Continued from Page 8 PROCESSES OF BUSINESSS CONTINUITY PLANNING BCP is a systematic, methodical and logical process. The BCP concept, principles, processes and practices for incidents and events that preceded COVID-19 were well developed in global literature. They stood the test of time and many incidents. However, the COVID 19 pandemic is truly unprecedented. That reality does not remove the value of BCP for other threats. We will highlight some of those BCP techniques succinctly, as a means of encouraging a greater commitment to BCP among the public services in CARICAD member states for all threats, hazards and incidents. POLICY ADJUSTMENTS These policy adjustments are among the ones that should be catered for in BCP. Attendance at work during crises and afterwards Payment of salaries and wages Welfare and relief supplies for staff Emergency leave Emergency “overnighting” on the work compound if necessary Accommodation for and special treatment of family members of staff Use of official vehicles Procurement procedures Liability concerns Good Samaritan protection Emergency storage for dangerous and hazardous equipment and materials Re-deployment of staff Creation of ad hoc teams Use of office equipment Remote work and flexi time Interfacing with the media BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING PRINCIPLES FOR RESILIENCE Some of the best established planning principles of BCP are those shown below. Be comprehensive: deal with likely hazards from all sources Be current; review BCP plans regularly and keep them updated Include Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with strategic partners Share with all staff and support partners Conduct drills, rehearsals and tabletop and other exercises to build capacity Include BCP sessions in orientations for new staff Ensure that responsibilities are assigned clearly and updated as required Practice emergency evacuation procedures Involve strategic partners in exercises Continues on next page 9
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