Business Continuity Plan

Overview

Policy Statement

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC is committed to ensuring the continuity, safety and resilience of its services in the event of disruption, emergency or unforeseen circumstances. The organisation recognises the importance of maintaining safe provision and safeguarding arrangements for vulnerable young people aged 16–24, many of whom may require consistency, structure and ongoing support.

This Business Continuity Plan outlines the procedures and arrangements in place to minimise disruption, protect the welfare of young people, staff and visitors, and enable the organisation to continue operating safely and effectively wherever reasonably possible.

  1. Purpose

The purpose of this plan is to:

  • Minimise disruption to provision and support.
  • Ensure the safety and wellbeing of young people, staff and visitors.
  • Maintain safeguarding and communication arrangements during disruption.
  • Outline emergency response procedures.
  • Support recovery and continuity of service delivery.
  • Ensure responsibilities and contingency arrangements are clear.
  1. Scope

This plan applies to:

  • All Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC premises
  • Staff and volunteers
  • Young people accessing provision
  • Work placements and community-based activities
  • Partner organisations and external professionals where relevant

The plan covers disruptions including:

  • Severe weather
  • Building access issues
  • Utilities failure
  • ICT or communication failure
  • Staffing shortages
  • Public health incidents
  • Safeguarding emergencies
  • Fire or environmental incidents
  • Transport disruption
  • Security threats
  1. Key Priorities

During any disruption, Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC’s priorities are:

  1. Safeguarding and welfare of young people
  2. Safety of staff and visitors
  3. Communication with families, commissioners and professionals
  4. Continuity of essential provision and support
  5. Protection of confidential information and records
  6. Safe restoration of normal operations
  1. Roles & Responsibilities

Directors

The Directors are responsible for:

  • Coordinating emergency responses
  • Making operational decisions
  • Communicating with commissioners and families
  • Ensuring safeguarding arrangements remain effective
  • Liaising with emergency services where required
  • Reviewing and updating the continuity plan

Staff

Staff are responsible for:

  • Following emergency procedures
  • Reporting concerns promptly
  • Supporting young people calmly and safely
  • Maintaining safeguarding responsibilities
  • Following communication instructions
  1. Communication Arrangements

In the event of disruption:

  • Parents/carers will be contacted promptly where necessary.
  • Commissioners and partner agencies will be informed of significant disruption.
  • Staff will receive updates regarding operational arrangements.
  • Alternative communication methods may include:
    • Telephone
    • Email
    • Text messaging
    • Online platforms where appropriate

Emergency contact information is maintained securely and reviewed regularly.

  1. Safeguarding During Disruption

Safeguarding responsibilities remain in place at all times.

The organisation will ensure:

  • A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) remains contactable where possible.
  • Safeguarding concerns continue to be reported and recorded appropriately.
  • Young people identified as vulnerable receive appropriate welfare checks and support.
  • Information sharing with safeguarding agencies continues where required.

Where face-to-face provision is disrupted, alternative support arrangements may be considered depending on risk and individual need.

  1. Premises & Site Disruption

If the premises become inaccessible due to:

  • Fire
  • Flood
  • Utilities failure
  • Safety concerns
  • Severe weather
  • Security incidents

the Directors will:

  • Assess risks
  • Inform staff and families
  • Consider temporary closure or remote arrangements
  • Arrange alternative delivery methods where appropriate
  • Liaise with landlords, contractors and emergency services

No provision will continue where safety cannot be assured.

  1. Staffing Disruption

In the event of staff shortages due to:

  • Illness
  • Emergency incidents
  • Public health concerns
  • Unforeseen absence

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC will:

  • Prioritise safeguarding and safe staffing ratios
  • Adjust timetables where necessary
  • Reduce or temporarily suspend activities if safe staffing cannot be maintained
  • Inform commissioners and families promptly

The organisation recognises the importance of consistency and relationship-based support for vulnerable learners and will aim to minimise disruption wherever possible.

  1. ICT & Data Security

In the event of ICT failure or cyber incidents:

  • Password-protected systems and backups will be used where available.
  • Confidential information will remain protected.
  • Data breaches or security incidents will be managed in line with GDPR procedures.
  • Alternative communication methods may be implemented.

Paper-based contingency arrangements may be used temporarily if required.

  1. Educational Visits & Community Activities

Risk assessments are completed for all off-site activities and placements.

In the event of disruption during community-based activities:

  • Staff will prioritise safety and supervision.
  • Emergency contacts will be used where necessary.
  • Placement providers and commissioners will be informed appropriately.
  • Activities may be cancelled or amended based on risk assessment.
  1. Public Health Emergencies

Where public health emergencies occur, Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC will:

  • Follow Government and Public Health guidance
  • Implement hygiene and infection control measures
  • Review staffing and operational risks
  • Consider remote or blended support arrangements where appropriate
  • Support the wellbeing of young people and staff
  1. Recovery & Review

Following any significant disruption:

  • Incidents will be reviewed
  • Learning points identified
  • Risk assessments updated
  • Policies and procedures amended where necessary
  • Support offered to affected individuals where appropriate

The organisation is committed to continuous improvement and resilience planning.

  1. Monitoring & Review

This plan will be reviewed:

  • Annually
  • Following significant incidents
  • Following changes to premises or operations
  • Where legislation or guidance changes

Emergency contact information and operational arrangements will be updated regularly.

Related Policies

  • Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
  • Health & Safety Policy
  • Fire Safety Policy
  • Attendance Policy
  • Data Protection & GDPR Policy
  • Risk Assessment Procedures

Policy Information

Policy Owner: Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC Directors
Approved By: Rebecca Cox & Sarah Harris
Review Frequency: Annually
Date Approved:  June 2026
Review Date:  June 2027