North Carolina EMS Workshop Internal and External Communication Peter Wise - Kestrel Management Services and Jason Morrison - Pacific Institute

Outline Learning Objectives Standard Requirements Key Points Exercise Debriefing: Benefits and Concerns

Learning Objectives Understand the Standard Requirements Learn Importance of and Tips on Internal Communication Consider Merits of and Concerns with External Communication

ISO 14001 Standard Requirements Introduction (context for an EMS)

4.2 Environmental Policy e) is documented, implemented and maintained and communicated to all employees f) is available to the public

4.3 Implementation and Operation 4.4.3 Communication With regard to its environmental aspects and environmental management system, the organization shall establish and maintain procedures for:

4.4.3 a. internal communication between the various levels and functions of the organization; b. receiving, documenting and responding to relevant communication from external interested parties

4.4.3 The organization shall consider processes for external communication on its significant environmental aspects and record its decision

Internal Communication Objectives, targets and programs Changes Problems

Methods Training E-mail Meetings Bulletin Boards Newsletters

Keys to Internal Communication Keep senior management involved Involve everybody, make it easy Have a regular schedule Use postings and email Document it

External Communication Procedures to respond Consider proactive methods

Exercise Auto supplier, EMS Team Evaluate whether process should be designed for external communication Briefing of advantages and concerns

Debrief Who are stakeholders What are advantages What are you worried about

Who Are External Stakeholders Neighbors Community leaders Businesses Environmental groups Regulators

Benefits Insights and innovative solutions Improved relations Information that can help prioritize Company image Allies during problems

Concerns Will they come? Will they be reasonable? Will they understand financial limitations? Will they use information against me? Is it worth the cost?

Summary Communication procedure is required Anecdotal evidence suggests external communication can be very beneficial