[BCM] [TAL] [E1] [C10] Identifying Critical Business Functions

Chapter 10

What are TAL’s Critical Business Functions Concerning Business Continuity Management?

Introduction

Tripartite Alliance Limited (TAL) plays a central role in shaping and promoting progressive workplace practices in Singapore.

As the operational entity supporting three key agencies, the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM), and the Workplace Fairness and Dispute Resolution department under MOM, TAL’s business continuity is vital to the nation’s tripartite framework comprising the government, employers, and unions.

Ensuring that TAL continues to operate seamlessly during disruptions is essential not only to its internal stakeholders but to the broader workforce landscape of Singapore.

This chapter outlines TAL’s critical business functions within the context of its Business Continuity Management (BCM) framework.

These functions have been identified through a structured Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and are prioritised based on their impact on the organisation’s legal, operational, reputational, and service obligations.

CBF-1: Dispute Management and Advisory Services (via TADM)

Function Description:

TAL, through TADM, manages a significant volume of employment disputes, including salary claims, wrongful dismissals, and mediation processes.

This includes advisory services for employees and employers, case assessments, and mediation sessions conducted both in-person and online.

Criticality to BCM:

• A disruption in these services could significantly delay the resolution of employment disputes, undermining trust in the tripartite system.
• Legal implications may arise if statutory timelines for mediation or adjudication are breached.
• Key systems include the TADM e-services portal, mediation booking platforms, and case management systems.

Continuity Requirement:

• High priority for recovery (within 4–24 hours).
• Redundant systems and remote mediation capabilities must be maintained and tested.

CBF-2: Promotion of Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (via TAFEP)

Function Description:

TAL, through TAFEP, promotes inclusive and fair workplace practices by engaging employers through outreach, capability building, providing resources, and conducting public education campaigns.

It handles complaints regarding workplace discrimination and non-compliance with fair employment guidelines.

Criticality to BCM:

• Delays in addressing workplace fairness issues can lead to reputational damage and undermine national efforts to promote workplace harmony.
• Critical communication channels include hotlines, case intake forms, and online resource portals.

Continuity Requirement:

• Moderate to high priority for recovery (within 24–48 hours).
• Public communications and case intake must remain functional, or alternative workarounds must be implemented.

CBF-3: Workplace Fairness and Legislative Support (Alignment with MOM Policy Objectives)

Function Description:

TAL supports implementation and operationalisation of workplace fairness legislation and provides input into government policy development based on workplace trends and feedback.

Criticality to BCM:

• Interruptions may affect ongoing engagements with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and key stakeholders on policy decisions.
• Failure to deliver timely data or reports could hinder legislative planning and responses to national issues.

Continuity Requirement:

• Moderate priority for recovery (within 48 hours).
• Remote access to policy data, collaborative tools, and secure communications with MOM are essential.

CBF-1:

Public Engagement and Outreach Programmes

Function Description:

TAL organises workshops, seminars, and campaigns to raise awareness on fair employment and dispute resolution. It also disseminates thought leadership through publications, digital channels, and webinars.

Criticality to BCM:

• Disruption may lead to the cancellation or rescheduling of high-profile events, which can affect a company's reputation and stakeholder confidence.
• Loss of outreach continuity can reduce the effectiveness of long-term public education initiatives.

Continuity Requirement:

• Low-to-moderate priority (recovery within 72 hours).
• Digital platforms should be backed up, and alternative communication methods should be prepared in case of an emergency.

CBF-5: Digital Platforms and Knowledge Resources Management

Function Description:

TAL operates and maintains several public-facing websites (e.g., TAFEP.sg, TADM.sg, FairWork.sg), knowledge repositories, and self-help tools that support both employers and employees.

Criticality to BCM:

• These platforms are essential for self-service and information dissemination, especially during times of crisis.
• Outages or misinformation could lead to increased complaints and pressure on call centres and advisory services.

Continuity Requirement:

• High priority for immediate recovery (within 4–8 hours).
• Cloud-based infrastructure, real-time status monitoring, and alternate content delivery methods are necessary.

CBF-6: Internal Operations: HR, Finance, and IT Support

Function Description:

While not external-facing, these internal functions ensure that TAL’s workforce is supported, vendors are paid, and systems remain operational.

Criticality to BCM:

• Payroll and access to secure systems must continue during a disruption to ensure staff wellbeing and operational continuity.
• IT systems support remote work arrangements and data security, which are foundational for other functions to run.

Continuity Requirement:

• HR and payroll functions require minimal disruption (recovery within 24 hours).
• IT helpdesk and infrastructure must support all remote and hybrid work operations with strong cybersecurity safeguards.

Summary of TAL’s Critical Business Functions

Summary Table: Prioritisation of TAL’s Critical Functions

Summing Up...

The successful implementation of Business Continuity Management at Tripartite Alliance Limited hinges on the accurate identification and prioritisation of its critical business functions.

These functions not only maintain operational efficiency but also uphold public trust in Singapore’s employment ecosystem.

The ability to continue TAL’s services with minimal disruption during a crisis ensures that its tripartite mission remains resilient and reliable.

As such, the BCM framework must remain aligned with TAL’s functional responsibilities, stakeholder expectations, and national obligations.

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