The ISO Show Blackmores UK

ESG compliance has fast become a focus for many organisations looking to address their wider sustainability profile. 
However, its broad framework has left many scratching their heads on exactly where to start with evaluating and addressing various elements of Environmental, Social, and Governance compliance.
For those looking for some direction, you may already have a solid foundation in place if you’re certified to one or many ISO Standards.
Today Steph Churchman will explain what ESG is, how it can be scored and what role ISO Standards can play in ESG compliance.
You’ll learn
·      What is ESG?
·      What scoring systems are available for ESG?
·      How can ISO Standards support ESG compliance?
·      What ISO Standards can support each pillar of ESG?
 
Resources
·      Isologyhub
 
 
In this episode, we talk about:
[00:30] Join the isologyhub – To get access to a suite of ISO related tools, training and templates. Simply head on over to isologyhub.com to either sign-up or book a demo.
[02:05] Episode summary: Steph will be breaking down what ESG compliance means, how ISO Standards can support ESG compliance and give some examples of what ISO Standards can support each pillar of ESG.
[02:50] What is ESG? – ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. Analysis and evaluation against these three elements help organisations to consider different areas within their overall sustainability profile.
The Environmental section looks at issues surrounding climate change and actions to address an organisation’s environmental responsibility. This includes monitoring and management of your energy consumption, waste management and pollution. It also seeks to tackle how organisations can address, reduce and mitigate their overall environmental impact.
The Social aspect is based around the relationships an organisation has with its stakeholders. This is focused on employees and looks at a broad range of topics including employee wellbeing, fair and competitive pay, benefits and human resource related policies. Considerations can also include wider business relationships such as supplier relations, local community and government work.
Governance criteria focuses on creating a business environment that is fair, transparent, and accountable. Considerations in this area include board composition, fairness in pay structures and executive compensation, business ethics and risk management.
[04:15] An evolution of CSR – CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is very similar to ESG, but is less sustainability focused. It also lacked substance in the form of effective and accountable scoring systems that held businesses to account. This is where ESG differs, with many scoring systems, certifications and even mandatory requirements driving businesses to address their compliance.
 [04:45] ESG scoring – There are many schemes, scoring systems and certifications available for ESG, some of which are specific to industry sectors and company sizes. What one you pick will be up to you (note that some many be mandatory in select countries), however, here are a few examples:
The S&P Global ESG Score – This assesses a company's performance and management of ESG risks and opportunities using a combination of company disclosures, media analysis, and industry-specific questionnaires. A score of 0-100 is given based on their findings and are relative within a company’s industry sector.
Fitch Ratings ESG Relevance Scores - Fitch Ratings assigns ESG Relevance Scores alongside their traditional credit ratings. These scores assess how ESG factors could impact a company's creditworthiness. Their scores range from 1-5, with 5 indicating the highest ESG relevance to credit risk.
MSCI – They offer ESG ratings for a broad range of companies, it’s not really limited by sector or size. They use a letter grade system, going from AAA-CCC, to assess a compa

ISO 20121:2012, the Standard for Sustainable events management, was originally created and launched in coordination with the London 2012 olympics. 12 years on, it seems only fitting that its next revision would applied to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
10 Years on from it’s original release, the Standard has received a substantial update to not only bring it in-line with other ISO Standards, but to also address additional elements within event management, such as human rights and legacy.
Today Steph Churchman will explain the changes to ISO 20121:2024, what certified companies must do to transition and the consequences of not doing so before the deadline.
You’ll learn
·      What is ISO 20121?
·      What are the changes to ISO 20121:2024?
·      What steps should certified companies take to complete their transition?
·      What should you be updating?
·      What are the consequences for not completing your transition ahead of the deadline?
 
