What is the ISO 9001 internal audit like?
Audit programme
Conducting the audit
During the audit, we identify evidence, observations, non-conformities, and opportunities for improvement. We resolve doubts and encourage collaboration between teams.
Audit report
We prepare an ISO audit report that not only complies with the requirements of ISO 9001, but also serves as a tool for integration with your strategic and business plan.
Monitoring and continuous improvement
Principles of auditing with EmasConsultors
We guarantee the best internal ISO 9001 audit. At EmasConsultors, we carry out internal ISO 9001 audits based on the following principles:
- Integrity and professionalism. We are ISO auditors with over 15 years of experience in ISO 9001 certification and auditing. We have worked with a wide range of sectors and types of companies.
- In addition, as an ISO management systems consultancy, we are certified to ISO 9001 quality standards, ISO 14001 environmental management standards and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety standards.
- Integrated audit. We know how to carry out integrated audits with other standards for which you are certified, such as ISO 14001, ISO 45001 or CSR standards.
- Confidentiality. We are committed to data confidentiality through the secure handling of information.
- We guarantee the independence of our auditors. This ensures the impartiality and objectivity of the audit conclusions. The results are accurate and detailed.
- Tool for continuous improvement. We focus the audit on integrating the ISO 9001 internal audit with the strategy and business plan.
We work with certificates from any reputable ISO certifier. Thanks to these principles, we can ensure that the internal audit is a tool that helps the organisation achieve effective and reliable audits.
ISO 9001 consultancy services
As a comprehensive ISO consultancy, we also offer the following services:
- ISO 9001 certification, integrated into your strategy and business plan. We also work with other quality management standards, environmental management, safety and social responsibility.
- ISO outsourcing for the maintenance of the integrated management system with ISO 9001 certification. We take on the tasks of Integrated Management System Manager.
- ISO training tailored to your needs. In-company, online and blended courses.
With over 25 years of experience, we tailor our services to your real needs. More than 200 success stories guarantee our success.
FAQs on ISO 9001 internal auditing
The ISO 9001 internal audit is a fundamental tool for ensuring the effectiveness of the quality management system. Below, we answer the most common questions about its planning, execution, and follow-up.
What is the profile of an ISO 9001 internal auditor?
What are checklists in an internal audit? Is it mandatory to use them?
The ISO 9001 internal audit checklist is a document that facilitates the auditor’s work. It is a structured questionnaire with questions based on the requirements of the ISO standards to be audited and the organisation’s processes.
Although its use is not mandatory, it is recommended because it allows all the documents and records reviewed in the integrated management system to be recorded in the “internal audit report”.
How often should an ISO 9001 internal audit be conducted?
The frequency of internal audits depends on the complexity of the processes and the results of previous audits. However, all system processes are typically audited at least once a year.
What is the annual internal audit plan?
The annual ISO 9001 audit plan is a record that defines the planning of internal audits throughout the year. The annual audit plan can be simple, indicating the month of each audit, or more detailed, scheduling reviews by process and even repetitions in critical areas.
The audit plan can integrate all the quality management, environmental management, safety, social responsibility and sustainability standards that you wish to audit.
What does internal auditor independence mean?
The ISO 9001 internal auditor cannot audit their own work or report hierarchically to the audited area. This independence guarantees the objectivity and credibility of the process.
Therefore, by contracting the internal ISO 9001 audit to an external company, we ensure independence.
Can an external auditor be hired for the ISO 9001 internal audit?
Yes. It is entirely valid and, in many cases, advisable to hire an “external auditor specialising in ISO 9001” to carry out the internal audit. However, they must comply with the competence requirements defined in the quality management system.
How should non-conformities detected in the internal audit be dealt with?
Identified “ISO 9001 non-conformities” must be corrected through appropriate corrective actions. Root cause analysis and implementation of corrective action are the responsibility of the person in charge of the audited area.
What are observations and opportunities for improvement in internal auditing?
“Observations and opportunities for improvement” are findings that do not represent non-compliance, but could become non-conformities in the future. They are included in the report to encourage continuous improvement of the system.
Is it necessary to classify internal audit findings as major or minor non-conformities?
The ISO 9001 standard does not require findings to be classified as major, minor or observations. This classification is specific to external certification audits.