An audit is a tool used to review a process or function to determine if it is fit for purpose.
Audits examine and compare a process against the documented version of it to determine if it still meets its aims and goals. In this way, they are great simulators for change and growth within a business as they can highlight potential areas for improvement.
There are a number of different types of audit when it comes to ISO Certification and Management System Standards all of which can be broadly categorised as:
1. Internal Audits / First Party Audits
2. Supplier Audits / Second Party Audits
3. External Audits / Third Party Audits
“The organization shall plan, establish, implement and maintain an audit program(s) including the frequency, methods, responsibilities, planning requirements and reporting, which shall take into consideration the importance of the processes concerned, changes affecting the organization, and the results of previous audits.”
To be effective, internal audits should be conducted in a consistent manner, by competent people, in accordance with the audit plan.
Audits should be conducted by people who are not involved in the activity being examined, to give an independent view on what is being performed. The internal audit acts as a feedback mechanism for the top management; it can give top management, and other interested parties, assurance that the system meets the requirements of the ISO Standard. How the internal audit process is managed is a key factor to ensuring the effectiveness of a management system.
Our specialist Consultant has Lead Auditor qualifications in the ISO standards 9001, 14001 and 45001 and can advise, assist you with all aspects of auditing to support you with ensuring that both your Organisation and your supplier’s Organisation complies with the required ISO standards and regulations.
Internal audits are an effective tool for determining the levels of conformity of the organization’s management system to its selected criteria. They provide valuable information for understanding, analysing, and improving the organization’s performance.
In addition to Internal Audits / First Party Audits our consultants can also undertake Vendor Audits / Second Party Audits on your suppliers and Certification Body / Third Party Audits as required.