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iso 20121 consultants

ISO 20121 - Event Sustainability Management System Standard

AvISO is an industry-leading expert in ISO 20121 and Maintaining your Event Sustainability Management System. With offices in London, Kent, and Ireland, we provide global Consultancy, training & Software solutions to support sole traders to multi-national organisations to ensure they achieve the most from their UKAS Accredited Certification to ISO 20121:2012. 

Requirements: ISO 20121 – Event Sustainability Management System

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in brief

ISO 20121 is a management system that has been designed to help organisation in the events industry improve the sustainability of their event related activities, products and services.

ISO 20121 is based on the earlier British Standard called ‘BS 8901 Specification for a Sustainability Management System for Events’ which was first developed in 2007. Due to the high-level interest in BS 8901, it was decided to create an international version of the standard to coincide with the London 2012 Olympic Games.

ISO 20121 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.

AVISO's Event Sustainability ISO 20121 Consultants work across a diverse range of industries with organisations ranging in size from SME to multi-nationals and are very aware of the need to find a solution that fits the individual organisation.

why work with AvISO

  • AvISO has a 100% success rate of achieving certification to ISO 20121 for our clients
  • AvISO has experience with a wide selection of ISO standards, including ISO 20121, so can offer tried and tested advice on their implementation and integration
  • We are recommended buy all the major Certification Bodies for Consultancy
  • AvISO has built excellent relationships with Cranfield Universities
  • With an exceptional In-House team of ISO 20121 Consultants and working closely with a rigorously selected group of Technical Experts, we ensure you receive the best possible service whatever your project is
  • We have our own proven software solution designed to provide and simple, efficient, and effective platform to manage all your compliance requirements. 
  • We are the only UK company to publish all our Legal Registers freely and provide free no, obligation updates to anyone who requests them. 

AvISO Benefits

Click the stages to view the key benefits of this Standard

ISO 20121 Strategic Benefits

ISO 20121 will support effective management of your business and help you meet customers' requirements. It is suitable to any organisation that wants to improve customer satisfaction, staff motivation, environmental performance and build a culture of continual improvement.

  • Improve planning
  • Better employee motivation and retention
  • Reduce costs by better management of materials, waste reduction and energy management
  • Competitive tendering
  • Improve profitability
  • Better Client, Supplier and Community relations
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ISO 20121 Compliance Benefits

ISO 20121 will support effective management of your business and help you meet customers' requirements. It is suitable to any organisation that wants to improve customer satisfaction, staff motivation, environmental performance and build a culture of continual improvement.

  • Broaden business opportunities by demonstrating compliance with complex legislation
  • Reduces operational risks by identifying these at the early stages of the event planning and defining control measures
  • The sharing of best practice techniques encourages consistency and reduces the potential for errors or worse, prosecution
  • Improved processes will be more efficient whilst also reducing the risk of expensive mistakes
  • Provides confidence in the legality of operational activities
  • Reduces the risk of complaints due to improved external communication
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ISO 20121 Internal Benefits

ISO 20121 will support effective management of your business and help you meet customers' requirements. It is suitable to any organisation that wants to improve customer satisfaction, staff motivation, environmental performance and build a culture of continual improvement.

  • Supports the development of efficient internal processes and sound operational solutions
  • An Event Sustainability Management System will improve operational performance, providing more efficient ways of working to save time, money and resources
  • Help eliminate errors and increase profits
  • Supports best practice and helps communicate how things are done and more importantly, why
  • Motivates and engages staff with improved internal communication and helps reduce mistakes
  • Supports the development of sound and constructive relationships with suppliers and subcontractors
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The Stages of ISO 20121

Click the stages to view how AvISO can help

ISO 20121 how aviso can help right away

ISO 20121 will support effective management of your business and help you meet customers' requirements. It is suitable to any organisation that wants to improve customer satisfaction, staff motivation, environmental performance and build a culture of continual improvement.

