Instinctif’s crisis management, risk assessment, and strategic communications experts Damian Reece, Tim Field and our host Jeremy Durrant share insights on crisis preparedness within organisations, focusing on the recent incident involving the National Air Traffic Service (NATS) and the subsequent civil aviation report.
The conversation starts by examining the NATS incident, where errors in their computer system during a bank holiday led to widespread disruption in air traffic control, affecting 700,000 people.
The discussion delves into the distractions caused by the work-from-home aspect of the NATS crisis and the broader implications for companies adapting to remote work.
- Importance of Preparedness: Identify potential risks and worst-case scenarios Develop robust crisis management plans and rehearse them regularly Prioritise open and honest communication during a crisis to mitigate reputational damage
- Avoiding Complacency: Complacency can lead to inadequate preparation for potential crises Regularly review crisis preparedness, involving diverse perspectives within and outside the organisation. Proactively challenge assumptions and processes to ensure readiness for any eventuality
- Role of Leadership and Governance: Boards and non-executive directors (NEDs) play a critical role in overseeing crisis preparedness Senior executives should take responsibility for crisis management, including communication strategies Annual reviews of crisis preparedness are essential for maintaining readiness and effectiveness
- Effective Simulation Exercises: Conduct realistic scenario planning exercises involving a diverse range of participants Test processes, decision-making capabilities, and communication strategies Learn from simulation exercises to continuously improve crisis preparedness and response strategies
