What is a key aspect of a Sustainable Compliance Program?

A key aspect of a Sustainable Compliance Program is that it must be implemented into Business-as-usual (BAU) activities. This means that compliance should not be viewed as a separate or isolated process, but rather integrated into the everyday operations of the organization. By embedding compliance practices into daily routines and processes, it ensures that compliance is continuously maintained, rather than treated as a periodic task that occurs only during audit times or when regulatory changes arise.

This integration allows for ongoing monitoring and improvement of compliance efforts, fosters a culture of accountability, and helps to mitigate risks associated with data security and regulatory requirements. As business conditions and regulations evolve, a well-embedded compliance program can adapt more effectively, maintaining a state of readiness and resilience that enhances the organization’s overall security posture.

In contrast, if compliance were to operate independently of other business activities, it may lead to gaps and inefficiencies as regulatory requirements could be overlooked or not effectively communicated across the organization. Focusing solely on compliance audits misses the opportunity for a proactive approach that anticipates regulatory change and emphasizes continuous improvement. Additionally, requiring immediate regulatory changes could indicate a lack of strategic planning and adaptability, rather than fostering a sustainable and robust compliance environment.