Continuity Forum - creating Continuity

Formal Pandemic announced ... but how well are organisations prepared?

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:40:01 +0200

Pandemic Alert

Category Business Continuity Management research - BCM - BCM & Risk Management - A(H1N1) - General - Health - article - advice

 
Swine Flu (H1N1) status change to Pandemic (Level 6)… amidst general business apathy.

11 June 2009

The World Health Organisation has increased the alert level for A(H1N1) or Swine Flu to a level 6 Pandemic alert.

This Pandemic Alert, the first for 40 years, confirms that the H1N1 virus is now maintaining sustained human to human infection in at least two geographic areas. With outbreaks as far apart as Australia and Europe, the upgrade to alert level 6 Pandemic is no surprise as the formal announcement is linked to a confirmation of wide geographic spread rather than any specific increase in the severity of infections.

A(H1N1) initial research suggests parallels with 1957 Pandemic

Tue, 12 May 2009 09:23:11 +0200

Continuity Forum Pandemic wanes?

Category Business Continuity Management research - BCM - BCM & Risk Management - A(H1N1) - General - Health - article - advice

 
Media criticise health organisations, but threat continues to develop

As Swine Flu starts to slide down the news agenda, some are already declaring that the worst is over and it was an overreaction. Indeed nearly half of people in the US think the media exaggerated the threat, mirroring the view in the UK.

A(H1N1) threat needs careful balance - Continuity Forum

Tue, 05 May 2009 11:31:19 +0200

Continuity Forum Pandemic advice

Category Business Continuity Management research - BCM - BCM & Risk Management - General

 
Continuity Forum urges organisations not to be complacent

5th May 2009

Swine Flu, or A(H1N1) as the World Health Organisation would prefer it called continues to dominate the news media internationally, with nearly 1100 cases in 21 countries now reported with 27 fatalities. Governments plans and Tamiflu intervention appears to be working and the symptoms are being described as Mild. This appears to be good news and in the last few days accusations are being levelled of the whole Pandemic scenario being hyped out of all proportion. Radio phone-in's and media commentators articles are suggesting an over reaction by WHO, governments and the media in the face of what they describe as a relatively 'minor' Health scare.

Special Pandemic Summit - 26th June 2009 - London

Wed, 20 May 2009 13:03:06 +0200

Continuity Forum Special Risks SUMMIT portal - BCM

Category Business Continuity Management Special Risk Portal - Pandemic - General

Booking Now

The Continuity Forum announces 2009 Pandemic Planning Summit

The Continuity Forum in association with the various government departments will be hosting a Special Summit on 26th June 2009 to re-examine the risks and the measures to be adopted to combat the threat. The summit will prominently feature the latest information on Pandemic planning and provide in detail best practice advice and our latest research into the preparedness of organisations.

This prestigious Special Risks event builds on last years summit with even more being provided. Leading Health figures from Government and the medical profession will be candidly discussing the threat and addressing the risk implications surrounding Pandemic and Avian Influenza.

Throughout this Summit we will be sharing information on the vital role of BCM in establishing better Organisational and Community Resilience across the UK.

This all day Summit event will be held in London and is open to both members and non-Members of the Continuity Forum. Places will be at a premium and early registration or expressions of interest are urged.

For more information on the Summit and to register your interest please contact Sara McKenna on 020 8993 1599 or by mail at info@continuityforum.org.

Recent events have highlighted that the urgency of planning for a possible Pandemic is falling. Never the highest priority for orgnisations our latest study shows that programmes are stalling and plans are often unfinsihed or not even started.

Amidst Financial turmoil it seems the threat is being overlooked or ignored...

Confusion, misinformation and hype has mudded the waters choking the efforts of planners and those with responsibility for the proctection of business and our local communities

To address this worrying situation The Continuity Forum and our partners, are bringing you a Special Risks Summit, which will share the most current thinking from government and experts on the issues and measures needed.

This Special Risks Summit continues our series of Special events targeted at addressing specific issues affecting the sector, providing insight and advice in a series of ongoing high level Summits.

Each Summit will be supported by tailored in-depth research and involve leading experts and thought leaders. Accompanying each support will be a mini-series of supporting events ranging from Workshops all the way through to custom in-house sessions designed to further support change and development.

Our aim through this event is to give an overview of the special risks facing various industries, and to allow our delegates to hear from our expert speakers, and to learn from their fellow delegates.

Benefits of Attending

Hear from the leading thinkers in industry
Find out about the latest threats, and learn about solutions available
Learn from real life successes and failures
Understand how vital services and supplies are vital to your planning processes
Opportunity to discuss future planning and development with our expert speakers & delegates
Understand how well known organisations approach their planning, and learn from their experiences

A networking session is again provided in the afternoon, ensuring that you gain most benefit from the day.

An extended Question & Discussion session will follow, giving our delegates the opportunity to raise issues and questions with our expert panel.

