Which team is responsible for defining the objectives, structure, policies, and charter for the business continuity program?

The steering committee is crucial in the establishment of a business continuity program as it is responsible for defining the overall objectives and framework that guide the program's development and implementation. This committee typically consists of senior management and key stakeholders from various departments, ensuring that the business continuity strategy aligns with the organization's goals and risk appetite.

By setting policies and a charter, the steering committee lays the groundwork for what the business continuity program aims to achieve. They also facilitate resource allocation, stakeholder engagement, and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure the program is comprehensive and effective. Their leadership is vital in promoting a culture of resilience within the organization and ensuring that business continuity planning integrates seamlessly into everyday operations.

Other teams, such as the operations team, incident response team, and risk management team, may have roles in the execution or specific aspects of the business continuity plan, but they do not hold the overarching responsibility for defining its structure and objectives as the steering committee does. This delineation of roles is essential for the effective management and oversight of the business continuity program.