With growing technological transformation trends as more organisations seek to adapt to the digital age, there has never been a better time for organisations to invest in robust and efficient Management Systems to support the quality of their operations and outputs.

This is why understanding ISO Standards and auditing against their requirements for Certification to ISO Standards has been recognised as one of the most strategic upskilling opportunities for industry professionals. Business leaders and top managers who can provide expert insights into process or system improvements for their organisations are ultimately going to be a major asset.

A strong understanding of Certification and internal audit processes can also be valuable for professionals looking to qualify for promotions to department head or even shift their career path. If you’re looking to learn more about how Management System Internal Auditor training can elevate your career, read on as we highlight some of the top ISO career pathways available for professionals with knowledge of the ISO Standards, Management Systems implementations, and internal audit processes.

Top Career Pathways for Professionals with ISO Standards Internal Auditor Training

Top Industries for Management Systems Internal Auditors

Top Career Pathways for Professionals with ISO Standards Internal Auditor Training

Management Systems Internal Auditors

This could be a dedicated role in a large organisation, or part of the job responsibilities in an overarching position. Management Systems Internal Auditors perform a diverse role where the required knowledge may also be dictated by the industries or sectors occupied. 

At a foundational level, in addition to the core principles of conducting a Management System Internal Audit, Auditors are required to maintain a working understanding of the different types of audits as well as best practices for developing internal audit schedules. This requires Management Systems Internal Auditors to not only be detail-oriented and methodical, but also to have effective communication styles that allow them to connect with all staff and stakeholders across an organisation.

Quality or Compliance Managers

Both Quality Managers and Compliance Managers are required to maintain a robust understanding of ISO Standards and the auditing process. This is due to the nature of their work, usually including the responsibility over the Business Management System and its conformance to standards such as the ISO Management System Standards.

Quality Managers and Compliance Managers are an essential component of any organisation that’s looking to invest in Certification to ISO Standards. With globalisation trends adding more competitors to local markets, more Australian organisations are incorporating Certification objectives to their collective goals. This means that Quality Managers and Compliance Managers are poised to become two in-demand roles across the digital age, as Certification to the ISO Standards simultaneously becomes a higher priority for future-oriented organisations.

Professional Consultants

If working in-house isn’t your cup of tea, professionals with Management Systems Internal Auditor training may qualify to work as a Consultant in the ISO Management System Standards space. These third party service providers effectively support organisations in developing strategies for Certification to ISO Standards, implementing Management Systems and can also conduct internal audits of management systems to help clients reach their established business goals.

Being third party service providers, Professional Consultants have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of organisations and across industries. The exposure to different Management System projects is also ideal for people who enjoy continual learning and relish in problem-solving.

Senior Business Managers

Leadership commitment is essential for the implementation and maintenance of ISO Management Systems. For business owners and stakeholders who are looking to implement or uphold Management Systems, hiring senior management that understand the value of these systems and the continual improvement benefits of a well executed internal audit program can naturally aid in streamlining implementation initiatives as well as internal audit processes.

For professionals looking for business management positions in larger organisations or even transnational companies, internal auditor training can help move your CV to the top of the pile. This is because employers in these higher profile organisations commonly screen candidates for their proficiency with ISO Standards, as well as for competency that would enable candidates to effectively contribute to management reviews.

Entrepreneurs & Business Owners

Understanding the full commercial benefits of ISO Management Systems requires a certain level of business acumen. For this reason, internal auditor training can be just as valuable for aspiring entrepreneurs as it is for professionals.
 
As one of the primary benefits of internal audit processes is supporting business continuity, knowledge of ISO Standards and processes can also be beneficial for aspiring business owners. For startup entrepreneurs, having audit processes in place to support the longevity of your organisational operations can provide a vote of confidence for potential clients or even industry talent, helping you build your organisation sustainably.

Educators & Industry Body Representatives

At the highest level, professionals with Management Systems Internal Auditor qualification (and potentially other academic qualifications) can perform in directorial positions or participate in boards for industry bodies. These figures oversee the development of state and union regulations within a defined industry. 

