Business Continuity Planning: Guaranteeing Stability in Unforeseen Circumstances
Business Continuity Planning (BCP) is a strategic process that ensures the maintenance or rapid recovery of an organization's critical functions during serious incidents. In Georgia, where businesses can face various disruptions—from road blockades due to political protests to natural disasters or cyberattacks—having a BCP is vital. It is not just about recovering IT systems; it is a comprehensive plan covering the management of personnel, offices, suppliers, and communication channels during a crisis. For many Georgian companies (especially in banking and telecom sectors), having a Business Continuity Plan is a regulatory requirement, while for others, it is a means of gaining investor and client trust. Without a BCP, a single disruption can lead to a massive exodus of clients and irreparable financial loss.
What Does This Service Cover?
Business Continuity Planning is a complex service based on international standards (ISO 22301) and includes:
- Business Impact Analysis (BIA): Identifying critical business processes and determining the potential loss if they stop for various periods.
- Risk Assessment: Analyzing threats (fire, pandemic, power outage) that could disrupt operations.
- Continuity Strategy Development: Determining alternative working methods (e.g., shifting to remote work, using a backup office, alternative suppliers).
- Plan Documentation: Writing detailed instructions (Playbooks) for employees on what to do when an incident occurs.
- Testing and Exercises: Periodic simulation of the plan (e.g., evacuation drills or imitating system shutdowns) to identify gaps.
- Crisis Communication: Drafting internal and external communication plans to inform stakeholders (clients, media, employees).
Common Scenarios When You Need This Service
A Business Continuity Plan is activated in various crisis situations:
- Office Inaccessibility: The office cannot be entered due to fire, flood, or police cordon. The BCP defines where and how employees continue working.
- Cyberattack (Ransomware): Company data is encrypted. The plan defines how services continue in manual mode until systems are restored.
- Loss of Key Personnel: A large portion of employees cannot show up for work due to a pandemic or other reasons. The plan provides for redistribution of functions.
- Supplier Issues: A major supplier cannot deliver products. The BCP provides for pre-agreed alternative sources.
Georgian Legal Framework
Business continuity management is regulated by several sector-specific normative acts. For the financial sector, the Order of the President of the National Bank of Georgia on Approving the Corporate Governance Code for Commercial Banks and the cybersecurity framework apply, obliging banks to have a BCP. For critical infrastructure (energy, transport), the Law on Information Security and the Law on Civil Safety are important, requiring readiness for emergencies. Additionally, the Labor Code obliges employers to ensure a safe working environment, which is part of BCP.
Process of Service Delivery
The process begins with interviews with department heads to establish critical functions (BIA). Consultants then assess existing resources and write a strategy. A BCP document is created and approved by management. The most important stage is testing—a plan does not work if it is not "tested." Simulation games or real tests are conducted, after which the plan is updated based on the experience gained.
Why Legal.ge?
Business continuity is not just a document on a shelf; it is a living process. Specialists presented on Legal.ge hold international certifications (CBCP, ISO 22301) and have practical experience in the Georgian reality. They will help you create a plan that actually works during a crisis and not just formally satisfies regulator requirements. Prepare for the unforeseen with Legal.ge experts.
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