Business continuity action card
A free, printable companion to our Learn page on business continuity plans. Fill it in now, keep one copy at work and one at home, and reach for it first when something serious stops your business. No sign-up needed.
It is not a full plan. It is the one sheet that gets you through the first hour.
| Business name | |
|---|---|
| Filled in by | |
| Date | |
| Next check date |
1. Who leads
Name a person and a deputy for each role, and write down a number that works out of hours.
| Role | Name | Mobile or cell | Deputy and number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leads the response | |||
| Speaks to customers | |||
| Speaks to the media | |||
| Looks after staff |
2. The first hour
Tick each one off as it is done.
- Everyone safe and accounted for
- Emergency services called, if needed (999 in the UK, 911 in the US)
- The person who leads the response told, and the people in section 3 called
- Premises kept secure once evacuated, when safe to do so
- Staff told where to go and what to do
- Staff told not to talk to the media or post about it on social media
- Phones diverted, if the office is out of action
- Holding message sent to customers expecting work this week (section 5)
- Every decision, action and cost written down as you go, with the time
3. Who to call
| Who | Name | Number | Policy or account number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurer or broker | |||
| Landlord | |||
| IT support | |||
| Electricity, gas and water (24-hour) | |||
| Locksmith, glazier (glass repair) or board-up firm | |||
| Key supplier | |||
| Key customer | |||
| Bank |
4. Where things are
Never write passwords or alarm codes here; note who knows them instead.
| What | Where it is, or who has it |
|---|---|
| The full business continuity plan | |
| Spare keys, and who knows the alarm code | |
| Electricity main switch or breaker | |
| Gas main valve | |
| Water stopcock or main shut-off valve | |
| Data back-ups, and who can restore them |
5. Holding message for customers
Fill in the gaps on the day, then send it by phone, email or text.
[Business name] has been affected by [what happened]. [Nobody was hurt, if true.] We are [what you are doing], and we expect [what will happen, and when]. Your main contact is [name and number]. We will update you by [time or date].
Take it further
Plain Standards: plain-English ISO templates and unaccredited remote certification, built by a company director of over 30 years.
- Business Continuity Plan Template: the full plan in Word, with who covers for key people, back-up arrangements, data, contacts, a media statement, testing and a worked example to copy. plainstandards.com/products/business-continuity-plan-template
- Risk Register Template: list what could go wrong, score it and decide what to do about it, before it happens. plainstandards.com/products/risk-register-template
More free Learn pages and printables at plainstandards.com