Professionals may qualify for board positions with industry regulatory bodies by working extensively within an industry and becoming involved in industry events and other initiatives. Similarly, professionals may opt to further their careers within the ISO industry by seeking post-graduate degrees alongside Management Systems Internal Auditor training to take on roles as tertiary educators.

Top Industries for Management Systems Internal Auditors

Now that we’ve explored the top ISO career pathways, let’s take a look at which industries and sectors are poised to provide the most professional opportunities for Management Systems Internal Auditors in Australia.

Project Management

Internal Management Systems Auditors with project management qualifications are highly sought after across a range of industries in Australia, including commercial construction, civil engineering projects, and corporate projects. 

The main reason behind the growth in demand for management system internal audit skills across project management roles is simply because more industries are looking to invest in quality. These measures aid in upholding stakeholder expectations and confidence, and supporting risk management and mitigation processes across high-profile projects like civil works.

Manufacturing 

For materials and goods manufacturing, ISO Management Systems can aid in reducing operating costs whilst maximising efficiency and production chain outputs. Certification to ISO Standards like ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 is essential for future-oriented Australian manufacturers.

As manufacturers are also likely to implement Management Systems that incorporate multiple ISO Standards, experienced internal auditors are always recognised as a valuable resource within this industry.

Defence Industries

Qualifying for government tenders and other high-profile contracts typically requires organisations to maintain specific trust signals, including Certification to ISO Management System Standards.

For defence-related industries, Certification to ISO 9001:2015 is typically considered to be foundational for gaining tenders, with ISO 27001:2022 also being recognised for information technology and cybersecurity enterprises operating within the defence sector. Internal Management Systems Auditors play a key role in implementing and maintaining these dynamic systems, ensuring defence contractors are consistently equipped to take on competitive tenders.

Healthcare

In the healthcare industry, patient safety, regulatory compliance, safety of confidential and patient information, and quality of care are paramount – making Certification to ISO Management System Standards not just beneficial, but often essential. ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management, ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety, and ISO 27001:2022 for Information Security are particularly relevant for healthcare providers and aged care facilities.

Internal Management Systems Auditors play a critical role in this industry, ensuring that these organisations continuously meet stringent internal and external requirements. Through regular audits and improvement initiatives, these professionals help healthcare organisations reduce risk, enhance service delivery, and maintain compliance with regulatory bodies, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and organisational resilience.

Education

Australia’s education sector is governed by strict regulatory standards, primarily to support course completion rates for institutions at all learning levels. Across higher education in particular, internal audits and assessments are essential for maintaining course quality and ensuring graduates are well-prepared to enter the wider workforce.

Commence your ISO Career with our Internal Auditor Qualifications

With all the pathways and growth opportunities shared above, it’s clear to see that Management Systems Internal Auditor training is ultimately an investment in your own professional development. Knowledge on the ISO Standards and the Internal Auditing process can add value to your CV, namely by signalling to employers that you have the relevant experience and training needed to not only uphold but also to improve organisational processes.

Our team at ICExperts Academy strives to make sure that our courses provide only the most up-to-date modules and learning resources. Continuous improvements to course materials ensures that all of our internal auditor training provides only real-world templates for conducting internal audits and developing internal audit schedules. By providing all the most up-to-date theory teachings, insights and applications, our Management Systems Internal Auditor training gets you ready for all the realities of a career as an Internal Auditor, consultant, business leader, and all of the other career pathways we’ve outlined here today. 

Want to know more about your ISO career pathways and opportunities that may be available to you with our course qualifications? Then leave an enquiry with our team at ICExperts Academy.

The post Top ISO Career Pathways in Australia: What Opportunities are Available to you? appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

Flexible online courses have made upskilling far more accessible for professionals. The sheer variety of tailored digital courses available has also allowed online learners to take full control of their professional development, and enjoy the benefits that accompany curating your upskilling to align with your unique professional goals.

Whilst online learning capabilities have equipped professionals with more upskilling opportunities, digital classrooms and courses aren’t without their own challenges. In designing our own courses in the ISO space, our experts tackled some of the most common challenges of online learning in order to identify the best possible solutions for internal auditor development.

