Who Is Responsible for Writing the Business Continuity Plan?

As much as IT needs to be involved due to their expertise, the BCP shouldn't just be an IT document. It's essential that it encompasses all business operations, including logistics and personnel management. Without that broader perspective, the plan might end up being too focused on IT and miss crucial aspects across the organization.

In my experience, it varies by organization. Generally, BCPs involve collaboration from multiple departments, with management taking lead responsibilities. IT provides critical input, especially regarding system recovery and data integrity, but the overall strategy and execution usually rest with corporate leadership.

The ownership of the BCP can differ based on the organization’s size and nature. In larger companies, you often find a committee approach, involving input from various departments (like HR and operations) alongside IT. Typically, it falls under the purview of the COO or a similar executive, while IT contributes significantly to sections that deal with technology.

Business continuity is generally considered a corporate risk area. While IT definitely needs to have its own Disaster Recovery Plan, which ties into the overall BCP, the main ownership typically lies with management. Management establishes the parameters for continuity, like ensuring access within a specific timeframe during disasters, while IT is responsible for the technical aspects, such as backups and system failovers.