What are the best practices for developing a business continuity training program?

2 Align with standards

Another best practice for developing a business continuity training program is to align it with relevant standards and frameworks that provide guidance and best practices for business continuity management. For example, you can use the ISO 22301 standard, which specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a business continuity management system (BCMS). You can also refer to the Business Continuity Institute (BCI) Good Practice Guidelines, which provide a comprehensive and independent body of knowledge for business continuity professionals. By aligning your training program with these standards, you can ensure that your program is consistent, comprehensive, and credible.

3 Customize your content

While it is important to follow the standards and frameworks for business continuity management, you also need to customize your training content to suit your organization's specific context, culture, and needs. You should tailor your training content to reflect your organization's mission, vision, values, and goals, as well as your industry, sector, and market. You should also consider the diversity and preferences of your learners, and use different formats, methods, and media to deliver your training content. For example, you can use case studies, simulations, games, videos, podcasts, webinars, or e-learning modules to make your training content more engaging, interactive, and relevant.

4 Train at different levels

A business continuity training program should not only target the employees who are directly involved in the business continuity planning and execution, but also the managers and leaders who are responsible for overseeing and supporting the business continuity efforts. Therefore, you should train your staff at different levels of your organization, depending on their roles, responsibilities, and competencies. For example, you can train your senior management on the strategic aspects of business continuity management, such as setting the policy, objectives, and budget. You can train your middle management on the tactical aspects of business continuity management, such as coordinating the teams, resources, and activities. You can train your operational staff on the operational aspects of business continuity management, such as executing the plans, procedures, and tasks.

5 Evaluate and improve

The final best practice for developing a business continuity training program is to evaluate and improve your program on a regular basis. You should measure the effectiveness and impact of your training program, using both quantitative and qualitative methods, such as surveys, tests, interviews, feedback, or audits. You should also monitor the changes and trends in your internal and external environment, such as your organizational structure, strategy, culture, or risks. Based on these evaluations and observations, you should identify the strengths and weaknesses of your training program, and implement the necessary actions to improve your program. You should also update and revise your training content, methods, and tools to ensure that your program remains relevant, current, and aligned with your organization's needs and objectives.