Validating business continuity programmes in the ‘new normal’

Abstract

Validation activities are essential for organisations to ensure the ongoing efficacy and hence value of their business continuity arrangements. While COVID-19 has impacted the ability to perform normal validation activities in the business continuity life cycle, it has provided the opportunity for a significant live test of recovery strategies, business continuity plans, and response and recovery teams. This paper draws from practical experience with and reviews of approximately 30 Australian companies, and discusses the impacts of COVID-19 on maintenance, exercising and review. It provides suggestions for harnessing and articulating the lessons learned from an unprecedented, global disruptive event, and the adaptation of validation techniques in the new normal to increase both organisational resilience and enhance customer value propositions.