What should be considered when planning for business continuity?
Court leaders must be convinced that business-continuity planning is important, though its benefits may not be quantifiable or realized until the plan is executed. Successful implementation depends upon management support because comprehensive plans are interdepartmental and call for the input and cooperation of all employees. Business-continuity planning includes strategy development, wherein the courts must identify, assess, and prioritize critical functions. Each department within the court needs to consider the levels of disruption a particular disaster would cause and foster awareness of the plan once it is in place. Members of the court need to know what immediate actions to take in the event of a disaster. The most meticulous contingency plans are worthless if no one knows how to implement them. It is the responsibility of court leaders to ensure awareness and communication of the plan and to be confident that it fulfills the recovery needs of each department within the court.
