[BCM] [SC] [E3] [C1] Starting Your BCM Implementation for Singapore Courts

Chapter 1

Introduction

This third instalment of the Resilient Partnership: Implementing BCM at Singapore Courts' eBook series—“Starting Your BCM Implementation”—marks the transition from understanding and preparation to execution.

Designed for organisations embarking on their business continuity management (BCM) journey, this guide serves as a practical roadmap for applying the BCM planning methodology specifically within the context of the Tripartite Alliance.

Building upon the foundation set in:

• eBook 1: “Understanding Your Organisation”, which explores the organisation’s structure, mission-critical functions, and operating environment
  
  
• eBook 2: “Implementing BCM Planning Methodology”, which introduces the seven-phase BCM process framework adopted by BCM Institute

This third eBook now drills down into the four core planning phases required for a functional and sustainable BCM program:

• Risk Analysis and Review (RAR)
• Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
• Business Continuity Strategy (BCS)
• Plan Development (PD)

Purpose and Objectives

This eBook is developed to guide BCM practitioners and project stakeholders at the Singapore Courts in systematically completing each phase of the BCM planning cycle.

Whether the aim is to implement a new BCM program or upgrade an existing one, this guide provides step-by-step clarity, structure, and relevant tools/templates.

Furthermore, this document serves as a compilation of actual submissions and working templates used during Singapore Courts’ business continuity planning initiative, acting as both a reference and a benchmark for organisations pursuing a BCM Institute-led implementation track.

The Critical Business Functions for Singapore Courts

The following Critical Business Functions (CBFs) have been identified as vital to the continued operations and service delivery of Singapore Courts.

These functions serve as the foundation for the risk, impact, strategy, and plan development phases outlined in this guide:

• CBF-1. Case Management and Scheduling
• CBF-2. Court Proceedings and Adjudication
• CBF-3. Access to Electronic Case Management Systems (ECMS)
• CBF-4. Registry and Filing Services
• CBF-5. Judicial and Staff Communications
• CBF-6. Public and Litigant Support Services
• CBF-7. Security and Access Control
• CBF-8. Human Resource and Judicial Officer Management
• CBF-9. Records and Archive Management
  

Each CBF will undergo detailed analysis and planning through the RAR, BIA, BCS, and PD phases to ensure comprehensive continuity preparedness across the Singapore Courts’ organisational structure.

Overview of Implementation Phases and Templates

Risk Analysis and Review (RAR)

This phase aims to identify and assess potential threats and vulnerabilities that may disrupt the Singapore Courts ' operations. It includes the completion of the following:

• List of Threats [RAR T1]: Identification of natural, technical, and man-made risks
• Treatment and Control [RAR T2]: Risk mitigation measures and existing controls
• Risk Impact and Likelihood Assessment [RAR T3]: Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of identified risks

Business Impact Analysis (BIA)

At the heart of the BCM program is a thorough understanding of the impact of disruptions on Singapore Courts’ critical business functions. The BIA phase involves:

• Part 0: Corporate MBCO & Product and Services [MBCO] [P&S]
• Part 1: Identification of Business Functions [BIAQ T1]
• Part 2: Impact Areas of Business Functions  [BIAQ T1]
• Part 3: Impact Over Time of Business Functions  [BIAQ T2]
• Part 4: Supporting IT Systems and Applications  [BIAQ T2]
• Part 5: Inter-dependencies  [BIAQ T3]
• Part 6: Vital Records  [BIAQ T3]

Each section is completed for all of Singapore Courts’ critical business functions, providing granular insight into operational dependencies and recovery priorities.

Business Continuity Strategy (BCS)

This phase focuses on formulating and justifying actionable recovery strategies for business functions that must continue or resume quickly during and after a disruption. It involves:

• Mitigation Strategies [BCS T1]: Measures to reduce risks pre-incident  
• Recovery Strategies and Justifications [BCS T2]: Feasible options and rationale for recovery
• Minimum Resources Required during a Disaster [BCS T3]: Key personnel, assets, and support services necessary for continuity

Plan Development (PD)

Once strategies are finalised, the BCM team proceeds to develop and document the actual Business Continuity Plans [PD] for each business function. This includes the:

• Procedures and workflows tailored to each Sub-CBF
• Communication protocols
• Roles and responsibilities during disruption events

Why This eBook Matters

This eBook is part of the value-adding, complimentary support provided to organisations such as Singapore Courts, which are undertaking real BCM projects using BCM Institute’s training-led implementation approach.

While participants undergo certification or competency-based training courses, they are also guided through the practical application of what they learn, ensuring alignment with ISO standards and international best practices.

The intent is not just to teach BCM concepts but to apply them meaningfully in a real-world context—transforming theory into a living BCM framework tailored to the organisation’s unique structure and mission.

Who Should Use This eBook?

• BCM project team members at the Singapore Courts
• Functional and department heads involved in risk and recovery planning
• Internal auditors or risk managers are responsible for oversight
• Participants of BCM Institute's training and certification programs

How to Use This eBook

This document is best used in conjunction with eBooks 1 and 2. Before diving into each planning phase, users are encouraged to:

• Review their organisational context and business functions (from eBook 1)
• Revisit the BCM methodology and seven-phase lifecycle (from eBook 2)
• Use the provided templates to collect, analyse, and validate data with stakeholders

Conclusion

“Starting Your BCM Implementation” marks the shift from planning to action.

With clear guidance, structured templates, and real-life applications drawn from TAL’s BCM journey, this eBook helps organisations put in place a robust, repeatable, and compliant BCM process.

It supports the overarching goal of safeguarding the organisation’s mission, services, people, and partners—even in the face of disruption.

As part of the Achieving Judicial Resilience: Implementing Effective BCM in Singapore Courts eBook series, this guide reflects BCM Institute’s ongoing commitment to empowering organisations through structured, practical, and training-led business continuity management implementation.

Let’s begin the journey—from intent to implementation.

More Information About Business Continuity Management Courses

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the BCM-300 Business Continuity Management Implementer [B-3] course and the BCM-5000 Business Continuity Management Expert Implementer [B-5].