U.S. Department of Homeland Security adopts BSI’s Business Continuity Management standard

Press release - 24 June 2010

BSI announces that its Business Continuity Management standard, BS 25999, has been adopted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as one of the standards for the Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep). The program aims to enhance nationwide resilience by encouraging the private sector to be prepared for unexpected disasters and emergencies.

DHS’s adoption of BSI’s business continuity standard as one of only three standards approved for the PS-Prep program represents a significant milestone in the implementation of a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission to improve private sector preparedness for disasters and emergencies. According to the Commission’s report, “the private sector controls 85 percent of the nation’s critical infrastructure,” making preparedness essential to effective recovery in the event of a major incident.

Howard Kerr, CEO, BSI Group commented, “BSI is proud to be working closely with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, supporting its effort to improve disaster and emergency preparedness in the private sector. Our internationally recognized standard, BS 25999, provides the business resilience and consumer confidence essential to rapidly overcome any unplanned interruption of commercial operations.” He continued, “By using BS 25999, businesses will be able to better plan for the unexpected and be well equipped to effectively minimize business disruption.”

BS 25999 is the internationally recognized standard for Business Continuity Management that helps organizations minimize the risks involved in the event of disruption of business. It helps businesses develop resilience and recovery strategies that protect staff, preserve the organization’s reputation and provide the ability to continue operating during the most challenging and exceptional circumstances.

BS 25999 has been superseded by ISO 22301, find out about the revised standard and its certification scheme

About BSI

BSI (British Standards Institution) is a global organization that equips businesses with the necessary solutions to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. Formed in 1901, BSI was the world’s first National Standards Body and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Over a century later it continues to facilitate business improvement across the globe by helping its clients drive performance, reduce risk and grow sustainably through the adoption of international management systems standards, many of which BSI originated. Famed for its marks of excellence including the instantly recognizable Kitemark®, BSI’s influence spans multiple sectors including aerospace, construction, energy, engineering, finance, healthcare, IT and retail. With over 70,000 clients in 150 countries, BSI is an organization whose standards inspire excellence across the globe.

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