We’ll be sharing our findings today, alongside outlining how our Management System Internal Auditor course has been expressly designed to maximise the allowances of online learning and support efficient upskilling for busy professionals.

7 Common Challenges of Online Learning

To begin, let’s examine the top 7 most common challenges of online learning as identified by our experienced course developers at ICExperts Academy. We’ll also be providing insights into the most suitable solutions to each of these online learning challenges below.

1. Lack of face-to-face engagement

A lack of face-to-face interactions with peers and educators can strip digital learners of vital opportunities to reinforce new knowledge via classroom discussions. For visual learners, having information provided not only aurally but also by a present educator, with eye contact, and with accompanying visual aids (i.e. animations, graphs, interactive whiteboards, etc.) supports the absorption of course materials by engaging multiple senses, building correlations, and better triggering memorisation. 

To mitigate this challenge, our courses use rich media content (i.e. videos and quizzes), direct channels for questions to support engagement virtually, and include access to the Exemplar Global professional network for one year.

2. Lack of student motivation

As online learning courses are typically less cost-intensive and may even be less time-intensive than courses that are delivered on-campus, online students can experience a lack of motivation in accessing and engaging with their coursework. This can be due to underestimating the level of engagement required to make the most of your digital learning experience. Yes, online courses do provide more flexibility, but like all experiential learning opportunities, you must be actively engaged to effectively absorb course content.

The solution here is to ensure that you:

1. are fully aware of the immediate benefits of completing your online course, and
2. have the tools you need to meet all outlined learning outcomes and objectives.

It’s a lot easier to reach an established checkpoint if you know what’s needed from you along the way. Our online course has been designed with this ethos in mind, providing internal auditors in training with three structured chapters that all include well-defined modules and learning objectives to support student engagement.

3. Requires self-guided study skills

One key concern for all online educators is ensuring that their digital course material is accessible to all types of learners. Sadly, students who haven’t developed self-guided study skills independently may struggle with the reduced support of online courses.

That’s why our internal auditor course integrates study practices into lesson and module materials, ensuring that students aren’t just engaging with course material, but also actively applying the framework and utilising the tools that will support knowledge retention. Our internal auditor course doesn’t just highlight theory, but also includes:

Compared to traditional courses that focus mainly on theory without practice, our internal auditor course is rooted in real-world applications, allowing students to hone self-guided skills that they can use throughout their careers.

4. Tech inaccessibility

The issue with providing online learning modules and rich media content is that not all students may be able to access this content due to tech limitations. For instance, if you’re facilitating digital classroom environments and a student doesn’t have access to a webcam or a reliable internet connection, that student will be at a disadvantage. 

Digital classrooms can also cause frustrations in the event that students experience technical issues like lost connections, lagging video feeds, and glitches or operating errors within their learning platforms.

Our internal auditor course is designed to support students in accessing course materials at their own pace. Our course materials can be accessed easily online from our cloud-based platform, from any device and without the need to install any applications or plugins whatsoever.

And unlike other online courses which use some pretty clunky training platforms, our course platform is designed to be user-friendly, with easily digestible content and even ready-to-use templates for students to download freely.

5. Spatial/time limitations

Alongside requiring self-motivated study skills, online courses typically also require students to maintain access to reliable study spaces and study windows. This can result in spatial and time limitations (i.e. finding a quiet space to study or managing learning schedules amidst other responsibilities).

A common concern amongst online students who are also juggling full-time work responsibilities, this learning barrier can be addressed by designing courses with flexible deadlines and asynchronous content, allowing students to study at their own pace and manage their study environments more effectively.

6. Inefficient course structures 

Efficient course structures with a well-designed information flow help students to follow lessons and grasp key concepts, by equipping them with the thought process they need to identify correlations between foundational and advanced course content.

At ICExperts Academy, we regularly review course designs with student feedback received to ensure clarity, logical progression, and alignment with learning objectives. We uphold the quality of our internal auditor course by:

Our Management System Internal Auditor course structure is designed in a logical and practical way, providing key principles, and then going through the steps that an Internal Audit would in the real world.

