Business continuity planning (BCP)
With the assistance of specialist BCP consultants, we have developed a sustainable business framework to ensure APCA’s business is able to resume operation quickly after a disruptive event. The framework includes clear business continuity roles and responsibilities and detailed action plans for responding to a range of disaster scenarios. To maintain effectiveness, regular testing of plans and review of documentation will be incorporated into APCA’s risk assessment process.

Integration of financial systems
Following a review of the finance function and related systems, a new accounting solution designed to automate and streamline financial processes was implemented during the year. The new system, which has integrated the accounting, reporting and payroll systems, meets all APCA’s requirements and provides enhanced business processing capabilities.

Contacts database
The 2007 review of internal operational processes highlighted the need to redevelop APCA’s contacts database. Accurate records of contacts are crucial for the delivery of services to members and for retrieval of confidential information by APCA’s various committees and working groups. A business re-engineering project has been established to standardise and automate the contacts database and its underlying permissions system. The aim is to reduce maintenance cost and risk while introducing a modern, flexible and robust technical platform for the future benefit of members and staff.