption.
- Reduce downtime and increase recovery time.
- Keep important activities running during disruption.
- Deliver quality products consistently.
- Provide dependable service.
- Prove you’re a reputable supplier.
- Prove your resilience to all stakeholders.
BCM Lifecycle ISO 22301
The business continuity management (BCM) lifecycle represents industry best practices. Including some of the core requirements of ISO 22301. These practices offer a solid foundation for resilience, while offering flexibility to adapt to changes in the organization.
Guided by leadership, these are the key activities for the lifecycle:
- Conduct a business impact analysis and risk assessment.
- Establish a business continuity strategy.
- Establish and implement business continuity procedures.
- Exercise and test the procedures regularly before a disruption occurs.
Ready to Fortify Your Business?
Are you ready to fortify your business against disruption with the help of ISO 22301? Follow the links in the article. Or, attend one of our 1-day ISO 22301 Fundamentals certification training courses. Our open enrollment schedule lists all upcoming live online courses.