[BCM] [SHINE] [E1] [C9] Assessing Risks and Threats

What are the Types of Threats for Business Continuity Management and the Types of Crisis Scenarios for Crisis Management at SHINE Children and Youth Services?

Introduction

In the context of SHINE Children and Youth Services (SHINE), a community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting children and youth, ensuring the continuity of care and services is critical to its mission.

The integration of effective Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Crisis Management is essential for mitigating risks that may impact SHINE’s ability to deliver vital services.

This chapter outlines potential threats to business continuity at SHINE and assesses crisis scenarios that may require effective crisis management strategies.

Understanding Business Continuity Management (BCM) at SHINE

Business Continuity Management (BCM) at SHINE aims to protect its critical business functions (CBFs) and ensure that services, particularly those that impact vulnerable children and youth, remain operational even in the face of disruption.

BCM planning involves identifying potential threats and their impacts, and establishing strategies to recover and maintain operations with minimal disruption.

SHINE's BCM process aligns with the ISO 22301 standard for BCM, ensuring systematic preparedness and response in the face of disruptions. It also adheres to the Singapore Government BCM Policy, which mandates risk management, operational resilience, and continuity in public and social services.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development's BCM Policy further emphasises the importance of BCM in social service organisations, ensuring that care and support services continue uninterrupted during emergencies.

Types of Threats for Business Continuity at SHINE

The types of threats to business continuity at SHINE can be categorised into internal and external threats. Each of these threats can affect the organisation’s ability to function, particularly in service delivery, staff engagement, and resource management.

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather Events

• Flooding, tremors, storm damage, or heatwaves are significant threats in Singapore’s tropical climate. Such events could disrupt SHINE’s physical locations, including offices and service delivery sites.
• Impact on Business Functions: Service disruptions, facility damage, staff safety concerns, and loss of operational resources such as vehicles or equipment used for outreach programs.

Pandemics and Public Health Crises

• The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities of all sectors, including social services. For SHINE, a health crisis can lead to the closure of centres, restriction of movement, or staffing shortages.
• Impact on Business Functions: Suspension of face-to-face programs, compromised delivery of essential services such as counselling, and health risks to children and staff.

Technological Disruptions

• Threats related to cybersecurity breaches, data loss, and system failures could disrupt SHINE’s digital infrastructure. This includes the risk of a cyberattack or technical faults in communication systems.
• Impact on Business Functions: Loss of sensitive client data, delays in case management, and compromised communication with clients and partners.

Human Resource Issues

• Staff turnover, employee illnesses, or labour strikes can cause significant disruptions. For a service-driven organisation like SHINE, a shortage of trained personnel can compromise service delivery.
• Impact on Business Functions: Inability to deliver counselling, reduced outreach, and a lack of continuity in case management.

Supply Chain Failures

• SHINE relies on third-party vendors for office supplies, educational materials, and program resources. A disruption in these supply chains can limit SHINE’s ability to provide continuous services.
• Impact on Business Functions: Delays in program delivery, cancellation of planned activities, and shortage of critical materials.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

• Changes in social service regulations or issues relating to compliance with data protection laws (such as the Personal Data Protection Act in Singapore) pose threats to SHINE’s operations.
• Impact on Business Functions: Legal consequences, loss of public trust, and potential financial penalties that could affect service operations.

Financial Risks

• Budgetary constraints or issues with the funding environment can affect SHINE’s ability to continue providing its services. Economic downturns or changes in government funding policy could restrict access to critical financial resources.
• Impact on Business Functions: Reduced capacity to run programs, furloughs, or layoffs affecting service delivery.

Types of Crisis Scenarios for Crisis Management at SHINE

Crisis management at SHINE focuses on responding to sudden, high-impact events that could destabilise the organisation’s ability to carry out its mission.

These scenarios are unpredictable but must be planned for and handled with care, ensuring that SHINE’s leadership is prepared to respond in a timely, coordinated manner.

• A cybersecurity breach affecting client data, or a ransomware attack, could compromise the integrity of SHINE’s systems, jeopardising sensitive client information.
• Crisis Management Action: Activation of cybersecurity protocols, communication with clients regarding the breach, and engagement with cybercrime authorities to mitigate damage.

At SHINE Children and Youth Services, the integration of Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Crisis Management ensures that the organisation can continue delivering its vital services to children and youth, even in the face of significant disruptions.

By identifying and assessing potential threats and by preparing for various crisis scenarios, SHINE ensures that its operations remain resilient and that the continuity of care is upheld.

In alignment with ISO 22301, the Singapore Government BCM Policy, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s BCM Policy, SHINE can continue fulfilling its mission of supporting vulnerable children and youth in Singapore.