  • Provide advice on upcoming updates to the standard and useful supporting documentation
  • Support you in discussions with Certification Bodies to ensure you get the best price
  • Offer guidance on integrating the new ISO standard with existing controls and standards. This can reduce costs, time and potential complications in the future
  • Carrying out an initial gap analysis of your company against the Standard
  • Create a bridge and line of communication with statutory and regulatory bodies, customers and suppliers
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ISO 20121 how aviso can help Before Certification

ISO 20121 will support effective management of your business and help you meet customers' requirements. It is suitable to any organisation that wants to improve customer satisfaction, staff motivation, environmental performance and build a culture of continual improvement.

  • Develop a project plan with key deliverables and a realistic time frame
  • Develop the required documentation in a format that most suits your company
  • Support, organise and run any training required
  • Liaise with different members of your company to develop processes that best suit your organisation and create ownership in those that use them
  • Audit the system and make recommendations for improvement
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ISO 20121 how aviso can help During Certification

ISO 20121 will support effective management of your business and help you meet customers' requirements. It is suitable to any organisation that wants to improve customer satisfaction, staff motivation, environmental performance and build a culture of continual improvement.

  • Develop the required documentation in a format that most suits your company
  • Support, organise and run any training required
  • Liaise with different members of your company to develop processes that best suit your organisation and create ownership in those that use them
  • Audit the system and make recommendations for improvement
  • Draw on the wealth of experience held by AvISO to offer advice that not only meets compliance but is best suited to your company and its particular motivation
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ISO 20121 how aviso can help After Certification

ISO 20121 will support effective management of your business and help you meet customers' requirements. It is suitable to any organisation that wants to improve customer satisfaction, staff motivation, environmental performance and build a culture of continual improvement.

  • Support you in discussions with your certification body and provide assistance with external assessment and surveillance visits
  • Develop your system to best incorporate existing requirements, both legislative and voluntary
  • Chair management review meetings
  • Conduct supplier audits
  • Provide impartial professional advice on business improvement
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ISO 20121 FAQs

Most frequently asked questions about ISO 20121

What is ISO 20121:
  • ISO 20121:2012 is aptly named after the London 2012 Olympics having been developed by members of the Olympic Committee Sustainability team, among others in the event management industry.
  • Pressure is increasing on Organisations worldwide to integrate sustainability into business models and event management is no different. ISO 20121:2012 is the internationally recognised standard for ensuring best sustainability practices are implemented throughout the planning and delivery of an event management system. 
  • As stated on the International Organisation for Standardisation website: “ISO 20121 provides the framework for identifying the potentially negative social, economic and environmental impacts of events by removing or reducing them and capitalizing on more positive impacts through improved planning and processes.”
Is ISO 20121:2012 applicable to my business?
  • The ISO 20121:2012 framework aids all participants in the event supply chain to consider the triple bottom line approach “environmental, economic and social” when planning events for all sizes and sectors. This can apply to caterers, stage set-up, security, lighting etc.
Does an organisation have to be a specific size to have an ISO 20121:2012 certification?
  • No, any type or size of organisation involve in the events industry can apply for ISO 20121 certification. 
What value does ISO 20121 bring to my business
  • Systematic management ensures all identified issues are addressed consistently.
  • Process-led approach develops a culture and competence internally and reassures external clients and their attendees.
  • Cost and resource savings – monitoring & measuring is a core component of ISO management systems, what is included in analysis and action is reduced leading to lower overheads.
  • Reduced carbon emissions through improved energy and waste management.
  • Reduced impact on local communities, helps to avoid objections that could lead to closure / prevent opening the event.
  • Reputation for corporate responsibility strengthening relationships with stakeholders.
  • Competitive advantage: differentiation from competitors and opens new opportunities with companies who are sustainability oriented.
  • Ensure social responsibility and financial success.
How do I start making a Sustainable Event Management System?
  • Understand the sustainability issues relevant to your business and subsequently implement controls and procedures to minimise / eliminate these impacts. SWOT analysis, risk assessments and stakeholder interests are a good place to start.
  • Develop a sustainable events policy, including reference to the four governing principles of sustainability (stewardship, inclusivity, integrity, and transparency).
  • Define the scope of your Sustainable Event Management System (SEMS) and the business values.
  • Develop SMART Objectives in relation to sustainability, train staff on best practices and evaluate current performance.
  • Communicate to staff and suppliers that sustainability is an integral part of the business, ensure top management are committed and provide the resources required.
  • Review the system and book a Stage 1 audit with a UKAS accreditation service. This will highlight the areas that need improvement before the Stage 2 Audit where certification is awarded.
  • Continually improve processes through internal audits and Management Review of any non-conformities identified.
How long does ISO 20121:2012 certification take?
  • Usually, between 3-6 months, but this depends on the size and complexity of the organisation, the resources available and the current ISO management systems in place.
What is a Certification Body?
  • UKAS is the ‘United Kingdom Accreditation Service,’ recognised by the British Government to assess the competence of auditing bodies that provide certification, testing, inspection, and calibration services. UKAS audits certification bodies: such as ISOQAR, BSI, NQA and QEC to ensure compliance. Many businesses are sold cheaper quotes for ISO standards by certification bodies / consultancies without UKAS accreditation. Please be aware, without UKAS accreditation potential contracts can be lost as when clients realise the EMS is not valid, they may require you to recertify with a UKAS accredited certification body before signing bilateral contracts. For advice/ consultancy contact an ISO provider certified by UKAS.

