MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION

(1)

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment

(2)

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment | 1

Caring about standards and demonstrating this to customers, shareholders and the local community is rightly viewed as an important feature of responsible management. Introducing management systems based on recognised standards can play a critical role in this process. Having taken that step, achieving formal certification will send a clear message about your commitment and should give you access to a wealth of industry

‘best practice’ information from your certification body.

It will come as no surprise that the most successful companies view their management systems as a vital business tool and far from being a burden they have the potential to make a significant difference to the bottom line. Some of the key benefits are:

• Operational efficiencies and cost savings

• Supports legislative compliance, significantly reducing the potential for failure

• Opens the door to new business, as certification is often a condition of supply

• Sends a clear message about your commitment to the sustainability, quality and health and safety agendas

• Provides a framework for continuous improvement, increasing staff morale

Formal Certification – Burden or Benefit?

Obtaining certification to

ISO 14001 has certainly made a difference to our bottom line by forcing us to look critically at our waste management systems.

Some of our waste streams are now making money

VCA Customer

(4)

(5)

We would have no hesitation in recommending the services of the VCA to other companies. Based on what we have seen it

is difficult to suggest any improvements to their service

VCA Customer Choosing the right certification partner is one of the most

important elements of the certification process. There are a bewildering number of service providers out there but you should look for one that will add value to the overall process.

Our service is based on the cornerstones of integrity, professionalism, quality and the very best customer service. We will:

• Provide audit teams that have real experience of the issues you face

• Look for opportunities for improvement, based on experience and ‘best practice’ within your sector

• Provide a dedicated support team

• Provide clear pricing information with no hidden extras

• Promote stable relationships with your audit team, you won’t see a different person every time

• Provide integrated certification programmes to save you money (environmental, quality and health and safety) VCA is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) against ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and Acorn. In addition to this, VCA is recognised by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) against

ISO/TS 16949. VCA can also issue certification to the energy management standard, ISO 50001. VCA has a client base ranging from SMEs to multi-national companies and meets their needs from offices around the world. Our aim is to help you to succeed.

Why VCA?

(6)

(7)

ISO 14001 is the current environmental management system (EMS) standard, providing a model for you to follow when creating and applying your environmental policy. Focusing on the issues that really matter, ISO 14001 is designed to help you achieve consistent regulatory compliance, whilst embedding the concept of continuous improvement at the heart of everything. Key requirements of the standard include:

• Creation of an environmental policy

• Appreciation of your environmental issues and their potential impact

• Formalisation of control systems and monitoring processes

• Communication of your policy and approach to staff and stakeholders

• The setting of targets and objectives

• Compliance with relevant legislation

An increasing number of companies are seeking to back-up their processes with formal ISO certification and the following potential benefits explain why:

• Sends a clear message about your commitment to the sustainability agenda

ISO 14001

VCA is an accredited certification body and can offer you the following:

• Certification and training delivered by professional auditors with real experience of your sector and the issues you face

• Gap analysis to help you identify the areas of your EMS that might need more work before certification

To find out more about our specific offering see the section entitled ‘Why VCA?’

My first experience of a VCA audit, which I found professionally delivered and productive

VCA Customer

(8)

(9)

ACORN (A PHASED APPROACH)

The inspection process was professional and done in a friendly manner whilst highlighting the key areas for improvement to attain ISO 14001. The auditor is a credit to your organisation

VCA Customer

You may have a desire to improve your environmental performance, demonstrating your commitment to customers, staff and the wider community but your organisation may not be ready to move to formal ISO certification in the short- term. There can be a number of potential reasons for this with pressure on resources being just one. However, this needn’t stop you moving forward using staged implementation schemes like the IEMA backed Acorn certification.

The Acorn scheme is broken down into 6 manageable phases (defined in BS 8555) and provides a road map to ultimate implementation of an EMS to either ISO 14001 or EMAS.

