What is the primary purpose of a continuity plan?

The primary purpose of a continuity plan is to ensure smooth operations during disruptions. This type of plan is essential for organizations to maintain critical functions despite facing unforeseen events like natural disasters, cyberattacks, or other emergencies. By outlining procedures, resources, and responsibilities, a continuity plan enables an organization to quickly respond to and recover from disruptive incidents, minimizing downtime and losses.

In the context of continuity planning, it is vital to focus on operational resilience. This includes identifying key business functions that must continue or be restored quickly and detailing the steps necessary to achieve continuity. While implementing the plan does involve aspects such as training staff, establishing an organizational hierarchy, and assessing potential threats, the overarching goal is the sustained ability to operate effectively during and after a disruption.