Step 2: Secure Leadership Commitment
A critical step in the planning process is securing top management's commitment and leadership in developing and implementing the EMS.
Leadership and commitment are extremely important components of an effective EMS.
To ensure success, top management should make sure that EMS goals are consistent with other organizational goals and that they are clearly and frequently communicated across the entire organization.
Leadership and commitment to the purpose and goals of the EMS can be demonstrated when:
- Lead by example through personal actions.
- Take responsibility and accountability for the overall success and failures of the EMS.
- Show involvement in EMS activities during audits.
- Assign and assess environmental goals during performance appraisals.
- Keep records of staff meeting notes discussing EMS value and requirements.
- Use corrective action assignments to improve EMS effectiveness.
- Include top management in management review meeting reports.
- Consider internal and external issues when setting EMS policies and objectives.
- Align functional units with EMS priorities and responsibilities.
- Focus on environmental performance even when business goals conflict.
- Provide resources like staff time, training, funds, and equipment.
- Set and share improvement priorities using data, audits, and reviews.
- Employees confirm management support through their own statements.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. Which action best demonstrates that top management "owns" the EMS?
You forgot to answer the question!