Throughout 2016, we have created and delivered multiple crisis simulation exercises. Each scenario was custom created to each organization based on their exercise objectives. Scenarios must be customized to ensure the team being tested is engaged. Without engagement, the exercise will not be as successful as it could be. Scenarios should also include each exercise stakeholder group. This is to ensure each participant has an active role in the exercise.
The following three scenarios have been the most common tabletop and functional exercises that we have created and delivered this year (2016).
- Cyber-Security: Probably number one on most banks list of scenarios and actual real incidents they manage each year. This is also a major concern for retailers, healthcare facilities, and many more industries. One of the common gaps from these scenarios is the communication between the organization and all the different stakeholders. We often find that it is not well coordinated and could be managed better by preparing a stakeholder communication plan (who communicates, when, and what is said).
- Active Shooter / Violent Intruder: This scenario is at the top of many corporate security professional’s minds. It can be a difficult subject to cover but is essential as employees need to understand what to do in what might be a life changing situation for them and for the organization. Running an active shooter tabletop exercise for a management team often uncovers gaps that exist in the physical response to an active shooter situation as well as the aftermath and recovery process.
- Supply Chain Interruption: Although this can cover many different scenarios, it is an exercise that is still high on the list of scenarios many organizations are concerned about. Operational interruptions due to a fire, an industrial accident, weather events or many other situations, can impact an organization significantly. Many organizations don’t have the capacity to replicate their supply chain if a significant interruption was to happen to them. Therefore, this type of scenario planning is extremely important.
If you want to understand more about how we create and deliver these exercises, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Rob is a Principal at PreparedEx where he manages a team of crisis preparedness professionals and has over 20 years of experience preparing for and responding to crises. Part of his leadership role includes assisting PreparedEx clients in designing, implementing and evaluating crisis, emergency, security and business continuity management programs. During his career Rob has worked for the US State Department’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program, as a crisis management consultant in Pakistan and Afghanistan where he negotiated with the UN and Pashtun tribal warlords and he served with the United Kingdom Special Forces where he operated internationally under hazardous covert and confidential conditions. Rob was also part of a disciplined and prestigious unit The Grenadier Guards where he served Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Palaces in London. Rob was a highly trained and experienced infantryman serving in Desert Storm and commanded covert operational teams and was a sniper. Rob has keynoted disaster recovery conferences and participated in live debates on FOX News regarding complex security requirements and terrorism. Rob has a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.