Which audit for which need?
ISO internal audit
Required by ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001. Done by an external auditor, it guarantees impartiality and a fresh view.
Pre-assessment audit
A rehearsal of the certification audit, under the same conditions, a few weeks before the deadline.
Regulatory compliance audit
Check of your legal obligations in hygiene, safety and environment, site by site.
Supplier or subcontractor audit
Assessment of a provider on behalf of a main contractor. [To be confirmed by HDAPEX.]
Why use an external auditor for internal audits?
ISO standards require internal audits to be objective and impartial: auditors must not audit their own work. In a small or mid-sized organisation, that is often hard to guarantee internally.
An external auditor also brings a proven method, precise knowledge of what certification bodies look for and the habit of writing clear, evidence-based findings.
How an audit runs
Audit programme and plan
Scope, criteria, processes and sites, schedule sent in advance.
Opening meeting
Objectives and arrangements presented to the managers being audited.
Evidence gathering
Interviews, field observation, sampling of records.
Closing meeting
Findings presented: strengths, nonconformities, opportunities for improvement.
Report and follow-up
Written report, then verification of corrective actions if you wish.
A report that is easy to read and use
- One-page summary for management.
- Each finding linked to the relevant clause of the standard or legal text.
- Nonconformities ranked: major, minor, points to watch.
- Concrete recommendations and an action tracking table.
Frequently asked questions
How often should an internal audit be carried out?
The standards require an audit programme at planned intervals covering the whole system. In practice, most companies audit their entire system at least once a year.
What is the difference between an internal audit and a certification audit?
An internal audit is done on your behalf, to help you improve. A certification audit is done by an independent body that decides whether to grant the certificate.
Does a pre-assessment guarantee success?
No, but it greatly reduces the risk of surprises: you fix gaps before the body finds them.
Can you audit a system you helped build?
To preserve impartiality, we will tell you and adapt how the audit is organised. [Rule to be confirmed by HDAPEX.]