The fundamental framework of an organisations management system is their procedures and processes. These are written by technical or subject matter experts and in some cases encapsulate legislation, industry standards but all with the intent to define and prescribe a standardised method of work execution. When we as HSE professionals conduct our audits our focus tends to surround violations and compliance, not adaptations or learnings. James Pomery, Group Health, Safety, Environment & Security Director at Lloyd's register wrote an article in IOSH's November 2019 magazine 'Engage and Connect' which highlights the gap between the procedure referred to as 'work as imagined' and practice as 'work as done.' which was coined by an Australian safety expert, Greg Smith. Workers will find other ways of doing the task if the prescribed method is unrealistic or not feasible or the daily demands on that individual prevent him or her doing so. Adapting our risk management approach, proactive workforce engagement and use of differing mediums to communicate our processes may all help to bridge this gap.