Achievement criteria exist for each of the 6 phases, with certified recognition of success along the way. Some of the benefits are:

• You can move towards ISO 14001 or EMAS certification at your own pace, which is ideal for companies with limited resources

• Formal certification is available on completion of each phase, which sends a clear message on commitment

• A listing on the IEMA Acorn Register, which is a valuable data source for potential customers looking for suppliers

• Potential operation efficiencies and exposure to new business, where certification is often a condition of supply

• You don’t need to complete all of the stages as each is registered in its own right

Accredited, Independent Inspection

A system of independent verification is at the core of the scheme. Inspection bodies are approved by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and VCA is one such body. When choosing an inspection body you should look for one that can add value to the process. VCA is part of government and has extensive experience in the certification arena with client base ranging from multi-nationals to SMEs.

(10)

PHASES OF ACORN

Phase 1 – Commitment & Establishing the Baseline

Stage 1 – Top Management Commitment Stage 2 – Baseline Assessment

Stage 3 – Draft Environmental Policy

Stage 4 – Develop Environmental Performance Indicators Stage 5 – Draft EMS Implementation Plan

Stage 6 – Training and Awareness

Stage 7 – Initiate Continual Improvement Actions

Phase 2 – Identifying & Ensuring Compliance with Legal, & Other Requirements

Stage 1 – Identify All Legal Requirements Stage 2 – Identify the ‘Other’ Requirements Stage 3 – Checking Compliance

Stage 4 – Ensuring Compliance

Stage 5 – Develop Indicators Relating to Compliance & Liability

Phase 3 – Developing Objectives, Targets and Programmes

Stage 1 – Evaluation of Environmental Aspects Stage 2 – Finalise the Environmental Policy Stage 3 – Developing Objectives and Targets

Stage 4 – Establishing Indicators for Environmental Performance Evaluation

Stage 5 – Developing the Environmental Management Programme Stage 6 – Developing Operational Control Procedures

Stage 7 – Launching Environmental Policy, Objectives, Targets and Indicators

Phase 4 – Implementation and Operation of the EMS

Stage 1 – Finalise Management Structure & Responsibilities Stage 2 – Training, Awareness and Competence, Plans and Records Stage 3 – Establishing and Maintaining Formal Communication Stage 4 – Documentation and Record Keeping

Stage 5 – Reviewing & Testing Emergency Preparedness & Response Stage 6 – Developing Indicators for the Environmental Management

System

Phase 5 – Audit & Review

Stage 1 – Establishing EMS Audit Programmes

Stage 2 – Correcting Non-Conformances & taking Preventative Action.

Stage 3 – Management Review

Stage 4 – Improving Environmental Performance Stage 5 – Improving the EMS

Phase 6

This phase is available to those organisations wishing to prepare for certification to ISO 14001 or EMAS

(11)

Based on ISO 14001, EMAS is a voluntary EC Regulation aimed at supporting the management of environmental impacts. The key difference from the ISO 14001 standard is that EMAS incorporates the requirement to publicly report on performance in this area.

As you might expect, the potential benefits are similar to those outlined for ISO 14001 with one key addition, so:

• Sends a clear message about your commitment to the sustainability agenda

• Public reporting provides complete transparency in terms of performance

VCA is qualified as a corporate environmental verifier and can offer the following services in this area:

• Assessment and training delivered by professional auditors with real experience of your sector and the issues you face. Assessment can be carried out in conjunction with certification to ISO 14001 if required

• Gap analysis to help you identify the areas of your EMS that might need more work before certification

ECO-MANAGEMENT & AUDIT SCHEME (EMAS)

(12)

ECO-MANAGEMENT & AUDIT SCHEME (EMAS)

First time we have used VCA’s services. We found everyone we have dealt with to be pleasant, helpful and professional in the execution of their duties.

