In a world of rapid change, looming operational threats and business disruptions the importance of a well maintained business continuity management (BCM) program is now more evident than ever.

Most organisations are face with the challenge: Should they in-source and invest in a full time, dedicated business continuity position or should they outsource the role to a business continuity consultant or practitioner?

There is no straightforward answer.

By in-sourcing the organisation has the opportunity to put together a job specification with dedicated BCM responsibilities and performance measures.  It is likely that the organisation will invest in BCM training (i.e. Certificate of the Business Continuity Institute (CBCI) or ISO 22301 Lead Implementer training) to ensure the BCM resource acquires the necessary skills and competencies. Internal skills transfer to others is not a given and staying abreast of BCM developments, learnings and trends are not guaranteed – Because it is just a job.

Through outsourcing the organisation is in a position to set specific BCM requirements and the BCM program will be run by a consultant or practitioner with project specific deliverables (i.e. updating the business continuity policy and developing response plans), timelines and a set budget. However, it is found that once the project is complete the BCM deliverables get “shelfed”, and the organisation does not take ownership of the BCM program – Because it is just a project.

Each organisation’s situation is unique but the decision to in-source or outsource needs to be considered carefully.