ACP Greater Houston: Business Continuity Planning with Joseph Leonard

NOTE: This will be a hybrid event held both virtually and in-person. The in-person option will include lunch, and the registration deadline is Wednesday 2/5 at 5pm.

The virtual deadline is Tuesday 2/11 at 10am. Connection details will be sent via email. Register for Virtual Option: Here!

Synopsis: Business continuity planning (BCP) is a critical process that ensures organizations can maintain or quickly resume essential functions during and after a disaster.

The implementation of an effective BCP is paramount, particularly in light of an anticipated very active hurricane season. An effective BCP not only safeguards an organization's assets and personnel but also ensures the continuity of operations and services to clients and stakeholders.

To be truly effective, business continuity plans must be user-friendly and easily implementable. Complex and cumbersome plans can lead to confusion and inefficiencies during a crisis, which can exacerbate the impact of the disaster. Therefore, simplicity and clarity in BCP documentation and procedures are essential.

Moreover, the validity and reliability of a BCP must be ensured through comprehensive and challenging exercises. These exercises should simulate realistic disaster scenarios, particularly those relevant to the organization's geographic and operational context, such as hurricanes. Regular exercises help identify weaknesses in the plan and provide opportunities for continuous improvement. They also ensure that all employees are familiar with their roles and responsibilities, which enhances the overall resilience of the organization.

Given predictions of a highly active hurricane season, the need for robust, easy-to-implement business continuity plans has never been more pressing. Organizations must prioritize the development, testing, and refinement of their BCPs to mitigate the risks posed by natural disasters.

A well-prepared organization can not only survive a crisis but emerge stronger, having safeguarded its resources, reputation, and the well-being of its people.

About our Speaker: Joseph J. Leonard, Jr CEM, CGEMC, NEMEA, MEP, MCP, CHPP, CPE (CDR, United States Coast Guard, ret.), President / Chief Executive Officer, Unified Services Consulting Group, LLC See biographical document for more details.

Host or Publisher ACP Greater Houston Chapter