[BCM] [MC] [E2] [C8] Plan Development for Marymount Centre

Mastering Implementation: BCM Methodology Tailored to Marymount Centre

Chapter 8

Implement Plan Development Phase for BCM Planning Methodology for Marymount Centre

The Plan Development phase is critical in the Business Continuity Management (BCM) Planning Methodology.

It involves translating the strategies and recovery requirements identified during the earlier phases into actionable plans.

This phase ensures that the Marymount Centre in Singapore can continue to support its residents and clients—through Ahuva Good Shepherd, Good Shepherd Centre, and Good Shepherd Student Care—even during disruptions.

This chapter outlines the detailed steps for implementing the BCM Plan's content, tailored to Marymount Centre's unique needs.

Key Steps in the BCM Plan Development Phase

Define the Scope and Objectives of the BCM Plan

Before developing the plan, it is essential to define its scope and objectives. For the Marymount Centre, the BCM Plan should focus on ensuring the continuity of critical services, such as residential care, trauma recovery programmes, and student care services. The objectives include:

• Minimising disruption to residents and clients.

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of staff, residents, and clients.

• Maintaining the organisation’s reputation and stakeholder trust.

Defining and Confirming BCM Strategies

Each business unit within Marymount Centre must identify BCM strategies that align with the organisation’s risk appetite and operational priorities during the Business Continuity Strategy (BCS) phase.  It includes:

• Alternative work locations for property management and corporate functions.
• IT disaster recovery measures for critical systems.
• Crisis communication protocols to manage stakeholder expectations.

Designing the BCM Plan Templates

Before creating the BCM plans and procedures, it is essential to develop a standardized BCM Plan template for the entire organization.

This template serves as a framework that allows the organization and unit-level coordinators to structure their respective sections, which are then consolidated into a comprehensive, organization-wide BCM Plan.

Key Considerations for Template Design

• Scalability and adaptability for different business units
• Clear and structured format for ease of use
• Compliance with organizational policies and external regulations

Components of the BCM Plan Templates

• Corporate-Level Plan (Strategic Response)
• Business Unit-Level Plan (Operational Recovery)
• Functional and Departmental Plans

Developing Corporate-Level BCM Plan Template

General Information & Governance

• Plan Cover and Identification (Title, Date, Version, Approvals)
• Organization’s BCM Policy Statement
• Scope, Objectives, and Assumptions
• Roles and Responsibilities of the BCM Team
  

Crisis Management & Communication Procedures

• Activation Criteria and Decision-Making Process
• Incident Escalation and Notification Procedures
• Communication with External and Internal Stakeholders
• Crisis Command Centre Setup and Alternate Site Arrangements

Developing BCM Plans and Procedures

For each critical business function, detailed continuity procedures must be documented. These procedures include:

• Immediate response actions to contain and mitigate disruptions.
• Roles and responsibilities of employees during an incident.
• Coordination with external stakeholders such as tenants, suppliers, and emergency responders.

Document the BCM Plan

The final step is to document the BCM Plan in a clear and accessible format. The document should include:

• An overview of the BCM framework and objectives.

• Detailed procedures for emergency response, crisis management, and recovery.

• Contact information for key personnel and stakeholders.

• Appendices with supporting documents, such as maps, checklists, and templates.

Summing Up ...

The Plan Development phase is critical in ensuring the Marymount Centre's resilience. By developing a comprehensive BCM Plan, the Centre can continue to provide critical business functions and services to its residents and clients, even in the face of disruptions.

This chapter provides a comprehensive roadmap for developing a robust BCM Plan tailored to the Marymount Centre’s unique needs. By implementing these steps, the organisation can build resilience and safeguard its mission of supporting vulnerable individuals in Singapore.

The next chapter will focus on testing and exercising the BCM Plan, ensuring that the Marymount Centre remains prepared for any challenges.

This chapter provides a roadmap for the Marymount Centre to develop a robust BCP, ensuring its mission of supporting vulnerable individuals remains uninterrupted, no matter the circumstances.

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