Review and improve your environmental management system (EMS)

A management review is the final element of the environmental management system (EMS) process. It involves a formal evaluation of the adequacy of your business' EMS - taking into account any new environmental issues, legislation, changing circumstances and continual improvement.

Management review meetings should be attended by individuals with either executive or specialist responsibility, for example:

• the site director
• the management representative
• line managers with specific environmental responsibilities

In these meetings, the management representative should give the results of any recent audits to senior management and present a written report detailing audit findings.

The management review should cover:

• environmental performance and progress in achieving objectives and targets
• compliance with legislation
• results of internal audits and reports
• actions required as a result of non-conformances
• new processes and any changes to known environmental issues
• any changes in circumstances - for example changes in legislation or new technology
• the effectiveness of training
• the need for any revisions to your environmental policy, objectives and targets
• follow-up actions from previous management reviews
• recommendations for improvement

The management review meetings are a vital part of your business' EMS as they show commitment at the highest level - allowing those with authority and specialist knowledge to put forward ideas and solutions to problems. They should be minuted and you must ensure that any agreed actions are carried out.