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Five Reasons to Train Multiple Internal Auditors
Whilst there is no minimum requirement on the number of internal auditors you have, here are five great reasons to train multiple internal auditors…
Why are Internal Audits Important?
As part of your ISO Certification, you are required to complete internal audits at planned intervals. Internal audits are important in ensuring your management system is fit for purpose and will help you to:
- Monitor the effectiveness of your Management System
- Check compliance against the Standard
- Ensure procedures are fit for purpose
- Aid the achievement of continual improvement
- Minimise risk
Failure to carry our regular internal audits will result in a non-conformance.
What Does an Internal Auditor Do?
Your Internal Auditor will be responsible for carrying out these audits and managing your audit schedule. They should be independent of the area being audited (e.g. from another department) and competent in carrying out audits. Their competence levels can be measured by any previous training or experience. Their main duties include:
- Drawing up an audit schedule
- Selecting and briefing other auditors
- Giving auditees notice of an upcoming audit and what will be audited
- Holding opening meetings to outline the audit process
- Conducting audits (management process flow charts, procedures etc)
- Identifying recommendations for improvement
- Holding closing meetings to discuss findings
5 Great Reasons to Train Multiple Internal Auditors:
Auditors need to be impartial
Because your internal auditors need to be impartial to the area being audited, it’s best to have at least one auditor per team. In addition, you should have a team leader to manage the overall internal audits.
You can get different viewpoints
Similar to our own auditor rotation policy, regular rotation can help prevent bias and provide additional viewpoints from other team members. Having different opinions from multiple auditors can help drive innovation and help your management system evolve.
It minimises disruption
Having someone on hand who already knows the process will minimise disruption should someone leave or take an unexpected absence.
You’re a large organisation
Whilst there is no specific requirement as to whether there should be a team of auditors, it is recommended for larger organisations. As a rule of thumb, try to work to 10% of your total employees, one of which should be a Lead Auditor. Ideally, they should be located within the compliance or quality control department.
You might need Accredited Certification
Accredited Certification providers such as UKAS are now insisting that internal auditors attend internal auditor training. This is to improve the competence of the auditor. Should you need to move to accredited certification in future, this can ensure you stay ahead of the game.
Interested in training your auditors?
We offer a range of ISO training to include online, and classroom based courses. If you’re interested in a training multiple auditors, on-site training may be more cost effective and offers an opportunity to tailor the course specifically to your management system. If you’re interested in finding out more, please submit an enquiry form or call our team on 0330 058 5551.
