Embracing The Challenge of Resilience

15 May Business Continuity Awareness Week 15th May – 19th May

Posted at 09:00h in Business Continuity, Cyber Security, Latest News by
0 Likes

Monday 15th  May 2023 is the start of Business Continuity Awareness week with the focus on “Embracing the challenge of resilience”, this is being led by the Business Continuity Institute (BCI).

There are five areas of resilience, being focused on:

  • Cyber resilience
  • Supply chain resilience
  • Operational resilience
  • Personal resilience
  • Organisational resilience

Cyber Resilience

Safeguarding your digital infrastructure against cyber threats is paramount. Robust cyber security tools such as multi factor authentication, staff training to spot phishing attempts, and contingency planning are all part of a strong cyber resilience strategy.

Supply Chain Resilience

Your Supply chain needs to be agile enough to swiftly adapt to disruptions. This may involve diversifying suppliers, maintaining appropriate stock levels and having contingency plans at the ready. Maintaining open lines of communication with your key suppliers to understand their business continuity risks, plans and assurance of their preparedness, is crucial.

Operational Resilience

This pertains to your ability to carry on with critical operations under difficult conditions. Regular risk assessments, maintenance of crucial equipment, process optimisation, and clear communication channels are essential. Does your business have a plan in place? When was the last time you updated or tested this plan?

Personal Resilience

This refers to individuals capacity to cope with stress, change, and uncertainty. Building personal resilience involves maintaining a balanced work-life rhythm, practising mindfulness, investing in personal development, and nurturing strong relationships at work. Has your business implemented an employee wellbeing programme? Are there sufficient processes and resources available to support staff regarding their mental and physical health?

Organisational Resilience

This is the ability of your organisation as a whole to adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks. It involves strong leadership, a culture of learning and improvement, embodying positive values and behaviours.

Does your organisation do the following?:

  • Promote culture-building activities
  • Encouragehonest feedback from customers and staff
  • Engage in continuous learning
  • Effectively communicate organisational goals and strategy.

Remember, resilience isn’t a static state but a continuous journey of learning and innovation. By working together and embracing the challenge of resilience, we can ensure that Businesses within Northamptonshire continue to flourish, regardless of the future challenges we are faced with.

Resources Available

North Northamptonshire Council, Emergency Planning Team – https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/emergency-planning/protecting-your-business

Health and Wellbeing  https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/mental-health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-services-and-support

Cyber Security – https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/

Business Continuity Institute – https://www.thebci.org/

  • North Northamptonshire Council, Emergency Planning Team

 

Wilson Browne