Internal Audit Tips and Support

Service Description

1. Define the Audit Scope Clearly Ensure the audit covers the right processes, sites, and departments. Scope should align with ISO standard requirements. 2. Use Approved Audit Checklists Checklists help standardize your process. Always use the latest version aligned with ISO clauses (e.g. 9001: 4–10). 3. Communicate Early with Stakeholders Notify relevant teams in advance. Share audit purpose, schedule, and expectations for document or interview preparation. 4. Gather and Organize Evidence Prepare objective evidence in advance: policies, records, training logs, and performance data. Use a structured folder system. 5. Interview Tactfully and Respectfully Ask open-ended questions. Be professional and respectful, and always document findings factually without judgment. 6. Identify Strengths as Well as Issues Note areas of compliance and effective practices—not just non-conformities. Audits should promote learning, not fear. 7. Record Non-Conformities with Context Describe the clause affected, the issue observed, and supporting evidence. Provide detail without blame. 8. Use Consistent Templates Maintain formatting for audit plans, reports, and corrective action records to ease tracking and review. 9. Report Promptly and Clearly Summarize findings in a professional report. Include an executive summary, detailed findings, and follow-up actions. 10. Track Actions and Lessons Learned Use a corrective action register and audit dashboard. Follow up on closure and identify continuous improvement opportunities.