Resources
·      Isologyhub
 
 
In this episode, we talk about:
[00:30] Join the isologyhub – To get access to a suite of ISO related tools, training and templates. Simply head on over to isologyhub.com to either sign-up or book a demo.
[02:05] Episode summary: Steph will be discussing the changes to the Sustainable Event Management Standard, ISO 20121:2024, in addition to outlining what you should be updating ahead of your transition to the latest version of the Standard.
[02:30] What is ISO 20121? – . The Standard for Sustainable events management was originally created and launched in coordination with the London 2012 olympics.
When it came to planning the 2012 Olympic Games, they took a step back and considered the impact of required development and construction would have on biodiversity, as well as how they could reduce their Greenhouse Gas emissions and general waste in the preparation and running of the event.
12 years on, it seems only fitting that it’s next revision would applied to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
ISO 20121 specifies the requirements for an Event Sustainability Management System to improve the sustainability of events. The standard applies to all types and sizes of organisations involved in the events industry – from caterers, lighting and sound engineers, security companies, stage builders and venues to independent event organisers and corporate and public sector event teams.
[04:45] A high-level overview of the changes to ISO 20121:2024 – One of the biggest and most welcomed changes is the fact that the Standard is now aligned with the familiar High Level Structure that many other ISO’s follow. This means it will be easier to integrate with other Standards like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Next, there is a bigger focus on climate change, legacy and human rights. These elements weren’t necessarily missing from the previous version, but they weren’t a key focus either.
 [05:10] Climate Change in ISO 20121:2024 – , ISO 20121:2024 now explicitly requires considering climate change and its impact on your event and stakeholders. So, this might involve carbon emission reduction strategies and adapting to potential climate-related disruptions. Biodiveristy may also fall under this, especially if your events require construction, or take place in an outside venue such as a park or field.
A quick reminder that 31 common ISO Standards also received a Climate Change Amendment, so if you haven’t addressed that yet, check out our podcast episode and workshop recording to learn about what you need to do.
What does this focus on climate change mean for certified companies?:
·      It provides an opportunity for event professionals and event organisers to demonstrate leadership in taking action around climate change
·      Certified organisations are required to ensure that any carbon offsetting completed via carbon credits are credible
·      I

ISO Standards provide a framework to help businesses manage various aspects of their activities. Whether that’s quality, risk, environmental or Information Security management, they provide invaluable guidance to establish an effective Management System.
One element that is key, no matter the Standard or subject area, is Leadership. Without this driving force, your Management System will not get the momentum it needs to truly benefit your way of working.
Today Ian Battersby will explain the integral role of leadership within the Implementation and maintenance of an ISO Management System, and how their active participation benefits the whole business.
You’ll learn
·      What is Leadership?
·      Where is Leadership referenced in ISO Standards?
·      How do Leadership get involved with the Implementation and Management of ISO Standards?
·      How does Leadership participation benefit the business?
 
Resources
·      Isologyhub
 
 
In this episode, we talk about:
[00:30] Join the isologyhub – To get access to a suite of ISO related tools, training and templates. Simply head on over to isologyhub.com to either sign-up or book a demo.
[02:05] Episode summary: Ian will be discussing the role of Leadership within ISO Management Systems and how their active participation can benefit the business as a whole.
[02:30] What is Leadership? – Leadership is central to success in achieving any goal in business. It involves motivating a group of people toward a common pursuit, and it certainly isn’t straightforward without leadership believing in what it’s doing.
Without showing that belief, why would the workforce sit up and take note: ‘If it’s not important to you, why should it be to me?’
[03:30] Why should Leadership get involved? – The need for leadership has been recognised by Standards bodies, hence why it’s been made central to all Management System Standards.
For many years, Management Systems were separate from the day-to-day activities of running a business, often boiled down to just a person in a room with manuals, getting through certifications and earning a nice shiny badge.But this had little to no impact on the bottom line (be honest)!
But, a well-run Management System can have huge impacts and benefits on all types of organisation, and updated ISO standards aim to deliver that impact more readily, so leadership gets its own clause (Clause 5 – Leadership)
 [05:25] Clause 5.1 Top management shall demonstrate leadership & commitment – This boils down to taking accountability for effectiveness of the system, but how do you do this?
Firstly, the system can only be effective if it is designed correctly, so leadership must ensure it fits with its context of the organisation, which is required in Clause 4.
There are ways of doing this, but we favour a SWOT and PESTLE. This is simply to ensure that those establishing context don’t do it in a vacuum, opening up the floor to get input from everyone effected by the Management System.
This is key because Senior Managers need active involvement to understand how the system works, its resource needs and its performance.
[07:25] Ensuring quality policy and objectives are established and compatible with context and strategic direction – The quality objectives must contribute to the business, so there's a role for senior managers to ensure that they are aligned and have a measurable contribution to the business.
What measures are included in your objectives which can demonstrably show that they affect the business in some way in a good way?
That's what senior management have to do to link quality objectives with strategic organisational business objectives.
[08:20] Ensuring integration into the organisation’s business processes – The quality objectives must contribute to the business, so there's a role for senior managers to ensure that they are aligned and have a me

There is a growing pressure on businesses to address their environmental impact, both from the Government as well as a more sustainably minded consumer base.
As a result, the need to carry out Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reporting is being introduced as a mandatory requirement for tenders, and Government led initiatives such as Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR).  
Today Mel Blackmore will discuss Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reporting, and how verifying GHG Statements in alignment with ISO 14064-1 can benefit your business.
You’ll learn
·      Why is there a growing need to report on GHG emissions?
·      What is the difference between certification and verification?
·      What is ISO 14064-1?
·      What are the benefits of ISO 14064-1?
 