Organisations who should attend:

Business and organisations of ALL sizes, particularly those in:

Petrochemical
Healthcare provision
Industrial
Transportation
Utilities
Retail
CNI organisations
Central Government Departments & Agencies
Local Authority Organisations
Emergency Services
Armed Forces
Emergency Planning Consultants
Business Continuity Consultants

Our Experts will also be available for discussion and advice during breaks in the Forum area. Copies of materials used will be available to all attendees following the Summit.

Places are limited and early booking is strongly advised

How to attend the Special Risks Summit

This all day event is open to members and non-Members of the Continuity Forum. Places will be at a premium and early registration or expressions of interest is urged.

For more information on the Summit and to register your interest please contact SaraMcKenna on 020 8993 1599 or by mail at info@continuityforum.org.

Chatham House rules will apply throughout the day.

Media briefings will be available from 25th June 2009 please contact the Continuity Forum for details.

The Continuity Forum is gratefully for the support of the following organisations:

Please note that sponsors have had no control or input on the development and implementation of this Summit

End

Who upgrades Alert level again ... what next?

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:22:32 +0200

Continuity Forum Pandemic advice

Category Business Continuity Management research - BCM - BCM & Risk Management - General

Current level of influenza pandemic alert raised from phase 4 to 5 

29 April 2009

Following discussions and further assessment of all currently available information, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO's Director-General has raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5.

URGENT - Status check on Pandemic Planning

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:27:07 +0200

Continuity Forum Pandemic Research Q2/2009

Category Business Continuity Management research - BCM - BCM & Risk Management - General

Continuity Forum Pandemic preparedness research

The Continuity Forum is developing detailed information on the general preparedness of organisations for the potential impact of a 'Flu Pandemic.

We are particularly interested in any specific planning you may have in place and whether or not your organisation has updated its BCM planning.

Your answers are confidential and no specific organisation will be identified through our research. We respect both your individual and organisations rights and once compiled the source data wll be destroyed.

The final summaries of our findings will give us excellent insight into the type and level of planning in place for a potential pandemic and this will be available to members, government and business.

We hope that you will be able to spend a few minutes to complete the survey and we would encourage you to share it with as many colleagues as possible.

Please remember that this survey is completely confidential and even our analysts will have no information identifying you directly.

The Summary research will be available from the Continuity Forum Website regularly so do please register on the site to receive automatic notification when these are released.

If you have any questions or would prefer to speak with us in person please contact us directly on 020 8993 1599.

Finally, please DO pass this survey on to colleagues (or any others involved in your pandemic planning or BCM process).

START PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS RESEARCH

WHO raises threat level

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:52:20 +0200

Category Business Continuity Management BCM - Flu Support and Advice - Continuity Forum - Swine Flu - H1N1

April 28th

Useful Resources for Swine Flu (H1N1)

In an important step the World Health Organisation has raised the Pandemic Alert status to level 4.

Phase 4 is characterized by verified human-to-human transmission of an animal or human-animal influenza reassortant virus able to cause “community-level outbreaks.” The ability to cause sustained disease outbreaks in a community marks a significant upwards shift in the risk for a pandemic. Any country that suspects or has verified such an event should urgently consult with WHO so that the situation can be jointly assessed and a decision made by the affected country if implementation of a rapid pandemic containment operation is warranted. Phase 4 indicates a significant increase in risk of a pandemic but does not necessarily mean that a pandemic is a forgone conclusion.

Swine Flu Resources and information

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:11:27 +0200

Category Business Continuity Management BCM - Flu Support and Advice - Continuity Forum - Swine Flu - H1N1

Useful Resources for Swine Flu (H1N1)

Below is a list of resources that may prove useful to a wide range of organisations. Much of the planning and preparation undertaken for Avian Flu is completely appropriate for Swine Flu.

Whilst the situation concerning Swine Flu is developing quickly organisations should thoroughly review their plans, protocols and the measures proposed for their organisation.

Of particular importance are the following:

Hygiene and Healthcare measures

Policies on Staff availability and absence issues

Impact on Supply Chain, Critical relationships and dependencies

Stake-holder Communications

IT security and Distance/Teleworking protocols

Staff travel policies and issues

The Continuity Forum provides support and guidance for organisations of all types on Pandemic Planning. If you need help or advice please do contact us directly on +44 (0) 208 993 1599 or via email on info@continuityforum.org

OTHER PANDEMIC FLU LINKS
or directly to the Continuity Forum and we'll do our best to answer them.