In the context of ISO Management System Internal Auditing, it’s crucial for students to also select internationally certified training providers. Read more about Why you should choose an Internationally Certified training course.

7. Undelivered course outcomes

The single most important element of management system internal auditor training is making sure students develop the key skills needed to perform well in their new role. If online courses fail to provide these outcomes, they will likely leave professionals feeling unprepared, which can naturally then affect employment success and/or role performance.

Alongside ensuring that our online courses are designed with intuitive structures, we also establish clear course objectives and offer a Competency assessment to ensure students are ready to conduct Internal Audits of Management Systems.

The Certificate of Competency is optional and provides the students an opportunity to have their internal audit process and report assessed by one of our Experts. Note that during audits with Conformity Assessment Bodies, the Certification Auditor will usually ask how the internal auditor was deemed competent to conduct the organisation’s internal audits, and this Certificate, in addition to the Certificate of Completion, will ensure that criteria are met.

How On Learning Supports Internal Auditor Training

As you can see, online learning has its fair share of challenges – but some digital courses contend with these barriers more than others. In fact, in the context of internal auditor training, elements of online learning actually work in tandem with course materials to help students develop hands-on auditor skills.

Here are just some of the ways that the elements of online learning can actually enhance the efficacy of internal auditor courses:

Self-study

Conducting management system internal audits requires a strong foundational understanding of the many components and processes that must be followed when meeting requirements of the  ISO Standards. Understanding the difference between audits, inspections, and checks, and even understanding all the different types of audits is essential when both gaining qualifications to become an internal auditor, but also when planning, preparing, and reporting on audits throughout your career.

For Management System Internal Auditors, engaging in self-study and revision of their industry knowledge is key, so honing self-study skills via online learning can only provide benefits to newer generations of auditors.

Organisation

Creating an internal audit schedule requires a high level of organisation. The compiling of documentation and protocols for Management Systems and their implementation are time-intensive processes that are only exacerbated by poor organisational skills. 

Thankfully, the self-guided nature of online learning requires internal auditors to develop high-level organisation skills alongside engaging with industry knowledge through their formal auditor training. The detailed, linear structure of our online course is also designed to mirror the flow of an effective implementation strategy.

Consistency

Internal Auditors know that adhering to ISO Management System Standards doesn’t just stop at achieving Certification. Maintaining conformance requires consistent management reviews, routine internal audits, and a commitment to supporting business process improvements.

Just as consistency is key in implementing a Management System, it’s also vital to embarking on the next steps following achieving Certification to ISO Standards. Consistency and comfort with routines and schedules is also vital for students enrolled in online courses. 

Proactive participation

Internal auditors, unlike Certification auditors, can involve themselves in management system improvements. So, Management System Internal Auditors should feel comfortable to go where the action is and ask their auditees all the necessary questions that will facilitate continual improvement and help them achieve and maintain Certification.

As internal auditors are typically required to jump in with both feet and have difficult conversations or perhaps even deal with difficult people, a proactive, can-do approach is vital for our graduates. Proactive approaches are also vital for academic success as an online student, which is yet another reason why online learning is so effective for internal auditor training.

Technological proficiency

The process of integrating a Management System commonly involves utilising and understanding operational technologies (i.e. business management software, office computing devices, factory/production equipment, etc.). As a result, Management System Internal Auditors are required to develop a high-level understanding of various industry technologies to assist their auditees.

The self-guided and digitalised nature of online learning provides students with ample opportunities to build foundational digital and computer literacy skills, equipping internal auditors with the necessary technological training right alongside their preliminary engagement with industry knowledge.

Harness Online Learning for your Internal Auditor Training

At ICExperts Academy, our training courses are internationally recognised by Exemplar Global. Providing theory along with templates, accessible short videos, exercises and real-life examples, our Management System Internal Auditor online course provides all the necessary structure and materials to feel prepared when starting out as an internal auditor.

Our course materials are also guaranteed to be valuable resources for your ongoing auditor growth, allowing you to maintain access to fundamental knowledge bases alongside building on your foundational auditor skills with the main ISO Management System Standards.

