Testing your plan

A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is not considered valid until it has been tested. The whole point of a test/exercise is to see if the plan actually works, for example:

• does it give the intended outcome
• are there any gaps in arrangements
• are staff prepared

There are different types of test or exercise, so it is important to choose one that works well for your organisation, such as:

• a desktop-based event
• using a fictitious scenario for a full 'walk-through' of the plan
• a 'live' exercise a bit like a "dress rehearsal" where people take on specific roles and simulate your response.

It is important to train staff who may be involved in activating or delivering specific elements of the plan so that they are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities.