Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
Level 5
Management Representative
Unit 3
Responsibilities for Implementing an EMS


Under EMAS and ISO 14001, top management has to appoint a specific management representative who is responsible for establishing and implementing the requirements of the EMS. Larger companies may appoint more than one management representative, however, in smaller companies, these responsibilities are usually undertaken by one person. This may be a person from the executive management, but generally it is a senior manager or a line manager.

An individual who is adept at planning and is able to motivate a wide range of people to ensure the continued achievement of key targets should fill the role. Other requirements would be:

The responsibilities of the Management Representative are to:

  • Establish the requirements of the EMS and produce a project plan detailing how the EMS will be implemented
  • Appoint an Environmental Steering Group (ESG)
  • Coordinate the implementation the EMS through the ESG
  • Maintain the EMS once it has been implemented
  • Report on the performance of the EMS to the top management

Knowledge of ISO 14001 or EMAS can be gained from attending relevant seminars or training courses, details of which can be found local from trade associations, Chambers of Commerce, local business groups and training organisations. However, Environmental Management Systems Level 4, one of our series of environmental modules, provides information on both standards.