UNDRR Introduces Resilience Maturity Assessment Tool for Organizations

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has unveiled a new tool aimed at enhancing organizational resilience, known as the Resilience Maturity Assessment (ReMA). This tool offers a free and structured approach for organizations to evaluate and improve their capacity to withstand disruptions and adapt to changing circumstances. Developed in collaboration with the Corporate Chief Resilience Officers (CCRO) network and various stakeholders, ReMA employs a straightforward, checkbox-style assessment that benchmarks resilience maturity across six fundamental pillars: policy and governance, leadership and culture, organization, capacity, operating model, and value chain.

Organizations are prompted with up to three questions per pillar. For instance, the value chain component assesses an organization's ability to meet client obligations and evaluate supply chain resilience. Final scores are calculated on a 1-4 scale, with guidance provided for organizations that do not achieve full marks. For example, a level 3 score in the supply chain may lead to recommendations such as weighing the risks and benefits of diverse suppliers against single suppliers that might offer better pricing.

The ReMA tool is particularly significant, as recent research by the Business Continuity Institute (BCI) indicates that approximately one-third of organizations (33.3%) currently lack specific performance indicators for measuring resilience. This statistic underscores the pressing need for standardized methods of assessing resilience and the demand for data-informed approaches.

The BCI also released the Resilience Framework 1.0 last year, designed as a strategic guidance resource for organizations to lead resilience initiatives effectively. This framework emphasizes eight core principles, including leadership, strategic planning, and continuous improvement, which align closely with the objectives of the ReMA tool.

Dr. Michael Smith, Director of Disaster Risk Reduction at UNDRR, stated, "The launch of the ReMA tool is a pivotal step towards empowering organizations globally to enhance their resilience. In an era of increasing uncertainty, having a clear and actionable framework can significantly influence an organization's ability to thrive amid disruptions."

Both tools—ReMA and the Resilience Framework—are intended for repeated use, offering structured support to professionals dedicated to strengthening resilience. This is particularly relevant as BCI research shows that global operational resilience programs have increased by 10% compared to the previous year, highlighting a growing recognition of the need for quality guidance in resilience practices.

The BCI advocates for innovative tools that can be utilized by organizations of all sizes and sectors. Building resilience is characterized as an ongoing process, and tools like ReMA are fundamental in guiding organizations as they adapt and respond to emerging risks in a rapidly changing global environment. As organizations implement these tools, they are better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern challenges, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.

In summary, the ReMA tool stands as a vital resource for organizations aiming to enhance their resilience capabilities. By establishing a clear framework for evaluation and improvement, UNDRR and BCI are helping organizations to not only withstand current challenges but also prepare for future uncertainties. The ongoing collaboration between these entities indicates a commitment to fostering resilience at a global scale, which is essential in today’s volatile environment.