Introduction

In an era characterized by escalating geopolitical instability, technological disruptions, climate change impacts, and evolving public health crises, the imperative for robust crisis governance and comprehensive business continuity planning (BCP) has never been more critical. Organizations worldwide face an increasing frequency and severity of unforeseen events that can severely impact operations, financial stability, and reputation. This essential training course focuses on Crisis Governance and Business Continuity Planning Audit, equipping professionals with the specialized knowledge and practical methodologies to rigorously assess the effectiveness, resilience, and adaptability of an organization's crisis management framework and business continuity strategies. You will learn to navigate the complexities of identifying potential threats, evaluating their impact, developing proactive mitigation strategies, and ensuring rapid recovery to maintain operational stability and safeguard stakeholder trust.

This intensive training course delves into the core components of a best-in-class crisis governance model and a resilient business continuity program, including risk assessment, business impact analysis (BIA), incident response, crisis communication, and disaster recovery. We will explore various audit methodologies specifically tailored for crisis governance and BCP, examining the adequacy of plans, the effectiveness of testing and training regimes, and adherence to international standards such as ISO 22301. Participants will gain hands-on experience in planning and executing BCP audits, identifying gaps in preparedness, conducting post-incident reviews, and preparing comprehensive audit reports that provide actionable insights to enhance organizational resilience. By the end of this training course, you will possess the expertise to confidently lead crisis governance and business continuity planning audit engagements, positioning your organization at the forefront of adaptive planning and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced operational resilience.

Target Audience

• Crisis Management Team Leaders & Members
• Business Continuity Managers & Coordinators
• Internal & External Auditors
• Risk Management Professionals
• Senior Executives & Board Members
• Emergency Response Personnel
• Operations Directors & Managers
• IT Disaster Recovery Specialists

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of crisis governance and business continuity planning (BCP).
• Learn about the key principles and lifecycle of crisis management.
• Master methodologies for conducting a thorough Business Impact Analysis (BIA).
• Develop skills in identifying and assessing critical risks and vulnerabilities for business continuity.
• Understand the essential components of a robust Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
• Learn about techniques for designing and auditing effective incident response plans.
• Explore best practices for crisis communication strategies during disruptions.
• Master techniques for planning and executing BCP exercises, drills, and testing.
• Understand the role of IT Disaster Recovery (DR) within overall business continuity.
• Learn about strategies for ensuring regulatory compliance and adherence to ISO 22301.
• Apply practical Crisis Governance and Business Continuity Planning Audit strategies to real-world scenarios.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Crisis Governance and BCP

• Defining crisis governance, business continuity management, and their interdependencies.
• Exploring the strategic importance of BCP for organizational resilience.
• Understanding the lifecycle of a crisis: mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery.
• Differentiating between incidents, emergencies, and crises.
• The role of leadership in crisis preparedness and response.

Module 2: Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and Risk Assessment Module

• Learning methodologies for conducting a comprehensive Business Impact Analysis (BIA).
• Identifying critical business functions, processes, and resources.
• Mastering techniques for assessing the impact of disruptions (RTO, RPO).
• Understanding the process of risk assessment for business continuity.
• Prioritizing risks and developing mitigation strategies.

Module 3: Developing the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Module

• Understanding the essential elements of a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
• Learning about response and recovery strategies for various scenarios.
• Mastering techniques for developing departmental and functional BCPs.
• Establishing roles, responsibilities, and clear communication protocols.
• Integrating BCP with existing organizational policies and procedures.

Module 4: Crisis Communication Strategies Module

• Exploring the principles of effective crisis communication.
• Understanding internal and external communication strategies during a crisis.
• Mastering techniques for developing a crisis communication plan.
• Managing media relations and social media during disruptions.
• Protecting reputation and maintaining stakeholder trust.

Module 5: Incident Response and Crisis Management Team (CMT) Module

• Learning about the framework for incident response and crisis management.
• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the Crisis Management Team (CMT).
• Mastering techniques for activating and managing the CMT during a crisis.
• Developing clear incident escalation procedures.
• Implementing an effective incident command system.

Module 6: Auditing BCP and Crisis Preparedness Module

• Strategies for planning and scoping a Business Continuity Planning Audit.
• Mastering techniques for auditing BCP documentation and plan completeness.
• Assessing the effectiveness of BCP testing, exercises, and drills.
• Evaluating the adequacy of training and awareness programs.
• Ensuring compliance with internal policies and external standards like ISO 22301.

Module 7: Post-Crisis Evaluation and Continuous Improvement Module

• Understanding the importance of post-crisis evaluation and lessons learned.
• Learning methodologies for conducting post-incident reviews.
• Mastering techniques for identifying areas for improvement in crisis governance and BCP.
• Developing and tracking corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Fostering a culture of resilience and continuous improvement.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.