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Mission
One of the key lessons learned from the tragedies of September 11th was the importance of emergency preparedness. Whether future emergencies are of manmade or natural origin, effective preparedness programs can save lives, minimize injury, protect property and provide for the ongoing continuity of business operations. Growing from its initial role in support of the Federal 9-11 Commission, the continuing mission of the Working Group is to actively promote emergency preparedness in American enterprise. It does so by targeting key issues and assembling working groups of those stakeholders critical to any effective solution. American enterprise is renown for its initiative, resourcefulness and creativity; it is these attributes which empower the efforts of the Working Group. Working Group participants include some of America's largest corporations as well as small and medium-sized businesses, industry and professional associations, non-profit organizations and critical public sector entities. Strategy
The Working Group on Private Sector Preparedness provides a solutions-oriented forum for key stakeholders to actively address issues of emergency preparedness among businesses and other private sector organizations. Effective solutions often require the involvement of a diversity of organizations and perspectives crossing various industries, job titles and involving both public and private sector input. Through a variety of forums including informal roundtables and focused workshops, the Working Group endeavors to develop constructive solutions by involving the parties impacted by targeted issues in private sector emergency preparedness. The Working Group's inclusive strategy and its informal, off-the-record format allow for frank discussion which can be vital in identifying root issues which must be addressed in order to generate truly effective strategies and solutions. The Working Group's forums also support the formation of constructive coalitions of interested stakeholders necessary to advance potential strategies developed. History
As the direct result of Roundtable Discussions held in support of the Federal 9-11 Commission, a diversity of organizations came together to promote emergency preparedness in the private sector. The focus of these forums was to assess the state of private sector preparedness and to identify strategies to promote greater preparedness.
After a national hearing on private sector preparedness, the Commission concluded that: - The private sector is poorly prepared for emergencies of any type, stating that "many of the lessons from 9/11, taught at such a terrible price, are becoming apparent. But they have not been learned."
- "There are no generally accepted standards for companies to aim at, or against which they can be judged...[and] this confusion makes it harder for firms and it impedes effectiveness." - "Even if such standards did exist, there would still be a need to develop incentives... for the private sector to improve its preparedness." Subsequently, the 9-11 Commission charged the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and The Working Group on Private Sector Preparedness to address these issues.
- ANSI in cooperation with The Working Group was to recommend "a high level national standard for private sector emergency preparedness and business continuity"
- The Working Group was "to develop an educational strategy and incentives to promote private sector preparedness and any standard ultimately produced."
Composition
Participation is open to the full range of stakeholders in private sector preparedness. Working Group participation includes representatives from: - Senior Management Personnel
The Working Group's efforts are concentrated on advancing three key elements critical to promoting private sector preparedness: - Corporate Safety & Security Professionals - Corporate Insurance / Risk Managers - Regulatory Officials - Corporate Counsel - Legal Experts - Public Safety Officials - University Academicians - Contingency Planners - Rating Agency Analysts - Standards Organization Representatives - Insurance Industry Underwriters and Loss Prevention Specialists - Industry Trade Association Personnel - Other Stakeholders as Appropriate
1. Standards for private sector preparedness (with a primary focus on the National Preparedness Standard)
2. Incentives to motivate the private sector to address the standards 3. Education to effectively communicate the incentives and the standards as well as related information such as best practices.
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Promoting real world solutions through targeted educational initiatives. Produced by The Educational Broadcasting System ™ , a program of the American Group of Companies, Inc.© 2004 All Rights Reserved. |
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