Before investing in an IMS, start with a Gap Assessment 

A Gap Assessment helps identify critical gaps in your management systems before implementation or certification.

Implementing an Integrated Management System (IMS) is a big step for any business. It helps streamline processes, improve efficiency, and meet ISO certification requirements for quality, safety, and environmental management. But before you commit to implementation, it’s important to understand where your business currently stands.

This is where a Gap Assessment comes in. It acts as a health check for your existing management system, showing what you already have in place, what’s missing, and what needs improvement. At SP+, we conduct Gap Assessments as a first step before IMS implementation. Not only does this help businesses prepare for certification, but it also gives them the opportunity to get to know our approach before engaging us for full implementation.

What is a Gap Assessment?

A Gap Assessment is essentially an audit of your current management system to determine how well it aligns with ISO standards, such as:

  • ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
  • ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety)
  • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)

Rather than jumping straight into IMS implementation, a Gap Assessment evaluates what’s already in place and identifies what’s missing. This process ensures that your organisation isn’t duplicating efforts or overlooking critical areas that need improvement.

Why is a Gap Assessment important?

  1. Clear Starting Point – A Gap Assessment provides an objective view of your current management system, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
  2. Informed Decision-Making – With a comprehensive report in hand, you can prioritise actions and allocate resources effectively.
  3. Minimised Implementation Challenges – Identifying gaps early helps prevent roadblocks during the IMS implementation process.
  4. Compliance Confidence – By addressing findings from the assessment, your business is better prepared for ISO certification audits.
  5. Get to Know Your Consultants – The assessment process allows you to experience how we work, ensuring you’re comfortable before engaging us for full implementation support.

What to expect from an SP+ Gap Assessment

At SP+, we take a structured and practical approach to Gap Assessments. Our process includes:

  • Reviewing Existing Documentation – We analyse your policies, procedures, and records to assess their alignment with ISO requirements.
  • On-Site Evaluation – We engage with your team to understand how management systems are currently applied in practice.
  • Findings Report & Recommendations – After the assessment, we provide a detailed report outlining the gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement, along with clear guidance on how to close those gaps.

This report serves as a roadmap for your IMS implementation, whether you choose to move forward with SP+ or take the next steps independently.

Ready to take the first step?

If you’re considering an Integrated Management System but aren’t sure where to begin, a Gap Assessment is the ideal starting point. It gives you the insights you need to make informed decisions and sets you up for long-term success.

Get in touch with SP+ to discuss how a Gap Assessment can help your organisation achieve better, easier, and more effective management system implementation.

Bridge the gaps with our expertise.