Who holds legal responsibility for the business continuity program and its outcomes?

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and leadership hold legal responsibility for the business continuity program and its outcomes because they are ultimately in charge of the organization’s strategic direction and governance. It is their role to ensure that adequate resources are allocated for risk management and business continuity planning.

The CEO, working alongside other members of the leadership team, must establish a culture that prioritizes resilience and preparedness. They are also responsible for making key decisions regarding the program's implementation and ensuring that it aligns with the organization's overall objectives. This responsibility includes accountability for ensuring that the business continuity plans are effectively communicated across the organization and regularly tested to assess their effectiveness.

While the board of directors certainly plays a role in governance and oversight, the day-to-day responsibilities and operational leadership of the business continuity program lie with the CEO and executive team. Other roles, such as the CFO, may be involved in the financial aspects of risk management, and the business continuity manager may execute specific tasks under the program, but they do not hold the same level of legal accountability as the CEO and leadership team.