VCA Customer

(13)

ISO 50001

ISO 50001:2011 relates to energy management and is a voluntary, internationally recognised standard, which outlines the requirements for an energy management system (EnMS). The structure of this standard is similar to ISO 14001 and ISO 9001, which should support implementation, as well as its integration into existing management systems.

ISO 50001 will be relevant to organisations of all shapes and sizes but will be of particular interest to those operating in energy intensive environments. Key elements of the standard include:

• Continual improvement of energy performance

• Creation of an energy policy

• Prioritisation of issues affecting energy use and efficiency

• Supporting the reduction of costs and Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by setting objectives and targets for the identification of saving opportunities

• Formalising control systems and monitoring processes, Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) approach

• Evaluation of compliance with legal and other requirements

• Systematic review of the EnMS by top management

• Assists organisations in making better use of existing energy consuming assets

Energy management is rightly high on the business agenda and benefits that can arise from effective management make it easy to see why, they include:

• Promotes a focus on energy as a valuable and costly resource

• Provides a better understanding of energy use

• More conscious energy design and procurement practices

• Straightforward integration with other management systems, i.e. ISO 9001 & 14001 as it has common elements across the management system standards

• Maximises use of energy sources and energy related assets – could reduce energy cost and consumption

• Reduces GHG emissions and other environmental impacts

• Supports the growing demand within industry to gain international recognition

During audits staff are always professional and demonstrate a high level of industry knowledge

VCA Customer

(14)

(15)

The latest addition to the VCA environmental product portfolio, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a process that evaluates the environmental burdens associated with a product, process or activity. This is done by identifying energy and materials used, as well as wastes and emissions released into the environment. LCA verification means that a product or service has been produced following the ISO 14040, ISO 14044 and ISO 14062 norms.

Put simply, ISO 14062 covers the integration of environmental aspects into the design and development of a product, as well as how recyclable it is. The other two standards, ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 provide principles and guidance for life cycle assessments.

VCA has conducted assessments for companies in the automotive sector, bringing to bear more than 30 years experience in this area.

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT

VCA can offer the following services in this area:

• Assessment and training delivered by professional auditors with real experience of your sector and the issues you face. Assessment can be carried out in conjunction with certification to ISO 14001 if required

• Gap analysis to help you identify the areas that might need more work before certification

(16)

As part of our preliminary

discussions VCA has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and understanding of what is a complex study

VCA Customer

(17)

For many years now the ISO family of standards have existed as an effective framework around which to base quality management systems. By far the most commonly used standard is ISO 9001 as it can really be applied in any sector. The latest iteration of the standard contains 5 main clauses, including:

• Quality Management System

• Management responsibilities

• Resource management

• Product realisation

• Measurement analysis and improvement

An increasing number of companies are seeking to back-up their processes with formal ISO certification and the following potential benefits explain why:

• Increases customer confidence

• Focussed sector scheme, allowing for a common approach

ISO 9001

• Gap analysis to help you identify the areas of your quality system that might need more work before certification To find out more about our specific offering see the section entitled ‘Why VCA?’

My first experience of a VCA audit, which I found professionally delivered and productive

VCA Customer

(18)

(19)

Historically, managing risk in business has tended to focus on the quality of the product supplied to the customer. In recent years the more successful companies have seen this as only part of the story. Taking a holistic approach, considering quality, as well as environmental and health and safety issues can have a positive impact on your business.

Utilising the same approach as the environmental standard ISO 14001, the aim of the OHSAS 18001 specification is to provide a framework for a safe and healthy working environment. The specification also provides guidelines on how to integrate health and safety policies into your overall management system. Key requirements of the standard include:

• Creation of a health and safety policy

• Appreciation of your health and safety issues and their potential impacts

• Formulation of control systems and monitoring processes

• Communication of your policy and approach to staff and stakeholders

• Establishing objectives and targets

• Compliance with relevant legislation

OHSAS 18001 (HEALTH & SAFETY)

An increasing number of companies are seeking to back-up their processes with formal certification and the following potential benefits explain why:

