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Government enhances Counter Terrorism measures - CONTEST 2

The government has set out its enhanced strategy to combat the threat of Terrorism; known as CONTEST the policy shows the context and threat as well as the process adopted to counter the threat.

The briefing illustrates how terrorism has evolved in the UK and explains what led to the emergence of the threat we face today. It also examines how the threat may evolve over the next few years. The strategy sets out the principles that form the basis of the government’s response to terrorism.

The conference will benefit from expert speakers such as John Sharp who lectures on Business Continuity for the Cabinet Office Emergency Planning College, and Alex Nickson who is the Mayor of London's Climate Change advisor.

The day will feature a range of presentations from practitioners discussing their experiences from recent Severe Weather incidents, each followed by a short workshop in order to facilitate learning between delegates.

A number of exhibitor opportunities still exist (lunch is even included!). For further information on this event or to reserve your place at this Special Workshop please contact us on the details below: Please book your space ASAP click on the link below!

For more details on this please click on the following link *** Event details ***

For more details on our events, workshops and industry development work, as well as the general activities of the Continuity Forum please contact us directly on +44 208 993 1599 or mail us HERE!

If you would like to know more about how your organisation can get involved and benefit from working with the Continuity Forum, please email us HERE! or call on + 44 (0) 208 993 1599.

10th Annual BCM report published by Cabinet Office and CMI

The CMI 2009 Business Continuity Management report reveals a pressing need for UK organisations to guard against disruption and to be wary of complacency towards possible risks. Supported by the Cabinet Office, the survey shows that 52 per cent of organisations across the UK have a business continuity plan (BCP) - the highest level recorded by the survey.

However, the percentage of managers reporting that continuity is regarded as important in their organisation has fallen over the past year from 76 per cent to 64 per cent.

In recent years an increasing chunk of companies’ corporate security or business continuity budget has been spent on maintaining back-up sites where data can be stored or from which the business could be run in an emergency.

However, security consultants point out that risk management begins at home with measures to safeguard company headquarters, branches, factories and greenfield sites.

For new buildings, once the nature of the risks to the business has been assessed, this means careful planning of the layout and configuration of the site or office and security professionals should be part of the process.

Crisis Management Seminar

With SMB's facing severe disruption the Continuity Forum asks is it always someone elses fault?

As business struggles in the face of economic recession, heavy snowfall across the UK has added to their woes, but also highlights the lack of Business Continuity Planning in most businesses.

The guidance says sensible preparation now will make the difference between just ‘getting through’ a pandemic and maximising the number of lives that can be saved. There were three pandemics in the last century which caused public health emergencies and many experts believe another one is overdue.

It is, however, impossible to predict its timing. The BMA/RCGP guidance is intended as a practical guide for GPs and practice managers. It details how GP surgeries will be expected to adapt from their usual method of working and gives information and guidance on the following:

Category Business Continuity legislative, regulatory and government

Environment Agency accepts Pitt Review in Full

The report of Sir Michael Pitt's Review into the floods of Summer 2007 was published in June 2008. The Government welcomes this Review, and pays tribute to Sir Michael Pitt and his team. They have thoroughly reviewed the flooding that happened in 2007 and identified clearly the lessons that should be learned.

Crisis Management Seminar

We are continuing this very popular and successful Event series and this half day event will discuss topics such as Managing your People and Crisis Communications.

We are delighted to bring a significant Case Study from a leading British organisation, illustrating their approach to Crisis Management, including lessons learned from various crises. We will also be discussing the latest developments in business continuity, risk management and will include recently updated information on market developments.

Category Business Continuity legislative and regulatory

CCS support delivers further support for Category 1 and 2 responders

The Cabinet Office has published a set of Good Practice Guidelines for the Civil Contingencies Act (2004) and further supports the Resilience Capability Programme.

All organisations in the public and private should have created plans to curb the effects and mitigate the impact of the disruption caused by a Pandemic yet our study shows 73% do not have proper plans to protect the business or its employees.

This stark finding comes after the National Risk Register produced by the Cabinet Office highlighted the threat of a pandemic as the most serious threat to the UK.

BSI British Standard  BS 25777 for Information and Communications Technology continuity management.

Following on from the development of BS25999 BSI has announced a complimentary standard aimed at detailing good practice at the ICT level, BS25777 for ICT Continuity.

ICT continuity management, a key part of the overall business continuity management (BCM) process of an organization, ensures that ICT services are resilient and in the event of disaster, can be recovered within timescales agreed with senior management.

Category Business Continuity New Products - BCM & Risk Management - BS25999 - General

NHS resilience project embraces standard

The National Risk Register shows Pandemic Influenza as the most serious threat to national security

The National Risk Register aims to clarify the level of risks and their potential impact on the UK. Local Risk Registers have been produced for some time, but this is the first time that a national version has been made public.