In this episode of Lead The Standard, Kelly Taylor and Jackie Stapleton discuss the challenges and best practices for auditing ISO 14001:2015. Using a plumbing analogy to simplify concepts, they provide insights on where to start, what questions to ask, and how to make sense of the environmental management system (EMS) standard in a real business context. Emphasizing a conversational approach over formal interrogation, they walk through five key areas: context, environmental aspects, compliance, operations, and performance evaluation. Throughout the discussion, they highlight the importance of curiosity and practical understanding to generate the best audit outcomes.

Notable timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to EMS Audits

• 00:25 Meet the Hosts and Episode Setup

• 00:39 Addressing Technical Issues and Episode Delay

• 01:42 Overcoming the Overwhelm of ISO 14001 Audits

• 03:31 The Plumbing Analogy for EMS Audits

• 07:25 Introducing the EMS Flow Check Model

• 10:18 Key Areas of the EMS Flow Check: Context

• 14:34 Key Areas of the EMS Flow Check: Environmental Aspects

• 20:39 Key Areas of the EMS Flow Check: Compliance

• 21:41 Understanding Legal and Other Requirements

• 22:16 Tracking and Reviewing Compliance

• 22:38 The Water Filter Analogy

• 23:52 Softening the Conversation

• 24:53 Key Areas in EMS Flow Check

• 25:41 Operations: Implementing Strategies

• 30:16 Performance Evaluation: Turning the Tap

• 35:31 Recap and Final Thoughts

• 40:34 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Links we promised:

• Check out this episode LTS 2015.14 “Get Clause 6.1.2 Environmental Aspects Right or Nothing Else Works – ISO 14001:2015: https://open.spotify.com/episode/22sJGwFfEIJyaz2QQqBV45?si=Ex1yUqsnRoqagzpfqgRung

• Read the LTS Article: https://blog.auditortrainingonline.com/lead-the-standard/2025-16

• ATOL: https://auditortrainingonline.com/

• Connect with Jackie:

o https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiestapleton/

o https://jackiestapleton.com/

o Jackies Book is coming register for pre-sale now….https://jackiestapleton.myflodesk.com/leadthestandardbook

• Connect with Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellytaylor-au/

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, guests, and contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Auditor Training Online (ATOL) or its affiliated entities.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information shared, including references to ISO standards and related clauses, this content should not be considered definitive legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Listeners should always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to their specific business context or compliance obligations.

Unless otherwise stated, all information relating to ISO standards, including clause references and revision details, is based on the version of the standard current at the time of recording and publication. As standards are periodically reviewed and updated, we encourage listeners to confirm the latest version applicable to their needs.

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