Business Continuity Policy
Arthian Ltd maintains an integrated Quality, Environment, Health and Safety, Information Security, and Business Continuity Management System (Integrated Management System – IMS) registered to the management standards ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and ISO 45001 (health and safety), approved through the UKAS certification body NQA Ltd.
Our IMS also aligns with the key elements of ISO 22301 (business continuity) and ISO 27001 (information security) standards.
This policy applies to all Arthian services delivered across our staffed offices.
Transparency and Key Dependencies
To enhance business transparency, all Arthian business policies are publicly available on our website under Registrations & Policies.
We recognise that IT, structured electronic data storage, telecommunications, and our staff are key to ensuring business continuity. Arthian operates controlled systems and backup plans that are routinely tested through simulated events and drills. These measures assure the uninterrupted delivery of quality service to our clients.
Change Management and Continuous Improvement
The Integrated Management System provides a structured framework for change management. Client and business requirements are raised through IMS processes and are formally reviewed during management meetings.
Arthian continually seeks to improve operations by analysing how the business responds to risk scenarios and incidents, applying improvements where necessary.
This process of continuous improvement focuses on reducing risk, strengthening our IT infrastructure, and enhancing staff training—ensuring high business performance and sustained client satisfaction.
Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness
In response to both actual and potential risks, Arthian has developed a comprehensive risk management and emergency preparedness strategy to protect our clients and ensure business continuity.
This approach is detailed in our Business Continuity Plan (BCP), which identifies key risks, their implications, and mitigation strategies designed to eliminate or minimise the impact of unplanned events. These measures form an integral part of our IMS and effective Business Continuity Plan.
Key Risks and Mitigation Measures
1. Key Personnel Absence
During illness, leave, or staff turnover, there is a potential inability to resource and deliver projects within agreed timelines.
To mitigate this risk, Arthian maintains a Health, Safety & Wellbeing (HSWB) Committee, established to uphold the principles of the former Healthy Working Lives Gold scheme.
We implement a wellness programme for staff, including initiatives such as free winter flu vaccinations and healthy lifestyle guidance to reduce absenteeism.
As one of the largest multidisciplinary consultancies delivering sustainability services across the UK and Ireland, Arthian benefits from a depth of resources, with over 190 professional technical staff capable of stepping in when required (subject to client approval).
Training and workshops always identify a second qualified trainer as a backup in case of unforeseen circumstances.
All project data and records are stored within a structured electronic folder system, ensuring seamless handovers.
Additionally, our annual leave policy prevents overlapping absences among employees with similar skill sets, and all key technical staff have a contractual minimum of three months’ notice (up to twelve months for senior roles), ensuring continuity of service.
2. Information and Communication Technology Failure
System or data access failures may impact communication or project delivery.
Arthian mitigates this risk through robust Information System Backup Support, with cloud-based Geo Redundant Storage in triplicate across London and Cardiff. These systems are scalable under Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
Email services are cloud-hosted and accessible through multiple platforms, including our Glasgow server, internet-based remote desktops, smartphones, and web Outlook access.
All technical staff are provided with smartphones for secure web and email access.
Data security is reinforced by a managed firewall, enforced eight-character alphanumeric passwords, and two-factor authentication for file systems.
3. Loss of Office Environment
Loss of an office due to fire, flood, or other incidents may result in the inability to access data or communicate.
Arthian operates under a hybrid working model, allowing staff to work remotely from home or in the field via a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) that provides full access to our data and email servers.
We maintain multiple offices across the UK and Ireland, providing immediate alternative facilities when required.
Additionally, Arthian holds business interruption insurance, providing financial coverage and advisory support in the event of major disruption.
4. Accidents During Travel or On-Site Work
Accidents involving staff may lead to injury and project delays.
To mitigate this, all Arthian staff undergo advanced driver training with the Advanced Institute of Motoring and strictly adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures.
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided and maintained by the company.
Staff must also comply with client-specific health and safety requirements for site access, supervision, and travel.
5. Business Failure
Financial or operational instability could result in an inability to serve customers.
Arthian has demonstrated business stability since its establishment in 1996, supported by robust financial performance as verified by our Experian Credit Report rating.
The company is majority-owned by Global Energy Capital, a large group providing additional financial strength.
Furthermore, Arthian’s leadership team consists of long-term employees and business owners, enhancing organisational resilience and continuity.
Website: www.arthian.com
Email: info@arthian.com