Business Continuity Planning 2021
Current at 15 February 2021
As the Government reintroduces Alert Levels 2 and 3 to New Zealand it is important to reconnect with planning and values-based decision making, it’s important to plan not react.
The below framework was developed last year, and while the emphasis is on Alert Level 3 and Alert Level 4 the tools and framework are just as valid today.
Check New Zealand's current Alert Level's here.
How the tool works
We will take you through 4 stages of planning:
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Post it note download
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Develop a plan
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Identify the actions
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Start doing the actions
Values Led Decision-Making
When deciding what to do always start with your own personal values and the values of your business. How you want to be treated and therefore how you treat others should be the starting points for deciding how you respond to everyone you come into contact with.
Let's get your planning started…
Planning not Reacting
Start with clearing your head:
1. Grab some post it notes/paper anything
2. One idea or thought per piece of paper
3. List the first 5 or 10 things that you are thinking about right now, one per page
Develop your plan
Your business is operating in one of four states:
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Essential Services fully functioning (you are still required to put in place alternative ways of working to keep employees safe, including shift-based working, staggered meal breaks, flexible leave arrangements, and physical distancing)
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Essential Services partially functioning (same requirements as above)
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Virtual/Remote Working
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Not Working
Wider Business Planning
Don’t overthink this!
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Pick the 2 or 3 most important areas of your business to think about (prompt list below)
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In each area jot down the key issues
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Then go back over your list and note down your response to each issue
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Review your list
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Write down the three actions that you need to take today…then start!
Ensure you consider the following:
While the Auckland transition to Alert Level 3 is for only a few days this could change very quickly for Auckland or the rest of the country. We, therefore, need to be prepared for the possibility that we will all be moved into Alert Level 3 with little notice.
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How does Auckland moving to Alert Level 3 affect your supply chain? Make a plan for building an alternative supply chain and securing your supply of key materials.
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Do you have key customers in Auckland, therefore, what is the impact on your sales? You may have a cash collection risk if Auckland businesses are in Alert Level 3 for a prolonged period.
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Proactively contact customers and make them comfortable with your health & safety policies if they are visiting your premises
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What are the staffing decisions you need to think about due to the implications on your supply chain, production process, and sales pipeline? Ensure that you have a consultation process around varied hours.
- Review your Alert Level 3 operating procedures – See our Alert Level 3 Checklist
- See our blog How to communicate your Alert Level 3 Plan with your Team
- Working hours – See our blog How many hours do I need my employees to work?
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Securing supply for a transition back to Level 2 so that you can restart production and sales quickly
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Check on your team, friends and family. Be safe.
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Update your financial forecasts and determine funding requirements.
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Implement your Alert Level 2 Operating Procedures.
Make sure you think opportunity… where is the opportunity, don't just focus on problems. There are always opportunities!
Turn your Business Continuity Plan into an Action Plan
Get in touch!
Have a go at building your initial plan, if you require support from Velocite business advisors, we can support you for:
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Business decision making for decisions that need to be made now
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Helping you to prepare a simple Business Continuity Plan for operating effectively during the different Alert Level restrictions
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Helping you to prepare a simple 3-month cash forecast to assist with decision making
If you need support with your planning please email our team at covid19@velocite.co.nz
Make sure you send us your draft Business Continuity Plan!