ISO 9001 - Quality Management Systems (QMS)

   Assure clients / customers that all applicable requirements will be met

Quality Management Systems help to prevent avoidable errors through the development and implementation of systems documentation, planning, communicating, training, auditing, data analysis and reviews. QMS also help to promote 'Right First Time' & 'Continual Improvement' ideals, thus improving customer satisfaction by preventing errors, rather than by correcting mistakes!

A 'Guarantee' or 'Warranty' is no replacement for 'Quality' and should only be a last resort. The suitability of, and customers' satisfaction with, products and services is the true indicator of quality, which cannot be 'Inspected' into products and services. Having a quality policy and philosophy requires active top management commitment as part of a continual journey towards excellence!

   ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

   Assure all parties of effective environmental protection measures

Environmental Management Systems require an environmental policy, objectives, targets and control measures to reduce adverse environmental impacts. EMS help to reduce operating costs and contribute to environmental / ecological sustainability, conservation and improvement. Having an internationally recognised environmental certificate provides proof of environmental commitment.

Major changes in the world's climate, economic principles and politics are causing many organisations to develop and implement environmental improvement programmes in day to day work processes. EMS can help to achieve and maintain significant environmental changes, particularly with active staff participation, especially when they are motivated and encouraged by top management!

   OHSAS 18001 - Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems (SMS)

   Assure staff of effective occupational health & safety control measures

Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems create a Health & Safety 'Culture' for staff working in high-risk and hazardous environments. By operating an SMS work 'Hazards' are identified, 'Risks' are assessed, controlled and minimised, staff are trained, health & safety practices are enhanced and 'Safety Awareness' is improved, for the benefit of everyone in the workplace.

Occupational health & safety is well regulated in many countries, with organisations relying on external safety 'Inspections' rather than implementing inherently safe working practices. SMS can achieve and sustain health & safety improvements and long-term benefits, particularly with top management commitment, active management participation and leadership with good examples.

   IMS - Integrated Management Systems (IMS)

   Assure quality, whilst protecting the environment and occ. health & safety

Integrated Management Systems combine common elements to link business functions together with corporate vision, mission, policy, objectives and targets. Implementing an IMS should aim to enhance and reinforce existing good management practices, rather than changing the way processes are undertaken, supervised and managed. The integration of management system processes saves time!

A major benefit of an IMS is to not repeat common activities, thus saving staff time and money. IMS help organisations take a 'Major Step' on the never ending continual improvement journey, where staff are motivated and supported by top management to deliver and sustain their best work. Integrated management systems also help to focus managers and staff on key work processes.

   ISO 22000 / HACCP / BRC - Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS)

   Assure customers at all levels regarding food safety protection measures

ISO 22000, HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point) and BRC (British Retail Consortium) Management Systems for processing and handling foodstuffs apply to food for human consumption. FSMS food hygiene control requirements seek to prevent food borne injury, ill-health and fatality! FSMS certification is becoming a mandatory requirement in the food supply chain.

Food hygiene control protocols are established, implemented and audited throughout the food supply chain to protect the health of food processors, handlers and consumers. Hazard identification, risk assessment and practical control measures help to manage and eliminate potential contamination sources. Food hygiene standards are a basic human right, where FSMS help to protect health and life.

   ISO 50001 - Energy Management Systems (EnMS)

   Help organisations to reduce energy consumption and operating costs

NOTE: Energy 'types' include - electricity, fuels, steam, heat, compressed air, and other like media.

Energy Management Systems require the establishment of an energy policy, objectives, targets and energy planning to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption. EnMS help to reduce operating costs and contribute to effective environmental & ecological sustainability, conservation and continual improvement. Achieving EnMS certification provides further proof of environmental commitment.

EnMS establish systems and processes to improve energy performance, including energy efficiency, use and consumption. Benefits include reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy costs and environmental impacts, by systematically managing energy. EnMS apply to all types and sizes of organisations, where the success of the system depends on commitment by top management!

   FSC-CoC - Forest Stewardship Council - Chain of Custody

   Ensure end-users are more accountable for limited global natural resources

The Forest Stewardship Council is an independent, non-governmental, and not for profit organisation that promotes responsible management of sustainable forests. The FSC trademark recognises organisations with responsible forestry management, and provides independently certified products. Recycled and recyclable timber-based materials are covered by FSC systems.

As concerns about dwindling forest resources increase, FSC certification denotes companies who comply with social & environmental standards. FSC certification can protect brand recognition and facilitate access to environmentally sensitive markets, many of which specify FSC products only! The sustainability of our limited planetary resources is a rapidly increasing concern worldwide.

   ISO 27001 - Information Security Management Systems (ISMS)

   Help companies to protect their sensitive information in any type of media

Information Security Management Systems create a work environment where the potential for data loss and corruption is minimised. By operating an ISMS, inherent vulnerabilities are identified, threats are reduced, staff are trained and information security measures are enhanced. The increasing use and dependence on IT systems and records demands high-levels of data protection.

Information security requirements are mandated in many countries to avoid damaging losses and corruption of sensitive data. ISMS help to achieve significant improvements in day-to-day operational work practices, particularly with top management commitment and support. The inexorable demand for information, and access thereto, requires stringent controls to prevent abuse.