Resources
·      Carbonologyhub
 
 
In this episode, we talk about:
[00:30] Join the isologyhub – To get access to a suite of ISO related tools, training and templates. Simply head on over to isologyhub.com to either sign-up or book a demo.
[02:05] Episode summary: Mel will be discussing GHG emissions reporting, and why verifying your businesses GHG Statements in alignment with ISO 14064-1 is a smart move.     
[02:30] What’s the difference between Certification and Verification? – We covered this in detail on a previous episode, go back and listen to episode 162
[02:40] Why is there a growing need to address GHG emissions? – Climate change is a top concern for many. Consumers, investors and governments across the globe are all demanding greater transparency and accountability from businesses regarding their environmental impact. In particular, the carbon footprint a business claims to have.
[03:25] What is ISO 14064-1? – ISO 14064-1 is in internationally recognised Standard for quantification of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and removals at the organisational level.
In simple terms, this is the go-to Standard for businesses looking to calculate, verify and publish its carbon emissions.
[03:40] Benefit #1: Making compliance and reporting easier – Now, it’s important to note that the first time you go through this process will be like pulling teeth. You will need to do a fair bit of work initially, but once that’s set-up, it will make the necessary annual reporting a much easier process.
ISO 14064-1 verification ensures you are complying with applicable regulations such as SECR and the Governments requirement for a PPN 06/21 (within the UK).
If you are based in the UK, there is now Public Sector tendering requirement to identify what your carbon footprint is and make recommendations for reductions in the form of a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP).
It can also help to streamline initiatives like the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) or EcoVardis.
[05:40] Benefit #2: Taking a deeper look at your emissions footprint – Verification is not simply just ticking a box, it’s about providing a clear picture of your organisations’ total GHG emissions.
Not just your CO2 emissions, ISO 14064-1 ensure you account for different types of emissions sources. This granular understanding will be crucial in identifying areas for improvement and developing an effective reduction strategy.
[06:25] Benefit #3: Providing Trust and Transparency – Having your report verified by am independent third-party adds a layer of credibility to your GHG reporting.
Anyone can just say their carbon emissions are X, but it’s another to have that backed up by a third-party. They can ensure your claims are true, correct and that there is a credible methodology behind it.
Stakeholders such as investors, consumers and regulators will then have the confidence that your emissions data is accurate and transparent.
Carbonology can assist you with the training resources needed to do this – so check out their website to learn more.
[07:30] Benefit #4: Pave a way for Carbon Reduction Strategies – We

ISO Standards provide a framework to help businesses manage various aspects of their activities. Whether that’s quality, risk, environmental or Information Security management, they provide invaluable guidance to establish an effective Management System. 
However, for those who are new to ISO Standards, the Standards themselves can seem rather intimidating to interpret.
Back in 2015, the Annex SL format was introduced to provide a common high-level structure for Management Systems. With 10 clauses now common in most widely adopted ISO Standards, it can still be a bit difficult to understand exactly how these all work together.
Today Ian Battersby will explain how ISO Standard clauses work in tandem to create a cohesive cycle, from context of the organisation through to Improvement.   
You’ll learn
·      What is the high-level structure?
·      What are ISO Standards structured this way?
·      How do ISO Standard clauses interconnect?
·      How does this apply to Quality Management?
 