Want to learn more about our Management System Internal Auditor course? Get in touch with our team at ICExperts Academy or call us at 1300 614 897 for more information on our online learning resources today.

The post Overcoming 7 Common Challenges of Online Internal Auditor Training appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

Before we jump into the tips though, let’s ensure we are on the same page about what an internal audit schedule is. 

What is an Internal Audit schedule or plan?

Internal Audits serve as a crucial tool for maintaining conformance with ISO Management System Standard(s), identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring efficient operations. Internal Audits can be strategically scheduled throughout the year, tailored to specific business areas or departments, various locations, and varying durations, with distinct teams overseeing each. 

An internal audit schedule or plan has a predefined timeline that indicates not only when internal audits will be carried out, but also by whom, along with other relevant information such as the scope of the audits, the criteria to be evaluated, and the frequency of the audits. A well-structured internal audit plan is essential for organisations to assess their processes and controls to mitigate risks and enhance overall performance.

5 tips for a successful Internal Audit schedule 

1. Comprehensive Knowledge of ISO Standards

Before designing an audit schedule, ensure a thorough understanding of the specific ISO Standard(s) applicable to your organisation. Whether it’s ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management, or others, familiarity with the standards is essential. This knowledge provides the foundation for structuring audit objectives, criteria, and evaluation methods accurately.

If you aren’t familiar with the ISO Management System Standards you are required to audit, you may consider enrolling into an ISO training course. ICExperts Academy has 4 upcoming eLearning courses that cover the foundations of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001. These ISO Training courses would be a great starting point. To register your interest into one or more of these courses, click here.  

2. Map Processes and Identify Critical Points

Begin by mapping out the processes within your organisation that fall under the scope of the ISO Standard(s). This initial assessment provides a clear overview of the landscape you’ll be auditing. 

Identify critical points where deviations from the organisation’s own requirements and/or the standards requirements could have a significant impact. These points might include key processes, control measures, required records, and areas where non-conformances have been identified in the past. Design your audit schedule to concentrate on these critical points.

3. Take a Risk-Based Approach to Scheduling

Utilise a risk-based approach to determine the frequency and depth of internal audits. High-risk areas, where deviations from the organisation’s own requirements and/or the relevant ISO Standard(s) could have severe consequences, warrant more frequent and comprehensive audits. 

On the other hand, lower-risk areas can undergo less intensive audits, streamlining resources and avoiding unnecessary disruptions to operations. This approach optimises resources by focusing efforts where they are most needed, while ensuring effective monitoring of related risks. 

4. Integration with Management Review and Improvement Processes

Integrating your ISO internal audit schedule with other management system processes, including management reviews and corrective actions, brings about a harmonious alignment that elevates your organisation’s operational excellence. By strategically connecting these essential components, audit findings serve as valuable inputs for management reviews, enriching the decision-making process with real-time insights. This integration facilitates the identification of trends, patterns, and potential areas for enhancement, allowing for more informed strategic adjustments.

Furthermore, this interconnection establishes a feedback loop that fuels continual improvement efforts. The knowledge gained from internal audits can be seamlessly channelled into initiating targeted corrective and preventive actions. By using audit findings as a catalyst for improvement initiatives, the organisation can effectively address weaknesses, streamline processes, and bolster compliance. 

In essence, this integration nurtures the PDCA cycle of plan, do, check, and act, which in turn facilitates a culture of continual improvement within the organisation.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability

Internal audit schedules should be flexible to accommodate unforeseen changes. Market conditions, organisational shifts, and regulatory updates can impact the schedule’s relevance. Regularly review and adjust the audit plan to address evolving risks and opportunities. Seek feedback from other auditors, process owners, and stakeholders to ensure that the schedule remains practical and effective.

Additionally, while regular audits are essential, there are times when it’s advised to refrain from conducting an audit. For instance, during significant operational changes, system implementations, or crises. Focusing on the audit process during these times might hinder the organisation’s ability to manage the situation effectively. Use discretion and flexibility in the audit schedule to avoid unnecessary disruptions.

