Why an Integrated Management System (IMS)?

Why an Integrated Management System (IMS)?

Paul Pascoe, Zenergy Professional Services specialist reports that there has been an increased demand for integrated management systems in recent years. Organisations are beginning to recognise how these systems enable improvement across various facets of the business. For organisations seeking continual improvement and efficiency as well as ensuring the security of their information, the question is: Why implement two different systems when one can meet both requirements?


What is an integrated management system?

A management system is a set of policies, processes, and procedures used by an organisation to ensure that it can fulfill the tasks required to achieve its objectives. These objectives cover many aspects of the organisation’s operations, including financial, safe operation, product quality, client relationships, legislative and regulatory conformance, and worker management.”


An integrated management system combines all related components of a business into one system for easier management and operations. Quality (QMS), Environmental (EMS), and Safety (WHS) management systems are often combined and managed as an IMS. The management systems are developed, implemented, and maintained via one system with processes that cover each standard’s requirements.


What are the benefits of an integrated management system?

The Zenergy Professional Services team have many years’ experience in developing or redeveloping organisations Integrated Management System (IMS) and believes an IMS results when an organisation uses one single management system to manage multiple aspects of organisational performance and it is characterised by:

  • Its scope will cover the totality of the organisation’s processes and systems and embrace health, safety, environment, quality, security, human resource, finance, marketing, public relations, etc. as relevant to the organisation’s values, operations and objectives. 
  • It is formally defined in a harmonised and consistent style appropriate for its purpose.
  • Replication of documentation is minimised while ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the IMS.
  • It is structured to control and guide the organisation’s processes in the most effective and efficient way and does not slavishly follow that of a specific management standard or item of legislation.
  • Each component of the management system takes account of all the other components as appropriate. It addresses all relevant stakeholder requirements defined via standards, legislation or other defined requirements.
  • An integrated approach to planning, with good use of business wide risk management approaches.


Developing and integrated management system

Paul Pascoe, Zenergy Professional Services specialist and his team Zenergy have assisted many organisations in developing the combined Management System “Framework” documentation with the supporting forms and tools documentation required in alignment with the general structure of published standards.


The scope of the redevelopment of the IMS documentation should be determined entirely by the objectives of your organisation and is therefore tailored to your specific needs. Naturally, the objectives must be compatible with the resources allocated. IMS’s are therefore complex as they should contain all the components necessary to cover all issues in the management of a site or area, but it should be applicable to your organisational needs and take into account your operations.


Contact Us to Discuss Your Needs

Contact Zenergy today to discuss your needs, whether you need to develop or redevelop your existing management systems documentation into an Integrated Management System (IMS), which includes Quality (QMS), Environmental (EMS), and Safety (WHS) management systems combined and managed as an IMS, and if need to gain Certification for each of the published ISO Standards.


Click HERE if you need to transition your management system documentation from AS4801 to meet the ISO 45001 requirements.

Contact Us

Zenergy News

4 Podcasts for WHS and Sustainability & Environment Professionals
March 25, 2025
Discover the best HSE-related podcasts that provide expert insights, industry trends, and practical advice for professionals. Stay informed and enhance your knowledge with these must-listen shows.
March 24, 2025
Colin Hansen, WHS Director John Holland - M7M12 Project
Photo from the previous 2024 Australian Workplace Health & Safety Awards night.
March 3, 2025
Zenergy invites you to be part of the prestigious 2025 Australian Workplace Health & Safety Awards (AWHSA). Nominate today!
February 28, 2025
Australia's 2025 sustainability reporting rules are here. Learn how they impact businesses and prepare for compliance. Read now!
February 11, 2025
A workplace health and safety regulator has explained what the "safest workplaces" look like, in revealing it finalised more than 100 successful safety prosecutions in 2024.
February 11, 2025
Two years after the release of the groundbreaking 2022 Everyday Respect Report, Rio Tinto has undertaken a thorough Progress Review to assess its ongoing cultural transformation. As one of the world’s largest mining companies, Rio Tinto has been working to create a safer, more inclusive workplace culture that fosters respect, productivity, and innovation. The 2024 Progress Review highlights significant strides made, ongoing challenges, and areas requiring further attention. The Journey Towards Cultural Transformation Cultural change is a multi-year effort that requires consistent leadership, structural support, and engagement across all levels of an organization. Since launching its Everyday Respect initiative, Rio Tinto has embedded this agenda into its core business strategy, focusing on reducing bullying, sexual harassment, and racism in the workplace. Key Progress Areas: Increased Awareness and Open Conversations: The public release of the original report acted as a catalyst for change, encouraging more employees to speak up and engage in discussions about respect. Stronger Leadership Commitment: Leaders are playing a more proactive role in championing Everyday Respect, with a focus on psychological safety and inclusive leadership. Enhanced Training and Education: Programs such as Everyday Respect Training and Purple Banners have been widely implemented to build awareness and response capabilities. Facility Upgrades and Safety Improvements: Investments in workplace infrastructure have improved the physical environment, making it more inclusive and conducive to employee well-being. Greater Workforce Diversity: There has been a notable increase in gender and cultural diversity across teams, fostering innovation and improved workplace dynamics. Ongoing Challenges and Areas for Improvement Despite progress, resistance to change remains an obstacle, particularly among certain groups. Survey data indicates that while improvements have been perceived in many areas, instances of bullying, sexual harassment, and racism persist. Key focus areas include: Building Stronger Buy-in: Engaging those who are resistant to cultural change, particularly male employees, to foster a collective commitment to Everyday Respect. Enhancing Reporting Mechanisms: Increasing trust in reporting systems to ensure that employees feel safe and supported when raising concerns. Strengthening Frontline Leadership: Providing additional training and tools to equip supervisors and managers with the skills needed to drive culture change at all levels. Maintaining Momentum: Ensuring that Everyday Respect remains a priority in the face of organizational changes and external pressures. Looking Ahead: Staying the Course The findings from the 2024 Progress Review reaffirm Rio Tinto’s commitment to long-term cultural transformation. While meaningful progress has been made, continued efforts are needed to sustain positive momentum and address persistent challenges. As one employee noted: “ Change is definitely happening, and it will get hard at times. We can’t back away ... I’m here at Rio Tinto because I want to see through this change. We need to stay the course. ” With ongoing leadership, engagement, and strategic initiatives, Rio Tinto is on the path to embedding Everyday Respect across all facets of its global operations, ensuring a safer, more inclusive, and more productive workplace for all employees. See full report “ here ”.
More Posts
Share by: