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Operational Resilience for Irish Credit Unions

Operational Resilience for Irish Credit Unions

 

This course is focused on governance strategies for meeting Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) requirements, with specific emphasis on business continuity planning, incident reporting, and risk management. It is fully pre-recorded, comprising six one-hour blocks, with supporting templates, FAQs, and quizzes provided for independent learning.

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Description

The Operational Resilience for Irish Credit Unions course is designed to equip board members, senior managers, and risk professionals with the knowledge and tools to meet DORA requirements. Participants will learn to implement and govern frameworks for business continuity, incident reporting, and ICT risk management, ensuring compliance while enhancing operational resilience.

This course is tailored to the unique needs of Irish Credit Unions, providing practical insights into aligning governance structures with DORA’s legal and regulatory framework.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand the governance requirements under DORA specific to Irish Credit Unions.
  2. Design and oversee compliant business continuity and incident management frameworks.
  3. Develop risk management strategies to address ICT-related risks effectively.
  4. Monitor operational resilience through structured documentation and regular reviews.
  5. Ensure compliance with DORA through effective reporting and communication protocols.

Target Audience

This course is designed specifically for:

  • Board Members
      • Individuals responsible for setting strategic priorities and overseeing governance within Credit Unions.
      • Focus: High-level decision-making, compliance oversight, and resource allocation for resilience.
  • Senior Managers
      • Executives and leaders tasked with implementing operational strategies to meet DORA requirements.
      • Focus: Translating board directives into actionable policies, managing resilience frameworks, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
  • Risk Professionals
      • Risk officers and compliance experts managing ICT risks, business continuity, and incident reporting.
      • Focus: Designing and maintaining operational resilience frameworks, conducting risk assessments, and regulatory reporting.
  • ICT Governance Teams
      • Technology and operations professionals involved in resilience planning and risk management.
      • Focus: Integrating ICT governance with organizational resilience strategies.

 

This audience composition ensures the course is relevant for leaders and key personnel responsible for operational resilience governance within Irish Credit Unions, addressing their unique challenges under DORA.

 

Course Structure

This course is designed for a 100% pre-recorded delivery format, supplemented with additional learning materials for independent study and practical application. The structure is tailored to provide flexibility while delivering actionable insights aligned with DORA’s requirements.

  1. Pre-Recorded Content:
    • 6 blocks of 1-hour video sessions.
    • Each block focuses on a specific aspect of operational resilience governance, including:
      • Governance fundamentals.
      • Business continuity planning (BCP).
      • Incident reporting.
      • ICT risk management.
      • Monitoring and reviewing resilience.
      • Implementation and continuous improvement.
  2. Supporting Materials:
    • Templates and Checklists: Practical tools to assist participants in implementing DORA-compliant practices (e.g., incident reporting forms, risk assessment matrices).
    • FAQs: Address common questions and challenges related to DORA requirements and operational resilience.
    • Quizzes: Short quizzes after each block to reinforce key concepts.
  3. Case Studies and Examples:
    • Real-world scenarios relevant to Irish Credit Unions to illustrate application and problem-solving strategies.
  4. Flexible Learning Path:
    • Participants can access content at their own pace, enabling learning to fit into busy schedules.

 

Block 1: Governance Fundamentals and DORA Compliance

Introduce the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and its specific governance requirements for Irish Credit Unions. Participants will explore Articles 5 & 6, focusing on the role of the board and senior management in overseeing operational resilience. The session outlines how governance frameworks should align with strategic objectives, ensuring compliance with DORA while safeguarding operational integrity.

Pre-Recorded Content:

  • Overview of DORA: Purpose, scope, and relevance to Irish Credit Unions.
  • Governance requirements under Articles 5 & 6.
  • The role of the board and senior management in operational resilience.
  • Aligning governance frameworks with strategic goals.

Supporting Materials:

  • Governance Framework Template: Tailored to Credit Union needs.
  • FAQs: Governance roles and responsibilities under DORA.
  • Quiz: Board-level governance under DORA.

 

Block 2: Business Continuity Planning (BCP) for Resilience

This block delves into the strategic elements of Business Continuity Planning (BCP) as required by Articles 13 & 49 of DORA. Participants will learn how to design, test, and govern BCPs to ensure the continuity of critical operations during disruptions. The block also covers mapping third-party dependencies and recovery strategies essential for maintaining operational resilience in complex environments.

Pre-Recorded Content:

  • Strategic elements of BCP: Articles 13 & 49.
  • Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs).
  • Creating and testing department-specific BCPs.
  • Mapping third-party dependencies for ICT continuity.

Supporting Materials:

  • BCP Template: Aligned with DORA requirements.
  • Checklist: Key elements of a robust BCP.
  • Quiz: Designing and testing business continuity plans.

