An Overview of ISO 22301

Danny Manimbo, principal and ISO practice leader at Schellman, answers the most frequently asked questions about ISO 22301 Certification, including key benefits, who should consider adopting it, and how it relates to DORA and NIS2. 

What Is ISO 22301? 

ISO 22301 is the international standard for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS), offering a framework to plan, implement, operate, monitor, review, maintain, and continuously improve a documented management system that safeguards against disruptive incidents.  

Why Is ISO 22301 Important? 

ISO 22301 is essential for strengthening resilience against unexpected disruptions and ensuring the continuity of operations and services. It aids in identifying risks, preparing for emergencies, and improving recovery time. 

Benefits of ISO 22301: 

• Strengthens organizational resilience
• Enhances risk management processes 
• Ensures a systematic response to crises 
• Builds trust among stakeholders 

Who Should Adopt ISO 22301? 

Organizations of all sizes seeking to establish a robust business continuity plan should consider adopting ISO 22301, which ultimately leads to increased resilience and stakeholder confidence. 

How Does ISO 22301 Help Organizations Comply with DORA and NIS2? 

ISO 22301 can help organizations comply with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2) by providing a structured framework for business continuity and risk management in the following ways: 

1. Risk Assessment and Management: ISO 22301’s requirements to identify potential disruptions and assess risks align with DORA and NIS2, which also mandate organizations to have robust risk management processes in place. 
   
2. Business Continuity Planning: ISO 22301 focuses on establishing and maintaining a BCMS, which helps organizations develop and implement plans to ensure operational resilience during incidents, as required by both DORA and NIS2. 
   
3. Incident Response: The standard emphasizes effective response strategies for quicker recovery to disruptive events, which is crucial for compliance with the incident response requirements outlined in DORA and NIS2. 
   
4. Continuous Improvement: ISO 22301 promotes ongoing evaluation and improvement of business continuity practices. This aligns with the continuous monitoring and reporting obligations under DORA and NIS2. 
   
5. Stakeholder Confidence: Demonstrating adherence to ISO 22301 results in enhanced trust among stakeholders, including regulators, clients, and partners, which is a critical aspect of DORA and NIS2 compliance. 

Moving Forward with ISO 22301 Certification 

In summary, ISO 22301 provides the necessary framework for organizations to effectively manage risks, ensure business continuity, and comply with the regulatory requirements set forth by DORA and NIS2. 

If you’re ready to move forward with ISO 22301 Certification or have additional questions about the process or requirements involved, Schellman can help. Contact us today and we’ll get back to you shortly.