How much does ISO 20121:2012 certification cost?
  • We have developed an online cost calculator on our LinkedIn page, which provides certification consultancy costs, including certification body costs here.
  • You can call 01892800476 or email info@avisoconsultancy.co.uk for further information.
Who is implementing ISO 20121:2012?
  • Leadership in sustainability events management is being demonstrated through ISO 20121:2012 certification by many companies. For example, Sustainable Events Ltd, Manchester United, London 2012 Olympics, Earl’s Court, and Olympia.
Can ISO 20121:2012 be integrated into existing ISO Management Systems?
  • Yes, if you already have ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 14001:2015 you are already half-way there as the fundamental procedures and clauses follow the same Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle and the Annex SL high-level structure.
  • However, ISO 20121:2012 can also act as a stand-alone standard and doesn’t require integration with other ISO management systems.
Do I need an ISO consultant?
  • No, you don’t. However, it is worth considering the trade-off between the time and cost of organising an internal team required to set up an ISO standard against an external management consultant providing guidance and support to ensure conformity and certification.
Why should we use an AvISO Management Consultant?
  • AvISO have an industry-leading reputation for bringing value and no simply ticking boxes in a checklist. With a 100% certification success rate with the UKAS accreditation service, you can be confident that implementation and maintenance of ISO standards will be completed effectively and efficiently
  • All our consultants are certified lead auditors and experts in their field for providing a first-class service, with over 15 years' experience in guiding businesses to success.
  • We practice what we preach – proudly ISO 9001, 27001 and Cyber Essentials qualified. 
  • Our client-focused approach ensures that bespoke management systems are tailored for your business. We assist your employees with compliance to the clauses of the standard and offer an online platform service ISOvA which makes tracking your progress easier. You can view our clients testimonials and case studies here.
Will I have someone to help and advise me to maintain my management system?
  • Our expert consultants are always available for help and advice. Regular visits and communication can be arranged together with an internal annual audit program agreed upon as an ongoing AvISO consultancy service.
How do we get the correct ISO for our organisation?
  • The foundation on which to build an integrated management system commonly starts with (ISO 9001:2015) as this will improve customer satisfaction, introduce the organisation to the process-led approach and improve operational effectiveness through internal feedback.
  • However, depending upon your industry and clients, speaking to your clients about what they require and contacting consultants like us to give advice on each standard will help identify your best route.
What is the ISOvA Toolbox, and how does it work?
  • The ISOva Toolbox is a bespoke online tool designed by AvISO to record your management system data and information. It is used as an integral part of maintaining all aspects of your management system. Designed by leading ISO consultants ISOvAs intuitive User Interface, facilitates easy navigation of your management system and provides a real-time dashboard where you can track progress towards KPIs (key performance indicators), Objectives and Corrective Actions.
  • We ensure that your Legal compliance register is up to date, with quarterly updates on regulation and legislation sent from our parent server. 
CASE studies for iso 20121

Testimonials from clients we've helped achieve accreditation for ISO 20121

case studies coming soon!
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If you would like to know more about ISO Standards, Certification and the value of a good management system you can add to your business we would love to hear from you: Kent: 01892 800476 | London: 02037 458 476 | info@avisoconsultancy.co.uk

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