An HRBP is well-suited to support an organization during a crisis due to their deep knowledge of people, policies, and systems. As a "first responder", they are trained to support employees and can provide invaluable guidance based on their extensive people expertise. While an in-person presence is preferred, an HRBP can work remotely with the right technology. A media buyer must work in real-time to purchase media and achieve client goals, so any time spent away from the office risks losing money. However, staying connected online is possible. A facilities manager has expertise in building operations, safety procedures, and business continuity plans. They know how to evacuate a building or access a backup site. While an

1. HRBP
KEY SKILLS:
HR BPs are important people to have in times of crisis. As well as a
deep knowledge of their people, policies, processes and HR systems,
they’re also well connected to crisis-management companies and
are often a ‘first responder’, trained to support people in times of
crisis. If the situation you’re in could stretch into days and weeks,
their extensive people knowledge could prove invaluable when you’re
deciding how best to operate your business. That makes HR people
great to have around, they’re also very flexible when it comes to work
location with the support of a VPN.

2. Media Buyer
KEY SKILLS:
Whether it’s ‘old school’ or programmatic, your media buyer is the key
to helping clients achieve their goals. They buy in real time so every
second counts and every second out of the office is potential money
wasted for the client - staying plugged into the matrix is essential.

3. Facilities Manager
KEY SKILLS:
Your facilities manager has every key to every door. They’re fire
marshals and first aiders and know exactly how to evacuate you safely
from a building as well as who to contact when you need to move
into a new one. If you need power, an office reconfiguring or a cup
of coffee, they can coordinate all of this for you and do all the PAT
testing needed to pass the risk assessments. Your facilities manager
knows the business continuity plan like the back of their hand, has all
the necessary contacts in their phone and will be the person with the
keys to your recovery site. Providing you’ve got access to a phone, an
internet connection and a laptop, your facilities manager can technically
work from anywhere. Such a niche knowledge of buildings, policies and
procedures can be very helpful when there is a need to make a split
second decision.

4. Creative Director
KEY SKILLS:
When your client wants their big budget to land their message
with the biggest impact it’s time to bring in your Creative Director.
Understanding the brand and bringing briefs to life is their food and
drink. And the chances are they have experience in a number of
creative roles if there was ever a need to be wearing more than one hat
in the office. Whether it’s a client or employees, they’re pretty good
people-people who can spark energy into ideas and keep the client
sweet. Pressing the flesh helps when it comes to kicking a pitch over
the line but thanks to Office 365 there is always Skype for Business.

5. Admin Support
KEY SKILLS:
People who take a task list and check them off one by one. They have
access all areas when it comes to emails and contacts lists and can be
very resourceful and hard-working when none of that exists. They’ll be
able to arrange a town hall in a jiffy and know the Addison Lee number
off by heart. The chances are they’ll also have a pretty big influence
when it comes to the beer and wine selection on a Friday too. They’re a
versatile and flexible bunch depending on who needs what doing.

6. New Business Manager
KEY SKILLS:
The gift of the gab. The people person. The face of a business looking
to add clients to its books. The good ones are persistent and cunning,
knowing who to contact and when, when it comes to drumming up new
business. These versatile people are always able to spot an angle and
make a connection with a potential client. Then again, is new business
a priority in a time of crisis? Give them a phone and internet connection
and they can work on Everest if needed. Not really practical if your
potential client wants to come to the office of course.

7. Communications Manager
KEY SKILLS:
In times of crisis your communication manager can be just the person
you need. Whether it’s writing the right message for a particular
stakeholder group or being the sounding board when times get tough,
the chances are they have the experience to help guide you through
the most challenging situations. They’re also well connected to most
critical business functions with strong business experience so they
know who to reach, when, what to say and how to say it. Can often be
found in a corner somewhere tapping away at a keyboard.

8. IT Support
KEY SKILLS:
Computer says ‘no’? Well, your IT Support more often than not will
be able to say ‘yes’. They know how to bring the blue screen of death
back to life and get you back on the network. If all else fails, they’ll
probably have access to a file sharing site that means you can get that
important client work out the door whatever the circumstances. No
matter what the tech is or where the office is located, techies just know
how to make electrical things work the way they should do. The ability
to connect to desktops remotely these days means IT people can be
effective from pretty much anywhere – sometimes, though, there is
just no substitute having someone with you in the room.

9. Finance Director
KEY SKILLS:
Keeping your business running whatever the circumstances requires
money and the Finance Director holds the keys to the bank. They know
exactly what the situation is when it comes to funding your business
and enabling you to keep on delivering for your clients. In times of
crisis, people take comfort in being led and clients take comfort in
knowing someone is in control. Irrespective of role, that’s the job of a
senior leader (with the right team around them of course). Likely to be
needed everywhere.

10. Chief Client Director
KEY SKILLS:
The #1 schmoozer when it comes to client reassurance. No matter
how big or small, when it is crisis time managing the reputation of
your company comes down to its people, the actions they take and
the relationships they have. Understanding clients can be a real help
so the skills and ability of people at this level can be a valuable asset
for anything that needs achieving. And they’re senior leaders. See also
Finance Director.