Clause 4 : Context of the organization

4 - Context of the organization:

-                    This clause introduces requirements necessary to establish the context of the BCMS as it applies to the organization, as well as needs, requirements and scope.

-                    ISO 22301 requires an organization to 'determine external and internal issues that are relevant to its purpose and that affect its ability to achieve the expected outcomes of its BCMS'. Understanding the organization and how it sits within its environment is an essential step to ensure any BCMS and BCM solutions developed are fit for purpose and relevant to the organization and interested parties.

 

1st step:

-          Understanding of the organization and its context by determining external and internal factors that are relevant to establishing, implementing and maintaining the organization's BCMS.

External factors examples:

-                    Interested parties outside the organization.

-                    Political, legal and regulatory environment.

-                    Supply chain commitments and relationships.

-                    Economic, culture and technology.

Internal factors examples:

-                    Interested parties within the organization.

-                    Activities and resources.

-                    Policies, objectives and culture.

 

2nd step:

-       Identify all the needs and requirements of interested parties.

-       The action needed in relation to interested parties.

-         Document legal and regulatory requirements.

 

3rd step:

-         Clearly define the scope of the BCMS and it according to the size, nature and complexity of the organization.

-        The scope should identify the key products and services that support the organization's objectives.

-      Make sure that you cover all of activities, locations, resources, suppliers and outsourcing partners in the scope.

-         If part of an organization is excluded from the scope of its BCMS, the organization should document the exclusion with the reason of exclusion.