NEWS BULLETINS: LATEST BULLETIN


Bulletin 01/10: May 2010

IMPROVE YOUR AUDITING SKILLS

The audit report is an important tool in demonstrating that organisations are satisfying the requirements of ISO 9001.  While ISO/IEC 17021 outlines the minimum requirements for reporting, it does not define a specific format for ISO 9001 reports.  The format and content of an audit report may be varied depending on the size and nature of the auditee and on the objectives and scope of the audit.  Not all of the topics listed below are applicable to every type of audit and the sequence of topics can vary.

Introduction

This section of the report should reference the mandatory requirements of ISO/IEC 17021 and the guidance given in ISO 19011.

Executive summary

This section should concentrate on giving a summary of the overall effectiveness of the quality management system, including information on its strengths and weaknesses, continual improvement and other key performance indicators.

Particular highlights of the audit should be commented upon, as well as an overview of any findings that represent nonconformity or significant ‘areas of concern’ that could become a nonconformity.  The conclusions of the audit regarding conformance to the standard being assessed against, and any recommendations, should be stated.

The organisation should be thanked, as appropriate, for its hospitality, cooperation and openness.

Management commitment, objectives and targets

Comment on the organisation’s processes for determining, setting and communicating policies and objectives.  It should cover monitoring, measuring, reporting and reviewing against key performance objectives.  It should include appropriate comments regarding the progress the organisation has made against its objectives since the last audit.

Actions taken on previous audit issues

Comment on the organisation’s ability to determine the root causes of previously identified quality problems and on the effectiveness of the actions it has taken to correct such situations and prevent their recurrence.  It should also comment on the sufficiency of the organisation’s formal processes for corrective and preventive action.

Internal audit, management review and continual improvement processes

Comment on the timeliness and effectiveness of the internal audit, management review and continual improvement processes with regard to the risks associated with achieving and maintaining quality.

Additionally, it should provide comment about the organisation’s progress:in its actions aimed at continual improvement in monitoring information relating to customer satisfaction and perceptions of the organisation’s performance relating to quality.

Impact of significant changes

This section could apply to any type of audit, but it is more likely to be applicable at surveillance and re-certification audits rather than initial audits. Details that should be recorded include the impact of changes in, for example, ownership, key personnel and scope of certification.

How can we help?

Our UK licensee, Penarth Management, run regular registered IRCA QMS Auditor/Lead Auditor courses.  Companies will find these courses useful for all staff assisting in the achievement and maintenance of ISO 9001:2008.  Of course the course is essential for auditors wishing to gain IRCA registration status.

The next scheduled Penarth course is 18 – 22nd October 2010.

For further information contact bill.fenton@afaq-eta.com or Jodie@penarth.co.uk

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Learning is not just something associated with university or college, or lectures in a classroom: all you need for learning is the right kind of support and quality materials.

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For more information on any of our power open learning courses, or for our new prices, take a look at our website at www.afaq-eta.com or contact Tyla Davis on +44 (0)1322 303355 or e-mail tyla.davis@afaq-eta.com

 


 

 

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