[BCM] [FSC] [E1] [C1] Overview of BCM Case Study for Family Service Centre

Chapter 1

Business Continuity Management in Social Services: A Guide for Family Service Centres

The Importance of BCM in Social Services

Family Service Centres (FSCs) are at the heart of Singapore’s social safety net.

Established as community-based social services, FSCs provide vital support to vulnerable individuals and families facing social and emotional challenges.

Through case management, counselling, and partnerships with other community and government agencies, FSCs play a crucial role in enabling families to achieve stability, resilience, and long-term self-reliance.

Given their essential role in the community, any disruption to FSC operations—whether caused by technology breakdowns, staff shortages, health emergencies, or external crises—can have a significant impact on vulnerable clients who depend on their services.

In times of crisis, the demand for social support often increases, making it even more critical for FSCs to maintain continuity in their operations.

Business Continuity Management (BCM) provides a structured approach to ensuring that FSCs remain prepared to manage disruptions effectively.

With proper planning, FSCs can continue to deliver essential services, minimise downtime, and safeguard the welfare of their clients and staff.

Purpose of This eBook

This eBook, Business Continuity Management in Social Services: A Guide for Family Service Centres, is designed as a practical resource for FSCs to strengthen organisational resilience. It serves three primary purposes:

1. To provide clarity on BCM concepts and how they apply to the unique context of social services.
2. To guide FSCs in developing and implementing BCM plans that reflect their mission, operational needs, and community responsibilities.
3. To build a culture of resilience within FSCs, ensuring that staff, volunteers, and partner agencies are prepared to respond to disruptions.

Structure of the eBook

This eBook is divided into two main sections that progressively guide FSCs through understanding their organisation and applying BCM planning methodologies:

Section 1: Understanding Your Organisation

This section focuses on building foundational knowledge of FSC operations and aligning BCM efforts with organisational priorities. The topics include:

1. Introducing BCM for the Family Service Centres (FSCs)
2. Understanding the Family Service Centre’s Operations
3. Identifying BCM Goals for the Family Service Centres (FSCs)
4. Establishing BC Objectives for the Family Service Centres (FSCs)
5. Determining BC Assumptions for the Family Service Centres (FSCs)
6. Developing the BCM Team Composition
7. Analysing Operating Environment
8. Implementing the BCM Planning Methodology
9. Assessing Risks and Threats for the Family Service Centres (FSCs)
10. Identifying Critical Business Functions

Section 2: Implementing BCM for FSCs

This section outlines the seven-phase BCM planning methodology specifically designed for social services. The phases include:

• Project Management (PM) – Establishing governance and scope for BCM.
• Risk Analysis and Review (RAR) – Identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities.
• Business Impact Analysis (BIA) – Determining the impact of disruptions on FSC operations and clients.
• Business Continuity Strategy (BCS) – Developing practical strategies to sustain critical services.
• Plan Development (PD) – Documenting response, recovery, and continuity procedures.
• Testing and Exercising (TE) – Validating plans through drills and simulations.
• Programme Management (PgM) – Sustaining BCM as an ongoing organisational priority.

Who Should Use This Guide

This eBook is intended for:

• FSC leaders and managers are responsible for ensuring the safeguarding of service delivery and staff readiness.
• Social work practitioners and caseworkers must understand the continuity measures that impact daily operations.
• Administrative and support staff play a key role in operational resilience.
• Partner agencies and community stakeholders, who collaborate with FSCs in providing holistic support.

Summing Up …

By adopting Business Continuity Management, Family Service Centres can ensure that their mission of supporting vulnerable families continues, even in the face of disruption.

This guide equips FSCs with the tools and strategies to anticipate risks, strengthen preparedness, and safeguard the continuity of essential social services.

In the chapters that follow, we will first seek to understand FSCs’ unique operations, objectives, and critical functions, before applying the structured BCM planning methodology to strengthen their resilience and capacity to serve the community.

Business Continuity Management in Social Services: A Guide for Family Service Centres
eBook 1: Understanding Your Organisation
C1	C2	C3	C4	C5	C6
C7	C8	C9	C10	C11	C12

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].

	If you have any questions, click to contact us.