DHS Announces Intent to Adopt BSI's Preparedness Standard

RESTON, Va., Oct. 15 /CNW/ -- BS 25999 is a business continuity management standard developed by BSI and is used by businesses globally. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced its intent to adopt BS 25999 (which comes in two parts) on a trial basis as one of three standards for use in the Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep). PS-Prep is directed by Title IX of the Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.

PS-Prep sets out to enhance nationwide resilience by improving private sector preparedness to establish a common set of criteria for private sector preparedness, including disaster management, emergency management and business continuity programs. Certification to BS 25999 US Edition will be used to confirm compliance with the voluntary preparedness scheme.

    

    Todd VanderVen, President of BSI Americas, said:

    

"We are delighted to support the PS-Prep with the provision of BS 25999 US Edition. The standard has been used successfully by private businesses around the world assisting organizations of all types and size determine and invest in critical areas of the organization, protect reputation and enhance stakeholder confidence. It will now play a key role for private sector organizations in the USA wishing to demonstrate compliance with the voluntary preparedness scheme."

Every year thousands of businesses face the risk of a disruption to their business operations, ranging from the effects of everyday disruption such as power failure, to adverse weather conditions to full scale terrorist attacks. Business interruptions can create a chain of 'knock-on' effects stretching as far as damaging national and international infrastructure. The need for good guidance in this field has never been stronger.

BS 25999 US Edition sets out the requirements for establishing and maintaining an effective BCM system, effectively enabling an organization to anticipate and prepare for disruption. This might mean being able to rapidly recruit temporary staff or moving premises at very short notice: risks are different for every organization but BS 25999 US Edition helps the organization to determine what they are and make the necessary arrangements. Independent certification to this standard enables an organization to demonstrate to customers, stakeholders and legislators its proactive approach to achieving best practice in the area of BCM.

BS 25999 US Edition is initially available to private businesses in the US for a one month period. At the end of this, all public comments on the standard will be examined and the DHS will evaluate the standard for permanent use in the program.

Selection of the BSI Standard does not imply DHS endorsement of BSI or any of its products or services other than the particular standard to be used for limited purposes.

    

    For more information on BS 25999 US Edition, visit the BSI website.

    

    
    Notes to Editors
    For media information:
    Shereen Abuzobaa
    Main Line: [phone] or 1800 862 4977
    Direct Line: [phone]
    F: [phone]
    M: [phone]
    E: [email protected]
    W: www.bsiamerica.com

    About BSI

    

BSI is a global independent business services organization that inspires confidence and delivers assurance to over 80,000 customers with standards-based solutions. Originating as the world's first national standards body, BSI has over 2,300 staff operating in over 120 countries through more than 50 global offices. BSI's key offerings are:

    

    --  The development and sale of private, national and international
        standards and supporting information that promote and share best
        practice
    --  Second and third-party management systems assessment and certification
        in all critical areas of management disciplines
    --  Testing and certification of services and products for Kitemark and CE
        marking to UK, European and International standards. BSI is a Notified
        Body for 15 New Approach EU Directives
    --  Certification of high-risk, complex medical devices
    --  Performance management software solutions

    --  Training services in support of standards implementation and business
        best practice.

    For further information please visit www.bsigroup.com




    

For further information: Shereen Abuzobaa of BSI, Main Line: [phone], or [phone], Direct Line: [phone], F: [phone], M: [phone], [email protected] Web Site: http://www.bsigroup.com