How to become qualified to conduct Internal Audits

An Internal Auditor can be someone from within the organisation, although sometimes a business may choose to engage an external consultant to conduct their Internal Audits.

As defined in the ISO 19011:2018 standard, Internal Auditors must be trained and deemed competent to conduct internal audits. There also needs to be objectivity and impartiality throughout the audit process, which means that the auditors should not audit their own work or processes.

Our Management Systems Internal Auditor Training is an online course that covers all the principles of becoming an Internal Auditor, offering three levels of internationally recognised certificates, including the one for verifying competency, which is required when the business goes for Certification of their Management System.

Delivered in a series of short videos that can be watched at a time that best suits you, this practical online course will provide you with the knowledge and qualification you need to become an ISO Management Systems Internal Auditor for the main ISO Management System Standards: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 27001:2022.

It’s important to note that once a business achieves Certification, it will have to continue performing internal audits in order to keep meeting the standards’ requirements, and in preparation for the yearly Surveillance Audits, and the Recertification Audit in three years. Therefore, businesses can benefit long term by qualifying their team to ensure their internal audits are being performed on an ongoing basis and in conformance with the requirements.

Check out our Management System Internal Auditor training page to download the course guide, or give us a call on 1300 614 897 to find out more about the training.

The post How to Create a Successful Internal Audit Schedule: 5 Useful Tips  appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

In this blog, we’re going to deep dive into what those holistic benefits are, so you can understand the full potential of internal audits. 

What is an Internal Audit?

An internal audit, also referred to as a first party audit, is a systematic and documented review of an organisation’s own processes. Internal audits will assess the effectiveness of an organisation’s processes, including internal controls, risk management, and governance. An Internal Audit is usually conducted by someone within the organisation who’s trained and competent to do so. Alternatively, a business may choose to engage an expert external consultant to conduct their internal audits.

In the context of ISO Management Systems, internal audits are a requirement to achieve and maintain Certification, and will be conducted against the requirements of the chosen ISO Standards as well as against the organisation’s own processes.

The main ISO Management System Standards (and that require Internal Audits) are: 

Want to learn more about how you can become qualified to conduct ISO Management Systems Audits? Read more here. 

However, even organisations that aren’t interested in the Certification journey will benefit from effective internal audits. In fact, such organisations can reap substantial holistic benefits from leveraging internal audits as a strategic tool to drive business growth. 

The Holistic Benefits of Internal Audit Processes on Business Continuity

Internal audit processes have a comprehensive impact on business continuity, transcending their conventional functions. These processes serve as a cornerstone for operational excellence by identifying areas for improvement and optimisation, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.

 Let’s have a closer look at what benefits internal audits can bring:

Streamlining Processes for Enhanced Efficiency

Central to the success of any organisation is the optimisation of its processes. Internal audits play a pivotal role in this endeavour, carefully scrutinising workflows, procedures, and operational practices. By conducting in-depth process analyses, internal audits unveil inefficiencies, redundancies, and bottlenecks that hinder productivity. 

With this critical information in hand, businesses can make targeted improvements, streamline operations, and eliminate waste, leading to enhanced efficiency and resource optimisation. Ultimately, these efforts translate into substantial cost savings and a competitive advantage.

Strengthening Accountability and Responsibility 

In the pursuit of business continuity, building a culture of accountability and responsibility is paramount. Internal audits serve as catalysts for cultivating such a culture within organisations. The audit process encourages employees at all levels to take ownership of their processes and outcomes, knowing that their efforts will be subject to evaluation (audited). 

This heightened sense of accountability motivates individuals to perform at their best, proactively address challenges, and continually seek ways to enhance their contributions. Simultaneously, management is held accountable for the effectiveness of the systems they oversee, leading to improved leadership practices and a commitment to driving positive change.

Strategic Risk Management

Effective risk management is a cornerstone of successful business continuity and growth. Internal audits provide organisations with a comprehensive view of their risk management practices. During the audit, the frequency in which the risks are assessed will be checked, along with evidence that the risk processes and mitigation strategies are implemented. 

