Practising your plan
Training
Ensure staff have the opportunity to attend
training seminars, courses and workshops regarding Business
Continuity Planning. Large companies should ensure that these
are tailored to your particular Business Continuity Plans.
Testing
The regular testing of plans will ensure that
they are constantly reviewed and updated and kept relevant to the
changing profile of your business. This can be undertaken by
table-top exercises or full live exercises.
Walk-through drills
A walk through at the workplace of how
Business Continuity Plans can be introduced at all levels
throughout the organisation is a simple and effective way of
ensuring that all staff understand their roles and
responsibilities during a major incident. Ensure that all
staff know where relevant records and information are held and
can be accessed during and after a major incident.
New employees
Ensure that new employees during their
induction are instructed in Business Continuity Planning, and their
role during a major incident. This will include issues such
as fire evacuation, first aid, support and the Business Continuity
Plan as it affects them personally.
Replacement equipment
Practise where replacement equipment can be
provided and how quickly it you can be back in business and whether
or not there is any vital equipment that you need to purchase and
hold in stock, particularly where delivery times are in months
rather than weeks.