• Demonstrates a clear commitment to providing a safe working environment

• Delivers cost savings by minimising risks to your workforce

• Improves operational efficiency

• Reduces the potential impact of failing to meet legislative requirements

• Gap analysis to help you identify the areas of your system that might need more work before certification

VCA bring the experience and practical approach required to audit and add value to our Health and Safety management system in what is a changing industry like waste management

VCA Customer

(20)

(21)

Adding value to the management systems certification process is a cornerstone of our service. With that in mind we have developed a secure, web-based system that allows our global customer base to manage their certification activities. Using Microsoft SharePoint as a foundation, the system offers real efficiencies and benefits, including:

Promotes Collaborative Process – The system acts as a central hub for customers and our auditors, ensuring that documentation and information is easily accessible in one place and at the click of a button.

Document and Action Requests - SharePoint provides a secure collaborative environment for all audit related documents. It also provides:

• Secure document transfer

• Single document repository

• Version and access control

Audit Participant Alerting - Alerts are delivered directly to e-mail in-box or handheld devices:

• Important date notifications

• Non-conformance closure due dates

• Document and action requests

Increased Audit Process Transparency - Provides clients with a clear view of audit status, non-conformance issues and steps to resolution

Universal Reporting Capabilities - Reporting across National and International business units allows company wide trends to be quantified and analysed.

VCA GLOBAL ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (GEMS)

Intuitive Tab-Based Navigation - Users can navigate quickly and efficiently to the relevant parts of the system and where actions are required the user is taken straight to the action screen(s).

Customers full control over the access rights, based on the individual’s involvement in the audit process or their level of oversight. Clients have:

• Full: Total administrative control by the client

• Partial: Access across business segments

• Restricted: Access limited to specific audits, standards and sites

VCA’s Hub and Spoke Architecture - The system is controlled from VCA’s HQ in Bristol, GeMS ensures a standard Global process is executed in all offices in all regions. Clients gain the same benefits also, as their view and operation of the system is uniform, no matter where their operational centres are.

(22)

First time we have used VCA’s services. We found everyone we have dealt with to be pleasant, helpful and professional in the execution of their duties.

VCA Customer

(23)

INTEGRATED CERTIFICATION

An integrated Business

Management System needs integrated, value-added audits and excellent

understanding by the auditor. That is why we chose VCA as our certification partner

VCA Customer

Increasingly, companies are taking a holistic view of their management systems, choosing to obtain integrated certification across the quality, environmental and health and safety spectrum.

There are clearly a number of benefits to doing this, not least potential savings in the cost of certification.

VCA has the ability to provide integrated certification and will work with you to ensure that you obtain maximum benefit from this approach. VCA can offer the following services in this area:

• Assessment and training delivered by professional auditors with real experience of your sector and the issues you face.

• Gap analysis to help you identify the areas that might need more work before certification

(24)

VCA SERVICES

Certification & Training to:

ISO/TS 16949 (Auto Quality) ISO 9001 (Quality) ISO 14001 (Environmental) Acorn (Staged Environmental)

EMAS (Environmental) ISO 50001 (Energy Management)

Life Cycle Assessments OHSAS 18001 (Health & Safety)

Product Certification Vehicle Type Approval

(25)

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment

Eastgate Road Eastville Bristol BS5 6XX

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vca/world-map.asp

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION

Contents

Formal Certification – Burden or Benefit?

Why VCA?

ISO 14001

ACORN (A PHASED APPROACH)

PHASES OF ACORN

ECO-MANAGEMENT & AUDIT SCHEME (EMAS)

ECO-MANAGEMENT & AUDIT SCHEME (EMAS)

ISO 50001

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT

ISO 9001

OHSAS 18001 (HEALTH & SAFETY)

VCA GLOBAL ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (GEMS)

INTEGRATED CERTIFICATION

VCA SERVICES