Implementing a management system and achieving ISO certification goes a long way to improving the control and effectiveness of procedures and process within a business or organisation. However, in order to achieve continued better performance and efficiency, carrying out a regular ISO internal audit is essential.
What Is An Iso Internal Audit?
An ISO internal audit is an inspection of a business/organisation’s quality management system and associated processes. The inspection is conducted by the internal ISO auditor and based on an Internal Audit Checklist.
The auditor will assess compliance with ISO standards, including how the business/organisation’s processes and procedures are implemented and maintained, as well as identifying areas where improvements should be made.
Internal audits, which should be planned and scheduled at regular times, are comprised of four sections:
- Compliance
- Opportunity for improvement
- Minor non-conformance
- Major non-conformance
Auditors will be looking at various aspects, including quality management, i.e. how well the processes are performing against objectives, continuous improvement, training, documentation and process control.
The information gathered during an internal audit enables the business/organisation to identify issues, rectify them and implement preventative measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again. This demonstrates continual improvement across their operations, processes and management systems to ISO regulators.
Who Conducts An Iso Internal Audit?
An internal audit is a requirement of ISO certification. Not completing regular internal audits could result in external non-conformances as well as issues due to the failing of procedures and processes. There is no specific frequency to internal audits as it really depends on the nature of the business and industry. Companies that have operational practices that carry a high level of risk, such as construction or civil engineering, will need to conduct more regular audits than a lower risk company, which usually carries out an audit once a quarter.
It is recommended that an internal audit is conducted by an independent auditor, i.e. not someone that works for the business/organisation, to ensure complete impartiality. The benefits of using an outsourced auditor include:
- An unbiased view of the audit process
- A greater experience and knowledge of ISO management systems
- Ensuring internal audits are planned and completed on time, and at regular intervals, without interrupting the business’s/organisation’s flow of work
- Far fewer distractions whilst conducting the audit as they are not a member of staff or management involved with the running of the business/organisation
- A fresh set of eyes that are more likely to identify errors and issues than an internal auditor
Benefits Of An Internal Audit
Internal audits provide the ideal opportunity to assess what’s working and what isn’t, and generates open discussion on any issues, training needed and other aspects. There are a number of benefits to conducting regular internal audits:
- Tests internal control systems, processes and procedures – the auditor will also advise how they can be improved
- Identify internal issues, including the root cause and recommendations on how the problem can be rectified
- Establishes responsibility for risk control and management of the risks within the business/organisation
- Helps management and employees in understanding their role in the ISO process and their responsibilities. An auditor is able to advise members of staff where their role fits into the ISO management system
- Identifies any issues with the management of the business/organisation, such as communication between management and staff. The auditor is able to make recommendations on potential resolutions
- Improves the flow of information throughout the business/organisation, including the quality and quantity of information that’s being communicated
An ISO internal audit is able help businesses/organisations continue to develop and grow in line with their objectives, with the ability to adapt and change as required, but also provide a safe, healthy working environment for all staff.
