Business continuity plan: guidance and examples

What is it?

Business continuity plans are sometimes referred to as:

• Business contingency plans
• Disaster recovery plans
• Emergency response plans

All of these documents have the same purpose - to ensure you and your staff are prepared for an emergency.

Every emergency is different, and the plan should be generic enough to cover a wide range of incidents. Your main priority should be to minimise the impact on the education and welfare of your pupils.

Your requirements

Business continuity planning is a requirement of the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS). If you don't already have a plan, you should create one as soon as possible.

Keep your plan up to date with any changes to your school premises.

When responding to emergencies, you must continue to follow any statutory safeguarding guidance that applies to you and your setting.

What should the plan cover?

Public health