Vodafone retains BS25999 status ... and highlights the value

Business Continuity forum 

Vodafone UK has recently been undergoing a thorough audit by the BSI as part of the retention process for its BS25999 certification for Business Continuity Management. The successful outcome demonstrates the capability of the Vodafone approach and in achieving recertification demonstrates to customers the added resilience of the services provided by Vodafone.

This is a point not lost on Vodafone's management. In their press statement they make reference to the clear responsibility they have as a telecommunications company to other organisations and particularly their  BCM plans. Peter Kelly, Enterprise Director Vodafone UK says “We know that mobile communications are an essential service for all businesses – retaining BS 25999 certification demonstrates that we continue to deliver the most reliable and highest quality network for our customers, no matter what.”

The British Standard for Business Continuity Management is clearly established as the leading benchmark for organisational capability concerning BCM and Vodafone should be congratulated for their commitment to Business Continuity, but also in recognising their position and role in the broader business landscape. As has been said "you are either part of the solution or you are part of the problem.

Many organisations when developing their own continuity plans often just presume that the key services they rely on will be there during a crisis.  Yet, time and again this has been found not to be the case and is a common factor that adds to delays and costs as the business struggles to get back to “business as usual”.  This is especially true of the communications aspects of planning and recovery. 

It is interesting to realise that the media relations department of Vodafone is clearly stressing the achievement of BS25999 as a competitive advantage, which of course it should be, by connecting the effort, work and achievement undertaken via Vodafone to achieve certification with the interests of its customers.  This is a key part of establishing the value of BCM and vitally further demonstrates the importance of communicating it to stakeholders. We would hope that Vodafone's efforts do not go unnoticed by clients and that other organisations learn from their example.

Not only has Vodafone got a BCM approach that protects its finances, its efforts reach out and help preserve and protect the interests and finances of their clients too.

CONTINUITY FORUM COMMENT

During conversations about the challenges concerning BCM we often hear of the difficulties in establishing the value to the organisation of the time and effort required.  Here we have a great example of a large complex company dealing with a huge array of technical and service challenges recognising not just the value of BCM, but also how to lever this necessary investment in a positive marketing sense.

Of course, Vodafone are first and foremost serving their own company, but they have clearly recognised the value of their BCM efforts to their customers. By maintaining their certification they have made the competitive landscape a little easier, particularly with regard to organisations affected by the Civil Contingencies Act or involved in other regulated sectors.  By providing BCM certification evidence through BS25999 they are clearly demonstrating a BCM capability which makes it easy to help clients also demonstrate their capability where Vodafone are part of the supply chain.  It is a clear 'win-win' situation which as we all know is the basis of good business.

This is part of a market effect that we believe will continue to grow apace and add momentum to the sector, even under the difficult financial circumstances seem at present. Companies that are able to showcase their BCM capabilities through either the British or the soon to be launched American standard will have a competitive advantage that we feel will fuel specific sales success across these more controlled sectors.

We really would like to hear from you if you can give us examples of how companies are using their BCM programs to enhance their sales and marketing success, or if you can give us illustrations of where this is not happening? Please do e-mail us at feedback@ContinuityForum.org