Resources
·      Isologyhub
 
 
In this episode, we talk about:
[00:30] Join the isologyhub – To get access to a suite of ISO related tools, training and templates. Simply head on over to isologyhub.com to either sign-up or book a demo.
[02:05] Episode summary: Ian will be discussing the interconnectedness of clauses, which basically just means explaining the key links between the clauses and how that applies to your management system.    
[02:40] High level structure – 10 years ago, Annex SL was introduced to create a common framework for ISO Standards. Today, Ian will focus on ISO 9001 as that really is the grandfather of all Management System Standards. ISO 9001 includes elements which are applied to most commonly adopted ISO Standards, and sets the scene in terms of how the clauses link together.
[03:20] Why are ISO Standards structured this way? – On their surface, ISO Standards can seem very repetitive in the way that they’re written, but there is a good reason for that.
There are all based around the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle.
[04:10] What is the Plan Do Check Act cycle? – This is a simple process that all Management System Standards adhere to.
So you start with a ‘Plan’ to establish objectives, the resources which you need to deliver results, you identify risks and opportunities. From that point you fulfil the ‘Do’ part through Implementation and using the Management System.
From there you ‘Check’ so you monitor against the policies, objectives and any other requirements. Basically monitor against what you said you'd do and then you ‘Act’ if you find anything that needs to change, you make that change and you improve as an organisation and you improve that management system.
[05:00] A logical path – Management System Standards are designed in such a way that they flow from one clause to the other. One cannot exist without the other.
[05:20] How does Clause 4 Context of the Organisation link with Clause 6 Planning? – As clause 4 Context of the Organisation states:
 ‘external and internal issues relevant to your purpose and strategic direction…
…and that affect your ability to achieve intended results’
The scope of your management system depends entirely on this.
The world in which you operate - what you buy, the people you employ, what you make, who you sell to, the laws you follow…
Clause 4 also requires us to identify all interested parties (which we’ll address later!).
With careful planning, you can align documentation you develop for one clause with other clauses.
Clause 4 doesn’t tell us how we should work out our context, but it provides some very good clues
·      NOTE 1 Issues can include positive and negative factors
·      NOTE 2 Understand the external context by considering issues arising from legal, technological, competitive, market, cultural, social and econom

After 5 years of hosting the ISO Show, Mel Blackmore will be taking a step back as she focuses on her sustainability related endeavors.
She’s passing the baton onto our new host – Ian Battersby. Ian is a Senior isologist at Blackmores, and while relatively new to the team, he has a wealth of Standard and ISO related knowledge to share with you all.
Today we Introduce Ian Battersby as the new host for the ISO Show and learn about his background in Standards and ISO.    
You’ll learn
·      Taking a step back
·      Introduction to Steph Churchman
·      Introduction to Ian Battersby
·      What Standards has Ian worked with?
·      What Sectors has Ian worked in?
 
Resources
·      Isologyhub
 
 
In this episode, we talk about:
[00:30] Join the isologyhub – To get access to a suite of ISO related tools, training and templates. Simply head on over to isologyhub.com to either sign-up or book a demo.
[02:05] Episode summary: After 5 years of the ISO Show, Mel Blackmore is handing the hosting baton over to Ian Battersby   
[02:25] Interim host – Ian will be the main host going forward, but there will be additions from Blackmores’ Communication Manager – Steph Churchman.
You may recognise her from recent episode such as:
·      Top 10 Reasons to use ISO 42001 AI Management
·      Top ISO Standard Trends in the Data Centre Industry
Steph will be sharing findings from our own research, standards updates and conducting interviews with our isologists.
[03:35] An Introduction to Ian Battersby – Ian has been working for Blackmores since August 2023. Although he is meant to be part-time, he’s had a very busy first few months here!
Ian began working in British Aerospace, specifically manufacturing, in 1984. He later decided to return to university to study electrical and electronic engineering, which was promptly dropped.
His return to BAE lasted a few years before he moved onto the civil service for the Department of Health, working with them to conduct safety investigations and helped to create a broader risk profile.
When he moved to work with the NHS, firstly, with the litigation authority setting up governance and risk standards and then as a risk manager.
Surprisingly, after moving up a few levels, he decided to move onto run a restaurant! A Curry House to be specific, but after a year of rather stressful work that ended up costing a lot more than expected, he returned to work within the construction industry which is where he became more involved with ISO Standards.
From there he went onto work in manufacturing of high pressure pumps for a while before moving onto an organisation who rant he estate for the Department of Work and Pensions.
In the end, Ian left them due to being unable to live the life he wanted to live.
[05:15] What Standards has Ian worked with? – He started with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 (now ISO 45001).
[06:00] Digital Nomad – Ian currently splits his time between Leeds in the UK and Malaga in Spain.
Having a lot of experience working remotely in previous industries, this leap didn’t impede on his work in any way.
[07:15] What other Standards has Ian worked with? – He has assisted with ISO 44001 (Collaborative Business Management), but admittedly it was not his favorite ISO Standard to work with. It’s one of the rare instances in ISO where the Standard doesn’t quite align with others.
[08:00] What Sectors has Ian worked in – Ian’s extensive work history has afforded him the opportunity to work in a number of sectors, including:
·      Construction and Fit out
·      Manufacturing
·      Estate Management
·      Private enterprise
·      Healthcare / NHS
·      Facilities
With this list growing at a rapid pace since his introduction at Blackmores!
[09:45] What’s a big challenge that Ian’s had