How do you conduct better quality audits?

1 Tip 1: Define the audit objectives and criteria

Before you start any quality audit, you need to have a clear understanding of what you are auditing, why you are auditing, and how you will measure the results. The audit objectives and criteria are the basis for planning and conducting the audit, as well as evaluating and reporting the findings. The audit objectives should state the purpose, scope, and expected outcomes of the audit, while the audit criteria should specify the standards, regulations, policies, or best practices that will be used to assess the performance or compliance of the auditee.

2 Tip 2: Plan and communicate the audit process

Once you have defined the audit objectives and criteria, you need to plan and communicate the audit process to the auditee and other relevant parties. The audit process should include the audit schedule, the audit team, the audit methods, the audit documents, and the audit deliverables. You should also inform the auditee of their roles and responsibilities, as well as their rights and obligations during the audit. Planning and communicating the audit process will help you establish trust and rapport with the auditee, as well as avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

4 Tip 4: Report and discuss the audit findings

After you have collected and analyzed the audit evidence, you need to report and discuss the audit findings with the auditee and other relevant parties. The audit findings are the results of comparing the audit evidence with the audit criteria, and they should indicate whether the auditee meets or fails to meet the expectations or requirements. The audit findings should be presented in a clear, concise, and factual way, using tools such as charts, graphs, or tables. You should also provide recommendations or suggestions for improvement, as well as acknowledge the strengths or best practices of the auditee.

5 Tip 5: Follow up and monitor the audit actions

The final step in conducting a quality audit is to follow up and monitor the audit actions that the auditee has agreed to take to address the audit findings. The audit actions are the corrective or preventive measures that the auditee will implement to improve their performance or compliance, and they should be realistic, measurable, and time-bound. You should verify and validate the effectiveness of the audit actions, as well as provide feedback and support to the auditee. You should also document and communicate the progress and results of the audit actions, as well as any changes or deviations from the original plan.

6 Tip 6: Review and improve the audit process

One of the best ways to conduct better quality audits is to review and improve the audit process itself. You should evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the audit process, as well as the satisfaction and feedback of the auditee and other relevant parties. You should also identify and implement opportunities for improvement, such as streamlining the audit steps, updating the audit criteria, or enhancing the audit skills. By reviewing and improving the audit process, you will ensure that your quality audits are consistent, efficient, and effective.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?