Services

G. Lockhart Associates (GLA) specializes in business continuity, disaster recovery, and related risk management disciplines.  We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help organizations develop effective plans, assess vulnerabilities, and respond to disruptions.  Our approach emphasizes internationally recognized standards and proactive planning.

Key Ideas/Facts:

  1. Core Specializations: GLA is a management consulting firm focused primarily on:
  • Business Continuity (BCDR)
  • Disaster Recovery (DR)
  • IT Disaster Recovery (ITDR)
  • Crisis Management
  • Risk Assessment
  • Pandemic Planning
  1. Commitment to International Standards: GLA is dedicated to helping clients create plans and tools that comply with global standards.  “We can help you develop internationally recognized BCDR plans, assessments, and management tools.” Our focus is on best practices and compliance.

 

  1. Key Service Offerings: The following is a detailed list of our specific Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) services, representing a holistic approach to organizational resilience:
  • Business Impact Analysis (BIA): This assessment is essential for understanding the effects of disruptions on business operations.
  • Business Recovery Plan Development: Based on the data from the BIA and departmental interviews, this plan identifies organizational vulnerabilities and documents the recovery steps, personnel, and processes needed for effective recovery.
  • Risk Analysis: This involves identifying and evaluating potential threats to the organization.
  • IT Disaster Recovery (ITDR) Plan Development: This plan specifically addresses the recovery of IT systems in the event of a disruption.
  • Strategic Planning for Organizational Resilience: This assessment indicates adherence to a key international standard for business continuity management systems and evaluates BCDR maturity (ISO 22301).
  • Business Continuity Program Development: The BCP Program document outlines the business processes that establish the BCDR policy.  It defines the responsibilities of the BCDR Program Manager and outlines the ongoing maintenance of the program.  Additionally, the program identifies and clarifies executive responsibilities, including
    • Allocating sufficient resources and knowledgeable personnel to develop the business continuity program.
    • Assign a Business Continuity Program Director to oversee the operation and maintenance of the program.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Following a BCDR exercise or real-world event, it is essential to identify the root cause and update the BIAs, BCPs, etc., to ensure the resilience of the BCDR program.
  • Communication Template Development: Before an event or tabletop exercise, the Business Continuity Program Director must collaborate with the BCP planning committee to create template responses that can be quickly employed to communicate the nature, timing, and next steps both externally and internally.
  • Pandemic Plan Development: This specialized service addresses critical, widespread threats that could impact the organization.
  • Business Threat Analysis (StarFish EOC[1]): We recommend a proprietary or specialized tool for comprehensive threat assessments.
  • BCDR Executive Training & Exercises: These sessions emphasize the importance of preparedness and the practical application of BCDR strategies.

[1] StarFish EOC is a proprietary software tool that assesses organizational threats and risks at the local, regional, and global levels.  It utilizes AI, industry expert reports, and localized news reports to deliver real-time information.