How to select internal auditors that add value to the audit program and the system

 

The internal audit program plays a critical role in assessing the effectiveness of the system. Inspectors play their own role in checking the processes at determined stages to catch process defects. Auditors are checking the process for effectiveness in that how well is the process resourced and controlled to meet objectives. ISO 9001 training for the entire workforce makes the audit program effective. The training need not be the same for all personnel. ISO9001 training for the organization can be split into the following categories:

- ISO 9001training: Overview – for the Leadership and middle management. So, they understand their role as leaders of the system and how they can support the workforce and the system.

- ISO 9001training: Auditor – for those selected to be auditors. So, they understand the standard and the principles of auditing. This knowledge enables them to conduct impartial and objective audits.

- ISO 9001training: Awareness – for the rest of the workforce. So, they understand the role they play in the success of the system. How they can contribute to the effectiveness of the system and how when they do not, they can impact the system.

When selecting internal auditor candidates for an ISO 9001 training, an investment for organizations, a good choice should be made. ISO 19011 gives guidance on the qualities to look for in candidates. It is important to look for candidates that exhibit these qualities as all of these may not be easily taught. Below is list of these qualities:

- ethical (fair, truthful, sincere, honest, and discreet) - to be able to present evidence in a fair manner as well as be honest with the evidence identified in sticking to the facts and not inferring from the data.

- open-minded (willing to consider alternative ideas or points of view) – to be able to understand how the system may be implemented differently in different organizations to meet the requirement of the standard.

- diplomatic (tactful in dealing with people) – to be able to deal with those auditees that may be challenging.

- observant (actively observing physical surroundings and activities) – to be cognizant of the work environment and be able to observe the unusual and odd one out.

- perceptive (aware of and able to understand situations)

- versatile (able to readily adapt to different situations) – to be able to adjust their audit plans and checklists as needed to meet the audit objective.

- tenacious (persistent and focused on achieving objectives) – the auditor must remain in control throughout the audit adjusting as needed to meet the objective using the allotted resources.

- decisive (able to reach timely conclusions based on logical reasoning and analysis) – to be able to ask the right questions and reach agreement on whether a requirement has been met or not.

- self-reliant (able to act and function independently while interacting effectively with others) – A team worker but also able to work independently to meet the allotted responsibilities.

- acting with fortitude (able to act responsibly and ethically, even though these actions may not always be popular and may sometimes result in disagreement or confrontation)

- open to improvement (willing to learn from situations and striving for better audit results) – This is a key skill. Auditors should not have any ego or think that they or the audit are the end all or know all.

- culturally sensitive (observant and respectful to the culture of the auditee)

- collaborative (effectively interact with others, including team members and auditee personnel)

QMII’s ISO9001 training uses workshops and well-structured workshops to train participants and assess them for the above skills. QMII also provides clients with in-house auditing support to assess their internal auditors as well as improve their internal audit program to add value.