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Auditing Business Continuity Management Plans

John Silltow

The book provides a systematic approach to establishing a successful business continuity management  programme based on the perspective of an auditor. It comprises a complete suite of subjects on maintaining the lifecycle of an effective business continuity management programme. This book is based on the British Standard BS 25999 Part 1 and 2. It consists of nine chapters, which examine the key clauses of the standards that enhance the adequacy and quality of an organisation’s business continuity programme. Eight useful appendices complement the main chapter of the book and provide useful information to readers seeking to understand the different aspects of audit in a business continuity management programme.

The purpose of this book is to incorporate audit views into BCM programmes. Such an approach helps to uncover issues such as risks and controls that are not previously considered in the business continuity decision-making process, and avoid the common pitfalls in the management of BCM.

The book is arranged according to the key processes of a BCM programme. Each chapter looks at a fundamental subject of BCM. It provides a concise explanation of that subject area and offers guidance on establishing good practice in BCM. It sets out an overview of how different components fit together to form the building blocks to establishing an effective ongoing management programme. Readers can explore the book without reading in its entirety. The book can be particularly useful for business continuity professional and auditors who want quick answers to particular subjects or issues about the discipline.

As an organisation’s BCM lifecycle matures, the role of audit proves to be crucial in assessing the effectiveness of its entire programme. At present, a number of business continuity books provide current good practices and step-by-step guide to developing a BCM programme. This book, however, combines the essence of a national standard for BCM with audit, which will equip business continuity professionals tasked with audit responsibilities with fundamental concepts of business continuity and audit considerations. The book is written for business continuity professionals, risk managers, auditors, and those responsible for establishing and managing an effective business continuity management system in the organisation.

The timely publication of Auditing Business Continuity Management Plans has eased the task of business continuity audit and provides a wealth of pointers about BCM and audit. Silltow has skilfully married the two disciplines and makes it a “must-own” book for all practising business continuity professionals.

For more information and to download a free sample chapter