Business Continuity Plan

A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is a critical document that outlines how a business will continue its operations in the face of disruptions or disasters. Here’s a template for a basic Business Continuity Plan that you can use for your small business:

Business Continuity Plan Template

[Company Name] Business Continuity Plan

Date: [Date]

Table of Contents:

  1. Executive Summary
    1.1 Purpose
    1.2 Plan Objectives
    1.3 Scope
  2. Business Impact Analysis
    2.1 Critical Functions
    2.2 Impact Assessment
    2.3 Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
    2.4 Recovery Point Objectives (RPO)
  3. Risk Assessment
    3.1 Identify Risks
    3.2 Assess Risks
    3.3 Mitigation Strategies
    3.4 Contingency Plans
  4. Emergency Response
    4.1 Emergency Contacts
    4.2 Evacuation Procedures
    4.3 Emergency Communication
    4.4 Incident Command Team
  5. Crisis Management
    5.1 Crisis Communication
    5.2 Crisis Team Roles
    5.3 Crisis Notification Procedures
  6. Business Recovery
    6.1 Recovery Teams
    6.2 Recovery Procedures
    6.3 Resource Allocation
    6.4 Alternate Facilities
  7. IT Disaster Recovery
    7.1 Data Backup and Recovery
    7.2 IT Systems Recovery
    7.3 Data Security
  8. Communication Plan
    8.1 Internal Communication
    8.2 External Communication
    8.3 Media Relations
  9. Testing and Training
    9.1 Test Scenarios
    9.2 Testing Schedule
    9.3 Training Requirements
  10. Document Control
    10.1 Version Control
    10.2 Plan Distribution
    10.3 Plan Review Schedule
  11. Appendices
    • List of Contacts
    • Critical Documentation
    • Recovery Checklists
    • Maps and Diagrams

Executive Summary:

  • Purpose: Explain the purpose and importance of the BCP.
  • Plan Objectives: Define the goals and objectives of the plan.
  • Scope: Specify the scope of the plan, including the business functions it covers.

Business Impact Analysis:

  • Identify critical business functions.
  • Assess the impact of disruptions on these functions.
  • Set Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) for each.

Risk Assessment:

  • Identify potential risks and threats.
  • Assess the likelihood and impact of each risk.
  • Develop mitigation and contingency plans.

Emergency Response:

  • Provide emergency contact information.
  • Outline evacuation procedures.
  • Establish an emergency communication plan.
  • Define the roles of the Incident Command Team.

Crisis Management:

  • Develop crisis communication protocols.
  • Assign roles and responsibilities within the crisis team.
  • Establish crisis notification procedures.

Business Recovery:

  • Form recovery teams.
  • Document recovery procedures for critical functions.
  • Allocate necessary resources.
  • Identify alternate facilities for business operations.

IT Disaster Recovery:

  • Detail data backup and recovery strategies.
  • Plan for IT systems recovery.
  • Ensure data security and protection.

Communication Plan:

  • Outline internal and external communication procedures.
  • Address media relations in the event of a crisis.

Testing and Training:

  • Define test scenarios and schedules.
  • Specify training requirements for employees.

Document Control:

  • Manage version control of the BCP.
  • Distribute the plan to relevant stakeholders.
  • Establish a plan review schedule for updates.

Appendices:

  • Include a list of contacts, critical documentation, recovery checklists, and any maps or diagrams that support the plan.

This template provides a structured framework for creating a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan tailored to your small business. Remember to keep it updated and conduct regular testing to ensure its effectiveness in times of crisis or disruption.