Training Overview #
The objective of this module is to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the accreditation process, certification process, auditing process, and reporting/documentation process in the context of Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Participants will gain knowledge of ISO 17021, ISO 17065, and ISO 19011, enabling them to lead EMS audits effectively. Additionally, participants will be introduced to potential career opportunities as certification body auditors, whether as full-time professionals or freelancers.
The module will also cover a clause-by-clause understanding of ISO 14001:2015 standard requirements, the expected outcomes, and the benefits for certified organizations.
Objective of EMS Lead Auditor Training #
The course aims to make participants understand the basics of EMS, including ISO 14001, its structure, key requirements, and benefits. Participants will learn to plan, conduct, and report on EMS audits, gaining proficiency in various audit techniques. The course will enhance leadership and management skills for EMS audits, covering lead auditor roles, team management, and communication. Participants will acquire skills to verify compliance with environmental standards and identify areas for continuous improvement.
Training Schedule #
Day 1: Introduction to EMS Lead Auditor Course #
Welcome and Course Overview #
- Introduction to the course structure and objectives.
Module 1: Integrity and Professionalism #
Learning Outcome: #
- Participants will understand the ethical aspects of accreditation and certification processes and how to uphold integrity throughout the auditing process.
Topic to be covered #
- Ethical considerations in the accreditation and certification process.
- Maintaining professionalism and integrity.
Module 2: Introduction to ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System Standards #
Learning Outcome: #
Participants will understand the ISO 14001:2015 standard and its role in effective Environmental Management Systems (EMS). They will grasp key concepts, principles, and requirements, recognize organizational benefits, and learn to apply the standard as auditors.
Topics to be Covered: #
Overview of ISO & the ISO 14000 family.
Sector-specific applications of ISO 14001.
Revision of ISO 14001:2015 & its key objectives of revision.
Module 3: Intended Outcomes and Benefits for Certified Organizations #
Learning Outcome: Participants will understand the benefits of ISO 14001 certification, the certificate issuance process, and key objectives like improving environmental performance, compliance, and fostering a culture of sustainability.
Topics to be Covered: #
- Benefits of ISO 14001.
- ISO 14001:2015 certificates issuance by country.
- Key objectives of ISO 14001:2015.
Day 2: EMS Structure, Key Principles, and ISO 14001:2015 Standard Requirements #
Module 3: Environmental Management Principles and EMS Structure #
Learning Outcome: #
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the EMS structure, process approach, and documented information.
Topics to be Covered: #
- Key principles – Environmental focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and relationship management.
- EMS Structure and Process Management.
- Documented information for EMS.
Module 4: Overview of the ISO 14001:2015 Standard Requirements #
Learning Outcome: #
Participants will understand the clauses of ISO 14001:2015, their connections, and their significance for environmental performance improvement.
Topics to be Covered: #
- Clause 4: Context of the organization.
- Clause 5: Leadership and commitment.
- Clause 6: Planning (Environmental aspects, Compliance obligations, Planning to take action, Understanding the life cycle perspective.).
- Clause 7: Support (Awareness, Competence, Communication).
- Clause 8: Operation (Operational planning, Emergency preparedness, and response).
- Clause 9: Performance evaluation (Monitoring, Evaluation of compliance).
- Clause 10: Improvement (Corrective action and continual improvement).
Day 3: EMS Risk Management and ISO Certification Process and Requirements #
Module 5: Key Principles of EMS Auditing and Risk-Based Thinking #
Learning Outcome: #
Participants will grasp EMS auditing principles, including risk-based thinking and strategies for managing environmental risks.
Topics to be Covered: #
- Context of the organization and interested parties.
- Leadership and commitment.
- Documented information.
- Risk-based thinking and its application to EMS.
- Identifying and evaluating environmental aspects and impacts.
Module 6(1): Accreditation & Certification Process #
Learning Outcome: #
- Participants will understand the ISO 17021 accreditation process and criteria for EMS certification bodies.
Topics to be Covered: #
- Definition and purpose of accreditation.
- Accreditation bodies and their roles.
- ISO 17021:2015 and its application to EMS audits.
- Accreditation process and requirements.
- Assessing conformity to ISO 17021.
Module 6(2): Certification Process and ISO 17021 #
Learning Outcome: #
- Participants will understand the stages of EMS certification, including preparation, planning, and execution of Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits.
Topics to be Covered #
- Certification bodies and their roles.
- ISO 17021:2015 requirements.
- Certification process and requirements.
- Certification audits and assessment methods.
- Surveillance and recertification audits.
Module 6(3): Accreditation and the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) #
Learning Outcome: #
Participants will understand the role of accreditation in Environmental Management Systems (EMS) certification, the structure and purpose of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), and the significance of the IAF MLA in ensuring global recognition of ISO 14001:2015 certifications.
Topics to be Covered: #
- International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Overview
- Mission and structure of the IAF & IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA)
- Accreditation’s Role in ISO 14001:2015 Certification
- Ensuring competence and credibility of certification bodies.
- Importance of selecting accredited certification bodies for ISO 14001:2015 audits.
- Global Impact and Benefits of the IAF MLA
Day 4: Guidelines for Auditing #
Module 7: Auditing Guidelines #
Learning Outcome: #
Participants will be skilled in planning, executing, and documenting audits according to ISO 19011:2018 and ISO 14001:2015 standards.
Topics to be Covered: #
- Scope and purpose of ISO 19011:2018.
- Key principles and concepts of auditing.
- Team dynamics and effective leadership.
- Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
- Time management and resource allocation.
- Continual improvement of audit performance.
Day 5: Audit Reporting and Practical Exercises #
Module 8: Audit Reporting and Documentation Processes #
Learning Outcome: #
Participants will learn to document and report audit findings, ensuring integrity and confidentiality of audit records.
Topics to be Covered: #
- Effective documentation practices for EMS audits.
- Audit reporting requirements and formats.
- Communicating audit findings to auditees.
- Corrective actions and follow-up processes.
Module 9: Case Studies and Practical Exercises #
Topics to be Covered: #
Application of audit principles and techniques to EMS scenarios.
- Role-playing exercises and mock audits.
- Review of real-world audit scenarios in different industry sectors.
- Evaluation and feedback sessions.
Final Examination and Assessment: #
- A comprehensive examination to evaluate participants’ understanding of ISO 14001:2015 auditing principles and practices.