Understanding your organisation
The first stage of business continuity planning is known as a 'Business Impact Analysis'.
This is a tool to understand your most time critical activities and the resources you need to carry out these urgent activities. It helps you to evaluate recovery priorities and assess the risks that could lead to a business disruption or emergency.
It is also a good idea to consider local risks as part of business continuity planning, for example, are your premises located in a known flood zone?
Visit the Environment Agency for advice and tools to help manage flood risks.
Key questions to consider as part of the Business Impact Analysis include:
• What does your organisation do and deliver?
• What are your most urgent activities?
• What do you need to deliver your most critical activities?
• What would be the impact over time if certain activities were disrupted or interrupted?
• What are the risks to service delivery e.g. do you rely on a single supplier?