 

Block 3: Incident Reporting Governance

This block focuses on DORA’s requirements for incident reporting, including the classification, escalation, and documentation of ICT-related incidents (Articles 17–20). Participants will learn to establish governance protocols for timely and accurate incident reporting while aligning processes with regulatory standards. Emphasis is placed on the role of the board in in overseeing incident responses and leveraging incident data for strategic improvements.

Pre-Recorded Content:

  • Incident classification and reporting obligations under DORA (Articles 18–20).
  • Establishing escalation protocols for major ICT incidents.
  • Regulatory reporting templates and compliance timelines.

Supporting Materials:

  • Incident Reporting Template: Covering initial, interim, and final reports.
  • FAQs: Timelines and reporting standards under DORA.
  • Quiz: Incident classification and escalation protocols.

 

Block 4: ICT Risk Management Frameworks

Participants will explore the development and governance of ICT risk management frameworks in accordance with Article 11 of DORA. The block covers risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies, as well as continuous monitoring to align risk practices with the institution’s risk appetite. Case studies will highlight best practices and common pitfalls in ICT risk governance.

Pre-Recorded Content:

  • Framework requirements under Article 11.
  • Risk assessment processes for identifying and mitigating ICT vulnerabilities.
  • Continuous monitoring of ICT systems to align with risk appetite.

Supporting Materials:

  • Risk Assessment Matrix Template: For Credit Unions.
  • Case Study: Risk management failures and lessons learned.
  • Quiz: ICT risk management responsibilities under DORA.

 

Block 5: Monitoring and Reviewing Resilience

This block emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and regular reviews of operational resilience frameworks as required under Article 14 of DORA. Participants will learn to design and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that provide insights into resilience performance. Post-incident reviews and audits will be explored as tools for improving governance and operational processes

Pre-Recorded Content:

  • Continuous monitoring and regular reviews of resilience frameworks (Article 14).
  • Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure operational resilience.
  • Conducting post-incident reviews to improve governance processes.

Supporting Materials:

  • Monitoring Checklist: Regular review schedules and performance metrics.
  • Templates: KPI development for ICT risk and resilience.
  • Quiz: Monitoring effectiveness of resilience frameworks.

 

Block 6: Implementation and Continuous Improvement

The final block provides a roadmap for implementing and continuously improving governance frameworks for operational resilience. Participants will learn strategies to adapt to evolving risks and regulatory updates, incorporating feedback loops to refine their resilience efforts. The block ties together lessons from the previous sessions, enabling participants to create actionable plans for sustained compliance and resilience.

Pre-Recorded Content:

  • Phased implementation of DORA-compliant governance structures.
  • Integrating feedback loops for continuous improvement.
  • Aligning governance updates with evolving regulatory requirements.

Supporting Materials:

  • Implementation Roadmap Template: Structured phases for DORA compliance.
  • FAQs: Strategies for ongoing improvement and adaptation.
  • Quiz: Steps for maintaining and improving governance.

 

Supporting Materials Across All Blocks

  1. Documentation Toolkit:
    • Governance templates (e.g., frameworks, BCPs, reporting forms).
    • Risk management checklists and tools.
  2. Case Studies:
    • Real-world examples of successful and failed resilience strategies.
  3. Quizzes:
    • Block-specific assessments to reinforce learning objectives.
  4. FAQs and Glossaries:
    • Simplified explanations of DORA articles and governance terms.

 

Course Outcomes Recap

Participants will leave with:

  • A deep understanding of governance responsibilities under DORA.
  • Practical tools to create and oversee operational resilience frameworks.
  • Confidence in ensuring compliance while enhancing the resilience of their Credit Union operations.

 

Assessment Strategy

Block-Specific Quizzes

Purpose: Reinforce understanding of key concepts from each block.
Structure:

  • 5–7 multiple-choice or short-answer questions per block.
  • Focus on specific articles of DORA, governance responsibilities, and practical applications.

Example Questions:

  • “What is the primary role of the board under DORA Article 5?”
  • “List three key elements of a robust Business Continuity Plan (BCP) as required under Article 13.”

Scenario-Based Assignments

Purpose: Test participants’ ability to apply course concepts to realistic Credit Union scenarios.
Structure:

  • Participants are presented with scenarios and must develop governance solutions.
  • Scenarios align with block themes (e.g., BCP governance, incident reporting, ICT risk management).

Example Assignment:

  • Scenario: Your Credit Union experiences a cyberattack affecting payment processing. Develop a response plan, including incident reporting steps, governance oversight measures, and post-incident review improvements.

Final Governance Plan Project

Purpose: Assess the participant’s ability to integrate all course components into a cohesive governance strategy.

Structure:

  • Participants create a comprehensive governance framework for operational resilience that includes:
    • Board governance structures for resilience oversight.
    • A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) outline.
    • An ICT risk management strategy.
    • Incident reporting and escalation protocols.
  • Submission should be structured as a strategic report or presentation.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Alignment with DORA articles.
  • Practicality and scalability for Credit Union operations.
  • Integration of monitoring and continuous improvement mechanisms.

