How prepared is your organization to manage crises? When crises occur, they present organizations with complex challenges – and even opportunities - that can have profound and far-reaching consequences.

While every crisis is unique, there are common threats that come with disruption no matter your sector or business structure. For example, financial harm because of a corruption scandal, or workforce turmoil when a pandemic forces teams to a remote situation.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still fresh in our minds, many businesses have realized that crisis management needs to be a strategic priority. An organization’s crisis management capability, and its ability to manage a changing environment are key in determining whether a situation will pose a serious threat to the business.

Knowing where to start with developing a crisis management capability can seem daunting.

To support businesses to become more confident by developing a structured approach to dealing with crises, we have published BS EN ISO 22361 Crisis Management – Guidelines. This is an international standard that provides invaluable guidance on crisis management to help organizations plan, establish, maintain, review and continually improve a strategic crisis management strategy.

What is BS EN ISO 22361?

The ability of an organization to manage a crisis depends on its preparation.

As a crisis usually occurs unexpectedly and potential risks to the business loom heavy, the readiness of an up-to-date crisis management plan offers protection and can limit potential damage. BS EN ISO 22361 is a crisis management standard thatcan help any organization to prepare for, identify and manage a crisis.

Its guidance includes:

• Context, core concepts, principles and challenges

• Developing an organization’s crisis management capability

• Crisis leadership

• The decision-making challenges and complexities facing a crisis team in action

• Crisis communication

• Training, validation and learning from crises

BS EN ISO 22361 is primarily intended for those who have strategic responsibilities for the delivery of a crisis management response. However, it is relevant to all types and sizes of organizations. It also supports wider discussions on crisis management across organizations with agreed key terms and definitions and includes references to many relevant management system standards which can save time and improve investment decisions.

Want to increase the resilience of your organization? Discover how organizations are rethinking their approach to resilience with BS 65000. Read more here.

What are the benefits of this crisis management standard?

Holistic crisis management that is specific to your business will help your organization withstand disruption, sustain your core business functions and reduce the overall negative impacts of a crisis when it occurs.

BS EN ISO 22361 draws on recent and relevant academic evidence, business insights and new thinking to bring organizations benefits such as:

• Being able to identify crisis situations before they occur

• Increasing the wellbeing of your employees and customers

• Limiting negative impacts and helping to maintain business continuity

• Protecting your company from legal exposure

• Improving your communication during a crisis

• Maintaining your reputation

Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Goal3 on Good Health & Wellbeing and Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities & Communities

Over 100,000 internationally recognized standards are available for simple and flexible access with a BSI Knowledge subscription. This tailored service provides flexibility, access, visibility, and control over the standards and insights your team needs to achieve your strategic objectives. Request to learn more.

Reap the benefits of improving your organization’s ability to manage a crisis by adding BS EN ISO 22361 to your collection today.