Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services

The Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services indicating that in the event of a major incident such as a fire resulting in the loss of access to a building, loss of ICT or pandemic flu, it was good practice for organisations to have in place plans to ensure that services could continue to be provided. In the case of local authorities, the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 placed an additional statutory requirement for Local Authorities to put in place a Business Continuity Management Programme.

The Council had existing business continuity arrangements to ensure the continued delivery of its priority activities to protect its vulnerable residents in the event of an emergency.

The revised policy Business Continuity Policy, attached to the report, set out the Council’s continued approach to implement an effective business continuity framework across all service areas which would ensure the timely recovery of priority services in the event of an incident.

The Policy had been revised to clarify and strengthen the responsibilities for all staff members and management.

Decision Made:

That the revised Business Continuity Policy be approved.

Reasons for the Decision:

Approving a revised Business Continuity Policy provided leadership, clear direction and priority for the Council.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.