The Structure of the ISO 22301 Standard

The ISO 22301 standard follows a structured approach to BCM, consisting of several key sections:

1. Scope: This section defines the scope of the standard, clarifying its applicability to organisations of all sizes and sectors.
2. Normative references: It lists any other standards or documents that are referenced within ISO 22301 and should be considered for compliance.
3. Terms and definitions: This section provides definitions of key terms used throughout the standard to ensure a common understanding.
4. Context of the organisation: Here, organisations are encouraged to understand their internal and external context, including the needs and expectations of stakeholders, to establish the scope and objectives of their BCM system.
5. Leadership: This section emphasises the importance of leadership commitment and involvement in establishing and maintaining an effective BCM system.
6. Planning: Organisations are guided on how to identify potential threats, assess the risks, and determine the necessary strategies and resources to address them.
7. Support: This section covers the resources, competencies, communication, and documentation required to support the implementation and operation of the BCM system.
8. Operation: It provides guidance on implementing the identified strategies and measures, including incident response, business continuity plans, and exercises to validate their effectiveness.
9. Performance evaluation: Organisations are encouraged to monitor, measure, analyse, and evaluate the performance of their BCM system and make necessary improvements.
10. Improvement: This section emphasises the importance of continual improvement by taking corrective actions, conducting management reviews, and implementing preventive measures.