Internal Audit Tips

Internal Audits are a Management System’s best friend. Audit findings lead to great improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of the system. How can you make your internal audit program work for your organization? Here are some tips to help get the most from your internal audits.

Training your internal auditors

You must have an internal audit team and be able to show records of effective training for each of the auditors. Training should include internal audit steps, requirements and techniques. It should also cover the requirements of the standard, and basics of prerequisite programs and HACCP so the auditors are able to effectively evaluate processes.

Auditors need to learn how to schedule and prepare for audits and how to communicate with the department being audited so they are able to have a well organized and effective audit. There are also important requirements that auditors must be aware of such as the requirement to follow up on previous audit findings.

Technique is important to the success of the audit. The questions that are asked and the method of following audit trails will be key in evaluating the effectiveness of the system.

Provide your internal auditors with training that will address all of the topics listed above. You may have an experienced auditor in your facility that can conduct an audit training. Other options include looking for group courses offered by training organizations, calling in a consultant to train your team or using our Online Internal Auditor Training courses.( FSSC 222000, ISO 22000, or SQF )

Dear Cynthia,

I have just completed the SQF Internal Auditor Training module online. I think this a great course! The scope of the training is extensive and gives the trainee all the tools necessary to develop an effective internal auditing strategy. Whether you have an existing program or are starting from scratch, this training will strengthen your program. This online training module was accepted by our SQF Auditor to satisfy the Internal Auditor training requirement.

You can complete the modules at your own pace and practice as much as needed. It is the most cost effective way to get Internal Auditor training. There are no travel or hotel costs making this a great way to train one person or team of internal auditors. Thanks for putting together such a great training tool!

Michael Wadsworth
Quality Control Manager
Follmer Development Inc.

The online training course is a very convenient way to train your auditors with no travel required. The training is available on-demand, and can be completed in multiple sessions as the students schedule allows. The training is approximately 6 hours long and includes and interactive practice audit of "Mandy's Vanilla". The student can access the procedures and records for Mandy's, and is coached through the audit step by step.

Find out more here for FSSC 22000 Internal Auditor Online Training

Find out more here for ISO 22000 Internal Auditor Online Training

Find out more here for SQF Internal Auditor Online Training

Planning your audits
  1. Make sure the authority of the audit team is established. This will increase the cooperation from auditees. Ensure the audit team's success with effective 22000 Internal Auditor training.
  2. Decide what areas of the company will be audited together and the frequency of the audits. Prepare a yearly audit schedule and distribute.
  3. Develop an audit plan. Decide what other audit resources are needed - checklists, other auditors?
  5. Determine the purpose of the audit - is it to comply with government regulations, quality standards, internal procedures and system?
  6. Hold a meeting with the auditors to discuss the plan, purpose, and scope of the audit.
  8. Conduct an opening meeting with the auditees.
During the Audit
  1. Be professional at all times. Avoid being judgmental.
  2. Follow safety procedures, clean room procedures, and all other required procedures.
  3. Explain the purpose of the audit to the auditees.
  4. Answer questions or discuss compliance problems brought to your attention by auditees.
  6. Encourage honesty with the auditees.
After the Audit
  1. Hold an auditors meeting to discuss the closing meeting content.
  2. Hold a closing meeting with all auditees involved with the audit. First, point what was done well. Second, address the nonconformances and ensure the auditees understand the nonconformance and what part of the standard is not met.
  3. Issue the audit report in a timely manner.
  4. Encourage auditees to decide on the corrective actions. Allowing auditees to have input will give them ownership in implementing changes.
  5. Assist those responsible for completing the corrective actions with setting reasonable deadlines. The correct action deadlines may vary depending on the severity of the noncompliance.
  6. Be available and willing to help the auditees.
  7. Ask for feedback on how you and your audit team were perceived - adjust your approach if necessary.
One last tip, involve people!

Use audits as opportunities to train others. Ask for a volunteer (who is not an auditor) to walk through the audit process with you as an assistant. This will provide others with a better understanding of what audits are and why they are necessary.

Involving people creates a feeling that everyone is a vital contributor to the goal of the company - compliance.