 

Self-Reflection and Feedback

Purpose: Encourage participants to assess their learning and identify areas for further development.

Structure:

  • At the end of the course, participants complete a short reflection exercise, addressing:
    • Key insights gained.
    • Challenges encountered in applying concepts.
    • Plans to implement their learning in their Credit Union.

 

Grading Breakdown

  1. Block-Specific Quizzes: 30%
    • Weighted equally across all six blocks.
  2. Scenario-Based Assignments: 30%
    • Each scenario graded on understanding, application, and strategic alignment.
  3. Final Governance Plan Project: 35%
    • Evaluated on comprehensiveness, compliance with DORA, and practical governance recommendations.
  4. Self-Reflection: 5%
    • Graded on thoughtfulness and actionable insights.

Additional Features

Certification

  • Participants scoring 70% or higher receive a Certificate of Completion for “Governance of Operational Resilience for Credit Unions.”
  • Top performers (90% or higher) receive a Certificate of Distinction, highlighting their expertise in DORA governance compliance.

Optional Peer Review

  • Participants can optionally review each other’s governance frameworks for additional feedback and insights.

 

Suggested Pathways for Graduates of the “Governance of Operational Resilience” Course

Graduates of this foundational governance-focused course can deepen their expertise in operational resilience by progressing to one of the three courses specifically designed for different aspects of managing Operational Resilience. These pathways align with the roles and responsibilities within Credit Unions and their focus areas, enabling a clear progression of learning and application.

Pathway 1: Progression to the Management-Focused Course

Course Title: Operational Resilience as a Strategic Priority: A DORA Overview (6 Blocks)

Who Should Choose This Pathway?

Graduates in senior leadership roles, such as board members, CEOs, or senior managers, who want to:

  • Integrate resilience into strategic decision-making.
  • Oversee compliance and resilience frameworks at a governance level.
  • Gain insights into aligning operational resilience with organizational goals.

Learning Focus of the Next Course:

  • Strategic oversight of resilience frameworks.
  • High-level risk governance and compliance alignment.
  • Strategic responsibilities for incident reporting and BCP oversight.

Recommended Transition Plan:

  • Leverage knowledge of DORA governance structures gained in the first course to dive deeper into:
    • Risk-based decision-making.
    • Creating strategic alignment between resilience and business goals.
    • Evaluating the effectiveness of resilience initiatives at a board level.

 

Pathway 2: Progression to the Operational Implementation Course

Course Title: Building Operational Resilience: Practical Implementation of DORA (6 Blocks)

Who Should Choose This Pathway?

Graduates in operational roles, such as Risk Managers, Compliance Officers, or Business Continuity Planners, who:

  • Are directly involved in implementing resilience frameworks.
  • Oversee day-to-day operational execution of risk management and BCPs.
  • Need hands-on, practical tools for executing resilience strategies.

Learning Focus of the Next Course:

  • Designing and testing BCPs aligned with DORA requirements.
  • Developing and implementing ICT risk management frameworks.
  • Establishing and maintaining incident reporting mechanisms.

Recommended Transition Plan:

  • Use the governance knowledge gained in the first course to:
    • Focus on tactical implementation of governance policies.
    • Translate strategic plans into operational processes.
    • Develop day-to-day operational resilience practices, including simulations and tests.

 

Pathway 3: Progression to the Monitoring and Auditing Course

Course Title: Monitoring and Auditing for Continuous Resilience (6 Blocks)

Who Should Choose This Pathway?

Graduates responsible for oversight, auditing, and compliance monitoring, such as Internal Auditors, IT Governance Officers, or senior risk and compliance personnel, who:

  • Need to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of operational resilience frameworks.
  • Monitor KPIs and audit frameworks to measure resilience.
  • Focus on aligning resilience practices with evolving DORA requirements.

Learning Focus of the Next Course:

  • Developing KPIs for continuous resilience monitoring.
  • Conducting effective audits of operational resilience measures.
  • Leveraging audit findings to enhance governance and operations.

Recommended Transition Plan:

  • Build on governance knowledge by focusing on:
    • Evaluating the effectiveness of governance frameworks.
    • Establishing systems to monitor and audit compliance.
    • Embedding continuous improvement into operational resilience efforts.

Suggestions for Progression

  1. Flexible Order: While graduates can move to any of the three advanced courses, a logical progression could be:
    • Governance → Operational Implementation → Monitoring and Auditing.
      This flow ensures graduates understand governance, apply it operationally, and then refine and monitor its effectiveness.
  2. Role Alignment: Encourage participants to choose based on their current roles and future career aspirations within the Credit Union sector.
  3. Specialized Training: Offer advanced certification for participants who complete all three pathways to position them as experts in Credit Union resilience under DORA.

These pathways create a structured progression for participants, enabling them to build on their knowledge and contribute effectively to their Credit Union’s operational resilience. Let me know if you’d like further refinements or additional support materials!