For Marymount Centre, a social service organisation operating in Singapore, this phase involves developing strategies to ensure the continuity of critical business functions (CBFs) during and after a disruption.
This chapter outlines the strategies tailored to Marymount Centre's critical business functions, as identified during the Business Impact Analysis (BIA) phase.
These functions include the operations of Ahuva Good Shepherd (three residential homes), Good Shepherd Centre, and Good Shepherd Student Care, all of which are vital to the Centre's mission of supporting individuals through trauma and rebuilding their lives.
Mitigation strategies aim to reduce the likelihood or impact of potential disruptions. These strategies address vulnerabilities and risks identified during the risk assessment phase.
Ensure all residential homes and facilities have fire safety systems, backup power generators, and flood prevention measures.
Regularly inspect and maintain infrastructure to prevent failures.
Implement robust IT security protocols to protect sensitive client data and operational systems.
Conduct regular cybersecurity training for staff to prevent phishing and other cyber threats.
Identify and establish relationships with multiple suppliers for critical resources such as food, medical supplies, and cleaning services to avoid dependency on a single source.
Train staff on emergency response procedures, including evacuation plans and crisis communication protocols.
Preventive strategies focus on proactively avoiding disruptions by addressing potential risks before they materialise.
Implement systems to monitor environmental risks (e.g., weather alerts for floods or storms) and health risks (e.g., disease outbreaks).
Establish a communication channel for early warnings to staff and residents.
Develop and enforce strict health and safety protocols, including regular health screenings for residents and staff.
Maintain adequate stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies.
Conduct regular drills for fire evacuation, power outages, and other potential disruptions to ensure staff and residents are prepared.
Maintain backup systems for critical operations, such as alternative communication channels and IT systems.
Recovery strategies are designed to restore critical business functions quickly after a disruption. These strategies ensure minimal downtime and a swift return to normal operations.
Establish a dedicated Business Continuity Management Team (BCMT) to coordinate recovery efforts during a disruption.
Define clear roles and responsibilities for team members, including communication, logistics, and resource management.
Identify and secure alternate facilities that can be used temporarily if the primary residential homes or centres are inaccessible.
Ensure these facilities are equipped to provide the same level of care and support.
Implement a robust data backup and recovery plan to ensure critical client and operational data is not lost during a disruption.
Store backups in secure, off-site locations or cloud-based systems.
Maintain a list of emergency contacts for additional staff, volunteers, and external support services that can be mobilized quickly.
Ensure adequate financial reserves are available to cover unexpected expenses during recovery.
Develop a communication plan to keep residents, clients, and their families informed during and after a disruption.
Provide psychological support to residents and staff affected by the disruption.
The Business Continuity Strategy Phase is essential for ensuring Marymount Centre can continue its mission of supporting vulnerable individuals, even in the face of disruptions.
By implementing robust mitigation, preventive, and recovery strategies, the Centre can safeguard its critical business functions, protect its residents and clients, and maintain its reputation as a trusted social service provider in Singapore.
Regular testing, staff training, and continuous improvement of the Business Continuity Plan will ensure the Centre remains resilient and responsive to future challenges.
This chapter provides a framework for Marymount Centre to develop and implement its business continuity strategies, ensuring the organisation is well-prepared to handle disruptions and continue delivering its vital services.
This chapter is part 2 of the eBook "Blueprint for Resilience: A Step-by-Step BCM Framework for Marymount Centre." Part 2 of the eBook is titled "Mastering Implementation: BCM Methodology Tailored to Marymount Centre", which provides a comprehensive guide to implementing a BCM system in alignment with ISO 22301
| Blueprint for Resilience: A Step-by-Step BCM Framework for Marymount Centre | |||||
| Mastering Implementation: BCM Methodology Tailored to Marymount Centre | |||||
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].