What is compliance?
Compliance is the process by which an organisation abides by certain policies and regulations to ensure the health and safety of people, assets and the environment.
Compliance can seem like an arduous task and unless you’re a big company with a dedicated compliance lead, then the likelihood is that the whole process can be somewhat daunting.
The word compliance is usually associated with having to tow the line against a set of rules – but let us explain why we need to reframe the term in our minds, for better business.
Why is compliance important in the workplace?
Standards such as ISO9001 (Quality Management), ISO14001(Environmental) and ISO45001 (Health & Safety) were created to ensure the health, safety and profitability of commerce and consumers were protected. These internationally recognised standards are the framework for healthy companies, workforces and customers.
With the carbon net zero deadline approaching, new energy-efficient standards such as PAS2038 and MCS have been introduced to ensure that buildings, processes and companies are carbon efficient- so whilst standards used to be a nice-to-have, now they are increasingly becoming a must-have for the longevity and quality assurance of a company, moving in a sustainable direction.
Why standards are good for business
However, often the most important factor in compliance is overlooked, getting your processes right is simply good for business. Creating an environment for risk reduction, smooth operations and healthy and productive teams is a great way to future-proof your business.
Getting your strategy right before you implement tactics
If you want to ensure that your business is healthy for the future, then it’s really important to get your strategy right, before you implement the tactics.
What do we mean by strategy?
If you understand why standards are important and how you can harness them for better business, then the whole organisation becomes dedicated to improving your processes as part of the culture. It’s not a top-down approach any more, it becomes a collective, a co-operative to ensure the best business performance.
Think of your strategy as the course upon which you set your boat. Standards are the way in which the crew keep wind in the sails. Each crew member is intrinsic to the success of the voyage and they all understand the way that things need to be done, and in which order, to keep everyone safe on board and reach the destination without going off course.
What we find is that when we work with clients, we concentrate on their strategy first and the tactics of how to implement the procedures necessary for compliance fall out of this work.
If you are considering engaging with a consultancy to ready you for certification, then here are our top tips for success:
1. Understand what standards can do for your business
Map out why you want certification and critically, how you will harness it for better business opportunities.Â
2. Engage with a consultancy that will support your strategy first
The mark of a good consultancy is one that will support the bigger picture of your business, not just helping you gain certification.
3. Get your people involved from the start
Getting internal buy-in is one of the most important factors in compliance. We know that better procedures mean happier, more productive teams, higher levels of customer satisfaction and less waste and risk- but getting there requires change, which a lot of organisations are resistant to. Involving the people responsible for making those changes and supporting them through the process will help them understand that this ship doesn’t sail without its crew.
The importance of compliance measures cannot be overstated. Beyond being a legal necessity, they are a strategic investment in the long-term success and sustainability of an organisation. By fostering a culture of compliance, businesses not only protect themselves from legal risks but also build trust, cultivate ethical standards, prioritise employee well-being, and position themselves as adaptable leaders in a dynamic environment. As organisations continue to evolve, those that embrace and champion compliance measures are poised to thrive in an ever-changing world.
If you would like more information about how we can help, contact us.
