IMS Clause 6.2 IMS Objectives and Planning to Achieve Them
Clause 6.2 of the Integrated Management System (IMS) standard emphasizes the establishment of IMS objectives and the planning required to achieve these objectives. This clause ensures that the organization's objectives are aligned with its mission, vision, and strategy, and that there is a systematic approach to achieving them.
1. Establishing IMS Objectives
Step 1: Define Objectives
Identify the key areas where the organization aims to improve its performance. These areas can relate to quality, environmental, health and safety, or other relevant aspects of the organization's operations.
Step 2: Set SMART Objectives
Ensure that the established objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This makes the objectives clear, quantifiable, and achievable within a specified timeframe.
2. Planning to Achieve Objectives
Step 1: Develop Action Plans
Create detailed action plans that outline the steps required to achieve each objective. These plans should include specific tasks, responsible individuals, deadlines, and required resources.
Step 2: Allocate Resources
Allocate the necessary resources, including personnel, time, budget, and technology, to support the achievement of each objective.
3. Integration with Other Clauses
Step 1: Alignment with Requirements
Ensure that the established IMS objectives align with the requirements of the organization and the expectations of stakeholders.
Step 2: Consistency with Risks and Opportunities
Align the IMS objectives with the identified risks and opportunities as outlined in Clause 6.1. This ensures that objectives address potential challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
4. Communication and Awareness
Step 1: Communicate Objectives
Communicate the established IMS objectives to all relevant stakeholders, including employees, contractors, and other interested parties.
Step 2: Raise Awareness
Create awareness among employees about the IMS objectives and the importance of their role in achieving these objectives.
5. Monitoring and Review
Step 1: Establish Metrics
Define key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics to measure progress toward each IMS objective. These metrics should be relevant, measurable, and aligned with the objectives.
Step 2: Regular Monitoring
Regularly monitor and measure the organization's performance against the established IMS objectives using the defined metrics.
6. Continuous Improvement
Step 1: Review Performance
Periodically review the organization's performance against the IMS objectives to identify areas of success and areas that need improvement.
Step 2: Adjust Objectives
Based on the review, adjust the IMS objectives as needed to ensure that they remain aligned with the organization's strategic direction.
7. Benefits of Establishing IMS Objectives
- Direction: Clearly defined objectives provide a sense of direction for the organization's activities.
- Focus: Objectives help prioritize efforts and resources toward achieving specific goals.
- Measurement: Objectives with defined metrics enable the measurement of progress and performance.
- Motivation: Employees are motivated by well-defined objectives that contribute to the organization's success.
- Alignment: IMS objectives ensure alignment between various functions and departments within the organization.
8. Conclusion
Clause 6.2 highlights the significance of setting IMS objectives and planning the actions required to achieve them. By establishing clear and measurable objectives, aligning them with the organization's strategy, and regularly monitoring progress, the organization can drive continual improvement and enhance its overall performance. Effective planning and objective setting contribute to a focused and results-oriented approach, promoting the organization's success in meeting its mission and fulfilling stakeholder expectations.
