8 Tips to ensure your fighting fit for the Olympics.
Many in the childcare profession have raised concerns on about what impact the games could have on childcare provision. Purnima Tanuku OBE, chief executive of the NDNA said “Most nurseries have business continuity plans in place so it is a case of reviewing and extending these plans to cover the disruptions which are expected during the Games.”
Dates for the Games
• Olympics: 27 July – 12 August 2012
• Paralympics: 29 August – 9 September 2012.
1 Build on current business continuity plans
Your company should have existing business continuity plans, build on these and see how they can be adapted to meet the impacts of this disruption. The primary impact of the Olympics will be on people through disruption to the daily lives of all those working in London or near venues.
2 Staff working arrangements
Transport networks will be stretched as hundreds of thousands more people use trains and buses. This means staff may not be able to get into work as easily as usual. Consider flexible working during the Games. Remember that your staff may also request holiday to volunteer during the Games or see events so you will need to ensure you have identified your critical business processes and minimum staffing levels to maintain these during this period.
3 Develop a communications strategy
Good communications, both internally and externally, will be essential to minimise the impact of the Olympics on your organisation and allow the wheels to roll on smoothly.
4 Review security arrangements
As spectators pour into the Capital and Live Sites across the UK, security is a paramount concern. Make sure your security procedures are robust and staff are aware of any changes well in advance. Ensure all risk assessments are up to date and that your existing plans for evacuations still work in this unique environment.
5 Proximity to Olympic venue sites
Understand where the Venue sites are and how they could potentially impact your business. In the event that your business is located near to an Olympic venue, make sure you have arrangements in place should you be unable to gain access to your workplace due to any control measures imposed by the police.
6 Verify your supplier distribution channels
With widespread transport disruption likely, ensure you have assessed who and where your key suppliers are, and how they will be operating over the period. Identify potential issues and make alternative arrangements in the event thaV your suppliers are unable to deliver including factoring in extra time for deliveries.
7 Review your service level agreements
Are your suppliers contracted to the Olympics? The Games will take priority in terms of service delivery so you may find that any problems you have with IT, telecoms, utilities or facilities, for example, may not be resolved as quickly as usual.
8 Nominate an Olympic update team/person
Arrange for a team or individual to keep abreast of the Games’ development, monitor news and identify situations that could result in disruption to your business.
Source: National Day Nurseries Association, Olympic factsheet
