What is ISO 22301 certification? from MorrisJackson's blog

There is no business without any risks or challenges. Every business faces disruptions which are sometimes unexpected. These disruptions can occur in any form either it may be a result of theft or due to natural disasters, disease outbreaks, etc. Predicting these challenges is impossible. But you can control and manage them by implementing the Business Continuity Management System in line with ISO 22301 standard.

In this article, we listed out the topics such as what is ISO 22301 business continuity management system, why is it important for your business, the benefits you get by implementing the ISO 22301, and also how to get to certified ISO 22301.

What is ISO 22301?

ISO 22301 is a globally recognized standard for Business Continuity Management System. This standard specifies requirements for organizations to control and manage the unexpected disruptions when they arise. This international standard helps to identify the potential risks and threats and gives guidance to respond to and recover from them. It provides effective guidelines to protect your business by building powerful backup systems and processes.

The unexpected disruptions can affect the quality and process efficiency of your business. This may reduce the confidence of the stakeholders in your business processes. Thus, by implementing the ISO 22301 you can continue to provide quality services to the customers/stakeholders. However, the ISO 22301 provides specifications for planning, implementing, monitoring, reviewing and as well as for continually improving your organization’s business continuity management system.

Objective of the business continuity management system

Business continuity management system helps organizations to prepare and take actions whenever the unexpected disruption occurs.

It ensures the continuity of your business process in the event of disruptions.

It helps your business to provide consistent services to the customers.

Why ISO 22301 Certification?

Why should my business get ISO 22301 certification? How will my business benefit from certifying to ISO 22301? There may be lots of questions wandering in your thoughts. Here are the answers to all your questions. By certifying to ISO 22301, your business can gain the following benefits.

Improves quality and efficiency

Reduces the business continuity risks and threats

Helps manage the unexpected disruptions

Enhances stakeholder/client confidence

Ensures customer satisfaction

Establishes the BCMS performance of your organization

Develops the internal management system

Help follow the best practices in the process and system

Also, helps meet the business continuity needs and obligations

Enhances competency

Promotes your business reputation

Thereby, helps achieve new business opportunities

Is ISO 22301 certification applicable to all organizations?

Yes. Whatever the size or type, the ISO 22301 requirements are developed to be applicable to all organizations. Any company that wishes to implement, maintain, and improve the BCMS performance or that wants to ensure conformity with stated business continuity policy can achieve this ISO 22301 Certification.

Process to get certified to ISO 22301

Want to gain new opportunities for your business? Then ensure your system in place with ISO 22301 certification. Here is a simple clarification for you to understand the ISO 22301 certification process.

1.Preparation and documentation

Firstly, the organization which wants to prove its ability in providing consistent performance needs to implement its business continuity management system in compliance with ISO 22301.

Secondly, you should prepare documents, files and records of your organization processes and business continuity plan, etc.

Thirdly, conduct a gap analysis, and find the gaps in the implementation process. Rectify the errors before the certification audit. Also, perform internal audits and take the reports. The internal audit can be done either by the internal auditor who is specialized in the ISO 22301 standard in your organizations or by the auditors from the third-party certification body.

Finally, send a request to the certification body. Your proposal or the scope of your certification should state the process of your organization.

2.ISO 22301 Certification audit

After receiving the application form, the certification will send a quote that includes the audit plan and cost of the certification.

If you have accepted the quote, the certification body will assign an auditing team to prepare a plan and initiate the certification audit.

The certification audit includes 2 stages. The auditors will verify the effective implementation of the system in compliance with ISO 22301 standard criteria.

3.Final report and certification

The certification body will prepare the audit report. If there is no non-conformity, the certificate will be issued to the organization. The certification is valid for 3 years. During this period, the certification body will initiate a surveillance audit in the gap of every 12 months to verify the continual improvement of your system.

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