Business Continuity for Local Government
Establishes and maintains plans to keep critical council functions operating during and after a disruptive event.
Supports Local Government Act compliance, freedom of information requirements, and public accountability standards.
Workflow Stages
Council Impact Analysis
Identify critical council functions, their dependencies, and the impact of their disruption.
Inputs
- Council function inventory
- Dependency mapping tools
- Stakeholder interviews
Outputs
- Council impact analysis report
- Critical function priority list
- Recovery time and point objectives
Strategy Development
Develop strategies for maintaining or quickly restoring critical functions during various disruption scenarios.
Inputs
- Council impact analysis
- Risk assessment
- Available resources and budget
Outputs
- Continuity strategies per function
- Resource requirements identified
- Cost-benefit analysis of strategies
Decision Points
- • Which strategy best balances cost and recovery capability?
Plan Documentation
Document the council continuity plan with detailed procedures, contacts, and resources.
Inputs
- Approved strategies
- Contact information for all key personnel
- Procedure templates
Outputs
- Council continuity plan document
- Emergency contact directory
- Resource inventory and locations
Testing and Exercise
Test the plan through tabletop exercises or simulations to validate its effectiveness.
Inputs
- Council continuity plan
- Exercise scenario
- Participant list
Outputs
- Exercise results report
- Gaps and weaknesses identified
- Improvement action items
Plan Update and Training
Incorporate lessons learned, update the plan, and train relevant personnel on their roles.
Inputs
- Exercise results
- Updated contact and resource information
- Training materials
Outputs
- Updated council continuity plan
- Training records
- Next review date scheduled
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the council continuity plan tested?
The plan is tested at least annually through a formal exercise. Critical components may be tested more frequently based on risk assessments.
Who activates the council continuity plan?
The plan can be activated by the council continuity manager, any member of the executive team, or the designated crisis leader, depending on the nature and severity of the event.
How are remote work capabilities factored into council continuity?
Remote work is a core continuity strategy. The plan ensures all critical roles can operate remotely with tested access to necessary systems and communications.
Ready to implement this workflow in your business?
Our team can implement this workflow into your business operations with custom tools and training.