MANAGEMENT

SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION
FROM AUTOMOTIVE SPECIALISTS

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment

Contents

Pg

2 Formal Certification Burden or Benefit?

Why VCA?

ISO/TS 16949 (Automotive Quality)

ISO 9001

Life Cycle Assessment

10

ISO 14001

12

Acorn (A Phased Approach)

14

Eco-Management & Audit Scheme (EMAS)

16

OHSAS 18001 (Health & Safety)

18

Integrated Certification

19

Training

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment | 1

Obtaining certification to ISO 14001 has certainly made a difference to our bottom link by forcing us to look critically at our waste management systems. Some of our waste streams are now actually making money
VCA Customer

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

Why VCA? Fo r mal C ertification Burden or Benefit?

Providing a quality product in a sustainable way and caring for your workforce are rightly viewed as important features 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 stronger 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 to quality, sustainability and the welfare of your workforce Improved performance, providing a framework for continuous improvement, increasing staff morale 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. VCA is a specialist in the automotive sector, having supported the certification needs of the industry for more than 30 years. This means that our expert auditors have a comprehensive insight into every aspect of your business. It also means that we bring a significant amount of industry best practice practice to the table and this is often cited as a key reason why customers choose VCA as their certification partner.VCA is also the UK national type approval authority, certifying most vehicle types against the appropriate environmental, safety and security standards. This too means that we have an expert understanding of legislation and the process of vehicle certification. 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 wont see a different person every time Provide integrated certification programmes to save you
money (Quality, Environmental and Health & 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 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.

2 | Environmental Management Systems Certification

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment | 3

ISO/TS 16949 (Automotive Quality)

ISO/TS 16949 was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), in cooperation with the International Standards Organisation (ISO). The aim of this standard is to provide harmonised quality systems within the automotive supply chain, resulting in a focussed and consistent approach. The standard is based on the structure of ISO 9001 and the specific requirements of the automotive quality standard. ISO/TS 16949:2009 aligns with ISO 9001:2008. Key points include: Improved product and process quality Additional confidence in global sourcing Reassignment of supplier resources to quality improvement Common quality system approach in the supply chain for supplier/sub-contractor development and consistency Reduction in multiple 3rd party registrations Potential benefits of formal certification include: Operational efficiencies and cost savings Opens the door to new business as certification is often a condition of supply Sends a clear message about your commitment Increases customer confidence Provides a framework for continuous improvement, increasing staff morale
As automotive specialists,VCA was the first UK certification body to be recognised by the IATF to this standard. Existing customers value the experience that our expert auditors can bring to the table, including a significant level of industry best practice. An excellent indication of this is the list of OEMs that have chosen to use VCA as their certification partner, including Jaguar, Land Rover, Bentley, McLaren,Volkswagen Autoeuropa and Hyundai (Alabama). To find our more about our specific offering see the section entitled Why VCA?

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

VCA Customer

4 | Environmental Management Systems Certification

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment | 5

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

ISO 9001
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: Operational efficiencies and cost savings Increases customer confidence Opens the door to new business as certification is often a condition of supply Focussed sector scheme, allowing for a common approach Provides a framework for continuous improvement, increasing staff morale

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 quality system that might need more work before certification To find our more about our specific offering see the section entitled Why VCA?

6 | Environmental Management Systems Certification

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment | 7

LIFE CyCLE ASSESSMENT

As part of our preliminary discussions VCA has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and understanding of what is a complex study
VCA Customer

The latest addition to our 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.

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

8 | Environmental Management Systems Certification

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment | 9

ISO 14001

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: 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 agenda
Provides a framework for continuous improvement, increasing staff morale

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 our more about our specific offering see the section entitled Why VCA?

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

10 | Environmental Management Systems Certification

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment | 11

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

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

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

ACOrN (A PHASED APPrOACH)

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 shortterm. There can be a number of potential reasons for this with pressure on resources being just one. However, this neednt stop you moving forward using staged implementation schemes like the IEMA backed Acorn certification. The Acorn scheme is broken down into 5 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 5 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 dont need to complete all of the stages as each is
registered in its own right

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 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 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

Ac c re di t e d, I nde pe nde nt I ns pe c tion

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.

Phase 6
This phase is available to those organisations wishing to prepare for certification to ISO 14001 or EMAS

12 | Environmental Management Systems Certification

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment | 13

ECO-MANAgEMENT & AUDIT SCHEME (EMAS)

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: 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 agenda
Provides a framework for continuous improvement, increasing staff morale
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 To find our more about our specific offering see the section entitled Why VCA?

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

14 | Environmental Management Systems Certification

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment | 15

OHSAS 18001 (Health & Safety)

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

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 the 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

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
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 system
that might need more work before certification
To find our more about our specific offering see the section entitled Why VCA?

16 | Environmental Management Systems Certification

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment | 17

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

TrAININg

The course covered all aspects of the standard and requirements and will be very useful in my daily work
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. 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

As well as providing certification services,VCA is also able to deliver a number of tailored training courses around the subjects covered in this brochure. There are a number if benefits to using VCA as your training partner, including: VCA training staff are experienced auditors in their own right so can relate theory to the practical experiences you will face Courses can be supplied either in the workplace or at a venue of your choosing Many of the courses provided are accredited by the relevant governing body, which means you can be sure of a quality product

VCA courses will have an appropriate ratio of delegates to ensure that you get the attention you need to get the best out of the course VCA can manage the whole course process from booking accommodation to delivering material

Next Steps:
A list of courses and potential dates is shown on our website and a leaflet is provided as part of this brochure. To find out more contact one the team or complete the online enquiry/ application form at: www.vca.gov.uk

18 | Environmental Management Systems Certification

VCA - Delivering a Safer Environment | 19

Contact Us

+44 (0) 117 952 41 26 enquiries@vca.gov.uk http://www.vca.gov.uk 1 Eastgate Office Centre Eastgate Road Eastville Bristol BS5 6XX

VCa - Delivering a Safer environment