Contingency and Business Continuity Audit - Care Homes
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- Q1: Is there a current business continuity plan (BCP) covering all foreseeable emergencies and disruptions (e.g., fire, flood, pandemic, power failure)?
- Q2: Is the BCP reviewed at least annually and following significant incidents or regulatory updates?
- Q3: Are key risks (e.g., severe weather, gas leaks, cyberattacks, staff shortages) identified and mitigated in the plan?
- Q4: Are staff aware of the BCP, their roles within it, and how to access it in an emergency?
- Q5: Are emergency contact lists for staff, next of kin, contractors, and emergency services regularly updated and accessible?
- Q6: Is there a clear escalation process in place for critical incidents, including when and how to inform regulators?
- Q7: Are fire, flood, evacuation, and shelter-in-place plans clearly documented and regularly rehearsed via drills?
- Q8: Are alternative accommodation arrangements identified and agreed upon in the event of building evacuation or closure?
- Q9: Is medication continuity accounted for in emergencies, including access to prescriptions, fridge storage, and pharmacy contacts?
- Q10: Is there a plan for managing residents’ dietary needs, hydration, and medical conditions during service disruption?
- Q11: Are fuel, water, heating, and power supply risks assessed and backup solutions identified (e.g., generators, bottled water)?
- Q12: Are food stocks maintained with a contingency reserve to support unexpected delays or disruptions?
- Q13: Are digital system failures (e.g., care planning, MAR charts) covered in the BCP, with manual backups available?
- Q14: Is PPE, infection control, and hygiene considered in pandemic or outbreak planning?
- Q15: Are communication strategies in place for informing residents, relatives, professionals, and staff during emergencies?
- Q16: Are roles for shift leads, on-call staff, and crisis coordinators clearly outlined in the continuity plan?
- Q17: Are staff rotas flexible and cross-trained to manage absences or sudden surges in care demand?
- Q18: Are contractors (e.g., maintenance, IT) involved in continuity planning and briefed on emergency protocols?
- Q19: Are temporary staff or volunteers considered in surge planning, with access to essential training and induction?
- Q20: Are residents with additional needs (e.g., oxygen, mobility, dementia) prioritised in evacuation and emergency support?
- Q21: Is the home’s insurance up to date and inclusive of business interruption and liability coverage?
- Q22: Are key documents (e.g., care plans, MARs, emergency plans) backed up physically or off-site securely?
- Q23: Are residents’ emotional needs supported during and after emergencies (e.g., reassurance, routines, family contact)?
- Q24: Are learning outcomes from past incidents recorded, shared, and used to update plans and training?
- Q25: Is the business continuity plan subject to internal audit and governance review at least annually?