Why should your firm carry out an internal audit? Chris Ottaway outlines the benefits.

Internal auditing in practice

  • Internal audits allow firms to check how effective their management system is in complying with ISO 9001: 2000 and ISO 14001: 1996
  • Audits should be planned according to the importance of an activity and past results; for areas where no problems have been reported, they may be carried out less frequently
  • Audit procedures vary between firms but all follow the same basic path
  • The internal audit can be used to identify areas or methods that operate well and can be used throughout the company
  • It is vital that the person appointed as auditor is suitable
  • Staff should be made aware of the useful functions of an audit

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor

Postscript

Chris Ottaway manages the ECA's free management systems helpline for members (tel: 01277 363653). He is md of Ottaway & Associates.