Policy Statement: Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

GRC International Group (encompassing IT Governance, IT Governance USA, IT Governance EU, DQM, GRCI Law, Vigilant Software, and IT Governance Publishing) takes the threat posed by the recent coronavirus outbreak seriously, but this is tempered by understanding that panic or knee-jerk reactions will only accentuate harm. Our full, comprehensive policy is available on request.

Our approach is based on guidance from the following sources:

• The World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• UK – Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
• UK – National Health Service: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Advice on travel: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Ireland – Government of Ireland: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/

Our approach as a business

We aim to maintain a business-as-usual stance and to continue to meet our obligations to our clients while carefully observing what is likely to be a developing scenario. In doing this, we will take into account governmental advice from the countries in which we operate coupled with our real-world experiences. Should we or one of our customers cancel or curtail any activity, then our standard contractual terms will be applied regarding any payments made or due.  

We expect our staff to continue to fulfil their roles and their obligations to our customers. Any changes to this expectation will be informed by government advice and communicated both to staff and to our clients accordingly.

Training and consultancy delivery

From a training and consultancy delivery perspective, the business will take the following approach:

• We will ask client sites and training venues about concerns around contagion.
• For staff attending sites where an outbreak has been confirmed or suspected, we will ask the client to confirm that the relevant precautions as identified by federal or international authorities have been taken. Providing this is confirmed by the client, then the work should be discharged as normal.
• Where necessary and feasible, we will make arrangements to provide consultancy services remotely.
• Delegates attending a training course will be advised to only attend the training if they are fit to and are not required to self-isolate or have any health concerns related to the coronavirus.
• Should a delegate become unwell during a training course or show symptoms consistent with the coronavirus, the trainer should request that the delegate take immediate advice from a reputable source such as a physician and share the outcome with the trainer. Appropriate action can then be taken with further guidance sought if required.

Our other business lines and services that are delivered remotely are unaffected by this policy.