Environmental Management

Articles and resources relating how to manage an organisations impact on the environment (environmental management) with a specific focus on integrating management systems.

Open for Auditing

The management of certification audits

Since 1992 I’ve been audited to a range of standards including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS 4801, OHSAS 18001 and ISO 17025 (sometimes for management systems I developed and sometimes for systems that were thrust upon me). I have conducted factory audits for product marking schemes, certification audits, internal audits and 2nd party audits and over the years I’ve learnt some techniques which I thought may assist you.

I believe there are two alternate approaches to audit management. Both have merit, but the one you choose is dependent on your situation. The ‘lock-down’ approach tends to be adopted where persons are uncomfortable with the audit situation or where the management systems is immature, while the open approach is synonymous with optimising. Read on to find out which approach you should take. Read article

By admin, ago

Are Certification Bodies all the same?

Many companies select an Accredited Body (or Certification Body) on the basis of having the most recognised certification marks. Those marks can justify the purchasing decision, but there can be good reasons to consider others. Apart from the different marks, the certificate they issue has the same status whichever Certification Body issues it.  With this in mind, you might want to consider other factors when selecting a Certification Body.

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By admin, ago

Can you trust your management system? And should you care?

Trust is a big word and as the marketing gurus tell us building up brand trust is vitally important to the brand success, but it is hard won. The success of a Management System works in a similar way. Users need to trust the management system in order for it to be used and therefore for it to be of benefit to the organisation. This article explores what your management system needs to establish that trust. Read article

By admin, ago