WHO EPR Update Link - World Health Organisation

National Pandemic Plans by Country

WHO Outbreak Communications Planning guide

Pandemic Flu - National Framework Document responding to a Pandemic Cabinet Office/Dept of Health

Pandemic Flu - Advice for Business

Pandemic Flu - Guide for Hospitals and Healthcare - useful for Business and organisations to understand local considerations in planning

Pandemic Flu - Surge Capacity & prioritisation planning for Hospitals - useful for Business and organisations to understand local considerations in planning

Department of Health: Pandemic flu, frequently asked questions Pandemic flu and its impact on society - updated 19 Oct. (.pdf, 16 pages, 104KB)

Department of Health: Important information for you and your family This leaflet describes pandemic flu, the risk of it occurring in this country, what makes it different from the 'ordinary' flu we get every winter, and what the UK is doing to prepare for a possible influenza pandemic. Updated 19 Oct (.pdf, 16 pages, 1MB)

WHO: 10 things you need to know about pandemic influenza

See also UK Resilience UK RESILIENCE WEBSITE.

Swine Flu infections increase - Mexico

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:00:53 +0200

Category Business Continuity Pandemic

Mexico City battles to contain outbreak

UK monitoring swine flu outbreak closely

Health officials in the UK say they are closely monitoring the deadly outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and the US, amid fears of a potential pandemic.

UK Health experts are closely monitoring the developing Swine Flu situation in Mexico City. Deaths from the outbreak of the are rising rapidly with so far up 81 reported dead from pneumonia associated with the infection of the flu virus.

Mexican Swine Flu outbreak causes alarm

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:25:28 +0200

Category Business Continuity Pandemic and Research

Is Flu threat changing?

Mexican officials and international experts are studying an outbreak of of Swine Influenza that has emerged in Mexico and which is suspected of killing up to 60 in the past month.

International Experts for the World Health Organisation and the US Centre for Disease Control are suggesting the outbreak in Mexico may be connected to a further 8 cases in the USA. It is suspected the virus may also have infect over 900 and the Mexican government has already moved closing public buildings and suspending public events to try and limit the spread of infection.

WHO backs investigation into Bird Flu situation in Egypt

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:59:58 +0200

Category Business Continuity Pandemic and Research

Is Bird Flu threat changing?

Following an increase in infection rates and what appears to be a change in the pattern in Egypt the World Health Organisation is backing more detailed investigation

In Egypt the World Health Organisation is backing further examination and investigation as the numbers contracting the disease rise and and the pattern of infection change. At first sight the changes appear to be good news with all of those infected in the country have survived pointing to a reduction in the virulence of the H5N1, but clinically this change could be bad news.

G20 disruptions ... security advice for Business

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:27:17 +0100

Category Business Continuity Management BCM - News - Business Continuity - Advice - Security - Continuity Forum

G20 security advice for businesses from the Met and City Police

The G20 London Summit will take place at the ExCel Centre, Newham, on 2 April 2009.
The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, is hosting the event. World leaders, including Barack Obama, will attend – currently around 38 protected delegations are expected to attend.

The G20 summit is the focus of a whole number of events, marches and protests planned for the week - starting on Saturday 28 March with a TUC March.

New Security and Counter Terrorism programme announced

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:37:31 +0100

Category Business Continuity Management BCM - News - Research - Advice - Terrorism - Continuity Forum

Government enhances Counter Terrorism measures - CONTEST 2

The government has set out its enhanced strategy to combat the threat of Terrorism; known as CONTEST the policy shows the context and threat as well as the process adopted to counter the threat.

The briefing illustrates how terrorism has evolved in the UK and explains what led to the emergence of the threat we face today. It also examines how the threat may evolve over the next few years.

The strategy sets out the principles that form the basis of the government’s response to terrorism. These include keeping human rights at the heart of all the counter-terrorism work in this country and overseas. It also emphasises the need to address the longer term roots of terrorism, as well as its actions.

Tenth Annual BCM study Published

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:28:09 +0100

Category Business Continuity Management BCM - News - Research - Advice - Continuity Forum

10th Annual BCM report published by Cabinet Office and CMI

The CMI 2009 Business Continuity Management report reveals a pressing need for UK organisations to guard against disruption and to be wary of complacency towards possible risks.

Supported by the Cabinet Office, the survey shows that 52 per cent of organisations across the UK have a business continuity plan (BCP) - the highest level recorded by the survey. However, the percentage of managers reporting that continuity is regarded as important in their organisation has fallen over the past year from 76 per cent to 64 per cent. Electronic attack (58 per cent) and human disease (57 per cent) represented the two greatest concerns facing organisations.

Business Continuity for extreme weather events

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:32:16 +0100

Category Business Continuity Management BCM - EVENT - Management - Advice - Continuity Forum

Four Season Conference from the EPS

Spring Floods - Summer Heatwaves - Autumn Storms - Winter Extreme Cold

The EPS London Branch and BCI London Forum are hosting the Four Seasons Conference at the London Phoenix Centre on 26th March 2009.

The event will focus on business continuity for extreme weather events and changes to the likelihood and impacts of such events as a result of climate change. As such it will also be of particular relevance to emergency planning and risk management practitioners.