Pandemic Emergency Response

Cherub understand that many organisations are implementing Business Continuity Plans (BCP) as a result of COVID-19. Some BCP’s do not contain a Pandemic Emergency Response (PER) component, which can be quickly actioned, in the event of a biological pandemic affecting Australia.

“Just 12% of more than 1,500 people polled in a Gartner business continuity webinar on March 6 believe their businesses are highly prepared for the impact of coronavirus, while 26% believe that the virus will have little or no impact on their business.”1

It is more than frightening to consider the impacts to businesses through a, potentially, prolonged bio-pandemic. In the WHO statement of 12 March, the current COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have significant, lengthy impacts of between 12 – 18 months.

“Even just a few moments of downtime can be costly, so it is essential that firms implement sound business continuity procedures…In fact, more than 40% of businesses will never reopen after a major natural disaster.”1

All businesses should document and be aware of their priorities. These priorities need to be aligned to their responsibilities and obligations to staff and customers. Capabilities required to support the business during the significantly changed business environment must be ensured.

                 

                                                                                           1Gartner Research 2020

What You Need to Think About

Technology suppliers & internal IT are now under significant pressure to provide new and expanded services to their customers during this biological disaster. It is critical that your organisation adequately prepares & adjusts for both immediate and long-term disruption to current business models which will, potentially, determine the survival (or not) of the business.

Immediate action is required in order to meet escalating technology demands affecting workplace entry restrictions, social distancing and other potential regulations which may prevent normal BAU interactions.

Simply “holding” suppliers to current SLAs and business outcomes will NOT ensure the ability for your business to continue operations, as these SLAs may become impractical to enforce.

Businesses need to develop an approach of “Minimum Viable Operations (MVO)” and, then, slowly expand back toward BAU.

 

Cherub Pandemic Support Process

The Cherub Pandemic Support Process is comprised of 4 steps:

• Review current BCP (and PER Plan, if available) to understand the business’ priorities and action strategy.

• Review supporting Technology-related requirements:

  • Assess adequacy of current IT contracts/internal operational agreements to meet Crisis Response Requirements (e.g. Remote Working capabilities, Service Levels, Infrastructure, etc.).

  • Agree interim Technology Requirements during crisis period.

  • Identify Suppliers (incumbent or new) to provide interim Technology Requirements.

• Negotiate short-term “Micro-Deals” with existing and/or additional suppliers to deliver on Crisis Management requirements.

• Provide oversight/QA of technical contract change implementation.

 

 

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Longer Term

Once business returns to a more normal level of operations it will be appropriate to review your services contracts for:

• On demand support for surges in demand of operations.  This can be for a wide variety of reasons most typically associated with business demand.

• Support during security attacks that can severely impact business operations.

• Flexibility to move support from one area of IT support to another as required.

Cherub can support you in these reviews and updates to contracts.  We understand how to align business requirements with sourcing contracts, as well as understanding how to effectively work with vendors to meet required outcomes.

 

Please contact any of your Cherub team for assistance:

Mark Sturt          mark.sturt@cherubconsulting.com.au                                  0411 141 618

Mark McGrath   mark.mcgrath@cherubconsulting.com.au                            0437 171 717