Process - Step by Step

• Internal auditing is a way to ensure our systems and processes
  • are being followed, 
  • are working as intended,  
  • are reviewed and
  • areas for improvement are identified. 
• Internal audits focus on improvements and are useful to help drive continuous improvement.
• Internal audits are performed by someone competent in performing this function in conjunction with the process owner and/or key management personnel. 
• Higher risk processes should be audited more often due to their inherent risks.

• identify what processes need to be audited internally
• at the start of the audit cycle (usually a year), plan all audits required.

• review all policies and processes related to the audit
• create audit plan including audit scope, objective, criteria and possible documentation evidence required.

• meet the process owner to ensure everyone understands the audit plan
• conduct the audit in a fair and unbiased manner by 
  • reviewing records, 
  • talking to workers, 
  • analysing key process data or 
  • observing the process in action.

• close the audit by meeting with the process owner to discuss the findings
• write up audit findings into an audit report as soon as possible
• the audit report should include 
  • the positive areas, 
  • areas for improvement and 
  • any non-conformities.

• Consider the results of implemented corrective actions or improvements
  • did the actions fix or improve processes identified in the audit?