[BCM] [e2i] [E2] [C5] Business Continuity Strategy

Chapter 5

Business Continuity Management Planning Methodology for the Employment and Employability Institute

The Business Continuity Strategy phase is a critical component of the Business Continuity Management (BCM) Planning Methodology and a key requirement under ISO 22301.

For the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), this phase translates business impact findings and risk assessments into concrete strategies to enhance organisational resilience.

These strategies focus on mitigation, prevention, and recovery measures designed to safeguard the continuity of e2i’s essential services, including job placement, career guidance, upskilling initiatives, and employer engagement.

2. Objectives of the Business Continuity Strategy Phase

The primary goals of this phase are:

• To identify and evaluate possible continuity strategies for e2i’s critical business functions.
• To select feasible, cost-effective strategies that align with e2i’s mission and operational needs.
• To establish capabilities for prevention, mitigation, and recovery from potential disruptions.
• To ensure continuity of services such as career fairs, training programmes, and job matching.

3. Identifying Critical Business Functions at e2i

Based on the Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and Risk Assessment, e2i’s critical business functions include:

• Job Matching and Placement Services
• Skills Training and Career Development Programmes
• Employer and Industry Engagement
• Digital Platform Operations (e.g., job portals and registration systems)
• Client and Partner Communications

Disruption to any of these functions could significantly affect job seekers, employers, training partners, and other stakeholders.

4. Strategy Development Approach

The development of continuity strategies for e2i follows a structured process:

1. Gap Analysis – Review current capabilities against recovery time objectives (RTOs).
2. Options Identification – Brainstorm potential strategies for mitigation, prevention, and recovery.
3. Feasibility Assessment – Evaluate each option’s cost, time, resources, and effectiveness.
4. Strategy Selection – Choose appropriate strategies to be implemented in the Business Continuity Plan (BCP).

5. Mitigation Strategies for e2i

Mitigation strategies reduce the likelihood or impact of potential disruptions. Examples include:

a. IT and Data Resilience

• Implementation of real-time data backup for client and employer databases on cloud platforms.
• Redundant internet connectivity and IT infrastructure at the Jurong East HQ and secondary office locations.
• Regular penetration testing and cybersecurity audits to prevent data breaches on job portals.

b. Workplace Safety and Facility Risk Reduction

• Fire protection systems, evacuation protocols, and regular safety drills at career centres and training locations.
• Seismic and flood risk assessments for physical offices, with structural improvements where necessary.

6. Prevention Strategies for e2i

Prevention strategies are proactive measures that avoid or reduce the probability of disruption.

a. Supplier and Partner Agreements

• Service level agreements (SLAs) with training partners and IT service providers to ensure continued service delivery.
• Alternative vendors for logistics and venue rental during high-demand periods like career fairs.

b. Cross-Training and Staff Succession Planning

• Training programmes to ensure cross-functional staff capabilities, enabling continuity in key roles during staff absences.
• Maintenance of an emergency contact list and escalation procedures for all departments.

c. Awareness and Preparedness

• Routine BCM awareness campaigns and refresher training for all employees.
• Inclusion of BCM responsibilities in job descriptions and staff KPIs.

7. Recovery Strategies for e2i

Recovery strategies aim to resume critical functions within the required recovery time and recovery point objectives.

a. Alternate Worksite

• Use of hybrid remote work protocols, enabling staff to work from home during office disruptions.
• Identification of pre-arranged alternate sites, such as public sector coworking spaces, to host in-person training or job-matching services.

b. Manual Workarounds

• Printed job application forms and employer contact sheets for use if the digital job portal is down.
• Mobile devices and printed materials will be used to facilitate career fairs in case of system outages.

c. Crisis Communication

• Pre-drafted emergency notification templates for outreach to stakeholders via SMS, email, and social media.
• The media and communications team is equipped to provide timely updates and manage public enquiries.

8. Strategy Validation and Approval

e2i’s BCM Committee, in coordination with functional heads, will:

• Review and validate the proposed strategies to ensure operational relevance.
• Secure budget and resource approvals from senior management.
• Document and integrate approved strategies into departmental and corporate-level BCPs.

9. Integration with Existing Plans

All strategies developed in this phase are integrated with:

• Crisis Management Plans – ensuring alignment during emergencies.
• IT Disaster Recovery Plans – focusing on systems and data.
• Occupational Health & Safety Plans – enhancing staff well-being during disruption.

Summing Up ...

Implementing a tailored Business Continuity Strategy is fundamental for the Employment and Employability Institute to continue fulfilling its national mandate — to support Singaporeans in achieving gainful employment and lifelong employability.

By implementing a balanced mix of mitigation, prevention, and recovery strategies, e2i reinforces its resilience against operational disruptions and enhances public confidence in its services.

The next phase will focus on developing and documenting detailed Business Continuity Plans based on these approved strategies.

Ensuring Service Continuity: BCM Implementation for Employment & Employability
eBook 2: Implementing BCM Planning Methodology

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 [BCM-3] and the BCM-5000 Business Continuity Management Expert Implementer [BCM-5].

	Please feel free to send us a note if you have any questions.