Internal Auditor Training

An ISO internal audit is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of your management system, identify gaps in compliance and highlight opportunities for improvement.  Internal audits should be conducted at planned intervals, and the method of auditing can vary. 

Typically, internal audits are carried out by employees within the organisation.  To ensure impartiality, internal auditors should be independent of the area being audited.  The auditee should be notified in advanced about the audit and what will be reviewed.  If independence isn’t possible, an objective approach should be maintained throughout the audit process. 

The primary role of an internal auditor is to regularly assess the effectiveness of your ISO management system.  This ensures that your organisation remains compliant with the relevant ISO standards, identifies any non-conformances, and highlights opportunities for improvement. 

To maintain impartiality, internal auditors should, where possible, be independent of the area being audited (e.g. from another department).  Their key responsibilities include:

• Creating an audit schedule
• Selecting and briefing other internal auditor
• Informing auditees of an upcoming audit and what will be reviewed
• Holding opening meetings to explain the audit process
• Conducting audits (e.g. reviewing processes, procedures and documentation)
• Identifying opportunities for improvement
• Holding closing meetings to present findings

The internal auditor’s goal is not to ‘catch‘ the auditee out but to identify areas where the management system can be improved. 

Internal auditors should be confident and competent in conducting internal audits to ensure the effectiveness of your management system.  Training is essential because it:

• Ensures internal auditors understand ISO standards and how they apply to your organisation
• Helps auditors develop skills to identify gaps in compliance, risks and opportunities for improvement
• Enhances the ability to produce accurate audit reports that support decision making and compliance
• Increases employee buy-in during the audit process
• Enhances the quality of your internal audits, making them more efficient and impactful
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation
• Minimises the risk of non-conformities and ensures corrective actions are taken quickly
• Strengthens the long-term effectiveness of both internal audits and your ISO management system

Internal auditor training is for anyone involved in conducting internal audits of an ISO management system. 

Our auditor-led classroom, remote and bespoke training options provide a comprehensive, hands-on overview of internal auditing.  Delivered by one of our experienced Lead Auditors, these sessions cover:

• Key ISO clauses and the Annex SL structure
• The purpose and benefits of internal audits
• How to plan, prepare and conduct an internal audit
• Questioning techniques and how to gather evidence
• Reporting findings and identifying opportunities for improvement

These courses are suitable for all experience levels and are ideal for anyone actively involved in conducting internal audits. 

Online internal auditor training provides more of an introduction to the audit process.  It’s best suited to those who are new to internal auditing and want to gain a basic understand of:

• What an internal audit is
• Why internal audits are important
• The basic steps to conducting internal audits

This flexible, self-paced option is a great starting point for beginners.