Business Continuity Policy Template for Aged Care | Free Download | Governa

Business Continuity Policy

Access a free Business Continuity Policy template designed to help Australian aged care providers maintain operational resilience and meet Strengthened Quality Standard 8 requirements. This resource provides a comprehensive framework for managing IT outages, staffing shortages, and supply chain disruptions to ensure continuous care delivery.

Business Continuity Policy Template for Aged Care Facilities

Aged care facilities cannot suspend operations when disruptions occur. Residents depend on continuous care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A Business Continuity Policy goes beyond emergency and disaster management — it addresses the operational resilience your facility needs to maintain safe care delivery when IT systems fail, staff shortages hit, or supply chains break down.

This free template provides a comprehensive business continuity framework tailored specifically for Australian residential aged care providers, aligned to the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards governance requirements.

How Business Continuity Differs from Emergency Management

Emergency and Disaster Management policies cover immediate physical threats — fires, floods, pandemics. Business continuity goes further, covering ongoing operational disruptions including:

IT system outages (clinical software, electronic medication management, rostering systems)
Critical staffing shortages (illness, industrial action, mass resignation)
Supplier and service disruptions (food supply, medication supply, linen, consumables)
Utility failures (power, water, communications)
Cybersecurity incidents and data breaches
Key person dependencies (loss of the Director of Nursing or CEO)

Strengthened ACQS Governance Requirements

Under Standard 8 (Organisational Governance) of the Strengthened ACQS, providers must demonstrate that governance systems are in place to ensure continuous, safe service delivery. A business continuity policy is direct evidence of this.

What This Template Includes

Policy statement on operational resilience
Business impact analysis framework
Critical functions and minimum service levels
IT system failure procedures (downtime protocols for clinical systems)
Critical staffing shortage procedures
Supplier failure and supply chain disruption procedures
Key person succession planning
Communication plan for disruptions
Testing and exercising requirements
Roles and responsibilities
Legislation and standards references

Download the Free Business Continuity Policy Template

Instant access. Editable Word document. No credit card required.

More Policy Templates

AI and Automated Decision-Making Policy Template

Establishes governance for the use of artificial intelligence tools in care planning, compliance monitoring, and administrative processes, including transparency, human oversight, bias prevention, and resident rights.

AN-ACC Assessment and Funding Policy Template

Outlines the Australian National Aged Care Classification assessment process, including timeframes, responsibilities, and how funding is calculated and reviewed under the new funding model.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Care Policy Template

Provides a dedicated framework for culturally safe, responsive, and affirming care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents, going beyond the general Cultural Diversity Policy.

Abuse Neglect Prevention Policy

Access a free, audit-ready Abuse and Neglect Prevention Policy template for aged care providers. This comprehensive resource covers all forms of abuse, reporting pathways, and prevention strategies to ensure compliance with the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and SIRS requirements.

Accreditation and Regulatory Audit Management Policy Template

Defines how the facility prepares for, manages during, and responds after ACQSC site audits and performance assessments, including documentation readiness, staff briefings, and corrective action planning.

Advance Care Planning Policy Template

Access a free Advance Care Planning policy template designed to help aged care providers align with Standard 5 of the Strengthened Quality Standards. This resource provides a comprehensive framework for documenting resident preferences and ensuring compliance with the Aged Care Act 2024 across all Australian jurisdictions.

Advocacy and Access Policy

Get your free Advocacy and Access Policy Template. Understand rights, support, and fair treatment in care settings.

Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Use Policy Template

Balances residents' right to use alcohol, tobacco, and other substances with the facility's safety obligations and health risk management duties.