ContinuitySA becomes Affinity Partner to Institute of Directors in Southern Africa

ContinuitySA has concluded an Affinity Partnership with the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa (IODSA). The partnership will assist the IODSA as it embarks on a business continuity management (BCM) programme to ensure the continuity of its operations in the event of a disruption.

Says acting IODSA chief executive, Angela Oosthuizen: “The IODSA felt that it was a critical step to begin implementing the BCM process within the institute to bring it in line with global best practices, and to ensure we are able to maintain our services to members in the event of an emergency.

“With the recent release of King III, the IODSA felt it necessary to adopt the 'apply' approach and address the issue of effective operational risk management through BCM.”

The decision was made to embark on this project with the assistance of skilled ContinuitySA consultants. ContinuitySA will work with the IODSA to develop and implement the optimal business continuity approach as part of its strategic management plan.

Derek Taylor, business development manager at ContinuitySA, believes directors need to understand the value that BCM brings to an organisation. “Our partnership with the IODSA will also enable members to gain insight and knowledge in the BCM arena through director development programmes, case studies and practical training provided by our skilled consultants.”

Governance, risk and compliance (GRC) is an ongoing effort, not a once-off activity. The GRC environment is continually changing, and company executives and senior management are accountable for ensuring their organisations are sufficiently prepared to handle disruptive events. It is also imperative in meeting the legislative requirement of all listed companies.

As the custodians of corporate governance in South Africa, the IODSA is committed to the development of directors and improving the effectiveness of the board. Members of the IODSA will enjoy ongoing educational opportunities relating to BCM through the IODSA/ContinuitySA Affinity Partnership. The institute has a local membership in excess of 4 000 and a global network of approximately 100 000 senior executives reaching every corner of the business landscape.

“While there is no specific reference made to BCM in King III or the new Companies Act, the board is responsible for the process of effective risk management,” adds Taylor. “Businesses that embrace good governance will understand the fundamental role that business continuity management plays in this endeavour. After all, it is about having the stakeholder's best interest at heart and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation that matters.”

“The relationship between the IODSA and ContinuitySA developed swiftly due to the proactive response from ContinuitySA,” says Oosthuizen. “The company has been quick to assist us in getting BCM developments off the ground and we look forward to completing the process so that we may share the benefits of BCM with our IODSA members.”

ContinuitySA is the largest BCM service provider in southern Africa and boasts the largest Work Area Recovery (WAR) facilities, totalling 30 000 square metres throughout its Midrand, Randburg, Bellville, Western Cape, Gaborone, Botswana, Mozambique and Mauritius operations. The company can accommodate in excess of 3 500 people at its sites throughout southern Africa.