Business continuity self assessment tool launched by UK Audit Commission

The UK government’s Audit Commission has launched a new checklist-based tool which aims to help local authority emergency planners meet the business continuity requirements of the Civil Contingencies Bill. The tool provides a framework against which authorities can review current performance in meeting the Bill’s demands and helps identify areas for improvement.

The Audit Commission says that the tool is designed primarily for local authority staff responsible for and involved in emergency planning and business continuity. It could also be used by internal auditors as a basis for reviewing local preparedness and can be used by any groups of staff who look at risk and service continuity issues across an authority.

The tool looks first at corporate issues including awareness, responsibilities and commitment and the next seven sections follows the main duties outlined in the Civil Contingencies Bill.

Detailed guidance and regulations to support the Civil Contingencies Bill have not yet been published, and the future balance between guidance and requirements is currently unclear. Therefore, if it is necessary, The Audit Commission will update the assessment tool in the autumn to reflect any new information and to clarify any additional requirements.

For more information visit:
http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/emergencyplanning/index.asp

Download a Word version of the tool

•Date: 23rd June 2004 • Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: BC general
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