Armed with this knowledge, organisations can take proactive measures to mitigate risks, ensure business continuity, and safeguard against costly incidents. This strategic approach to risk management enhances organisational resilience, instils stakeholder confidence, and protects the organisation’s reputation.

Continual Improvement 

Internal audits provide valuable feedback that drives continual improvement within the organisation. By regularly assessing and reviewing processes, businesses gain insights into trends and patterns that affect performance. This data-driven approach allows them to identify strengths and weaknesses in their systems and make informed decisions to optimise performance continually.

The audit process encourages organisations to set improvement goals and track progress over time. In short, internal audits can promote a culture of continual learning, where employees and management are encouraged to seek innovative solutions, experiment with new approaches, and embrace change for the betterment of the organisation.

Want to learn more about how you can facilitate Continual Improvement with Internal Audits? Read more here. 

Organisational Alignment for Cohesive Growth

Internal audits help align different departments and functions toward common objectives. The audit process evaluates the level of adherence to established policies and procedures, ensuring consistency across the organisation. When all departments are aligned and follow the same standards, communication and coordination improve significantly.

By aligning processes and objectives, organisations can avoid duplication of efforts and conflicting priorities. This cohesive approach results in better resource allocation and a more unified organisational culture, where everyone is working together to achieve shared goals.

Data-Driven Decision Making 

Internal audits provide organisations with valuable data and insights about their performance and processes. Auditors collect and analyse data during the audit process, which helps businesses make informed and data-driven decisions.

Having access to reliable data enables organisations to identify areas that need improvement and prioritise initiatives that will have the most significant impact on business continuity. Data-driven decision-making allows for a more objective evaluation of performance and the effectiveness of strategies, leading to better outcomes and improved overall performance. 

________________________________________________

As businesses face an ever-changing landscape, the transformative power of Internal Audits provides the clarity and direction needed to thrive and excel in the pursuit of sustainable growth and success. From a business perspective, you can benefit from qualifying your team to conduct these Internal Audits.

Our Management System Internal Auditor Training is a practical eLearning course that teaches how to conduct effective Internal Audits of the main ISO Management System Standards in accordance with ISO 19011:2018. With our course, you can achieve three levels of internationally recognised certificates, giving you the skills and tools you will need to perform effective Internal Audits.

Check out our Management System Internal Auditor training page to download the course guide, or give us a call on 1300 614 897 to find out more about the training.

The post The Holistic Benefits of Internal Audit Processes on Business Continuity appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

As the new financial year approaches, it’s a great time to reassess your career goals and evaluate if you need to invest in professional development. The job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and it’s essential to stay current with the latest trends and advancements in your field. Professional development provides a means to achieve this, enabling you to enhance your skills, broaden your knowledge, and stay relevant in your industry. This will ultimately lead to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and higher earning potential.

Professional development encompasses a wide range of activities that can contribute to your career growth, including attending conferences and workshops, enrolling in online courses, seeking mentorship, or obtaining additional certifications or degrees. These activities can provide you with valuable insights, knowledge, and expertise that can help you take on new challenges and advance your career. However, how do you know when it’s time to invest in your success? Let’s find out!

What are the signs you need to invest in professional development? 

It’s not always easy to determine when to invest time and money in your career and professional development. Here are some signs that it’s time to invest in it:

Now, the next question is, will it be worth your time and money? 

The return on investment (ROI) of professional development can vary, but in general, it can lead to better job opportunities, enhanced skill sets, and higher earning potential. By investing in your professional development, you are investing in your future.

Here are some benefits of investing in professional development:

How can ICExperts Academy help with Professional Development? 

As businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve, being a certified competent Internal Auditor can expand your professional options – not only to perform them within your current role but also to pursue an independent career. By investing in the necessary qualifications and honing your auditing expertise, you position yourself as a valuable asset in the corporate realm. You become equipped with the knowledge and skills to assess and improve organisational processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement effective strategies.

Our Management System Internal Auditor Training is a practical eLearning course that teaches how to conduct effective Internal Audits against the requirements of the main ISO Management System Standards in accordance with ISO 19011:2018. With our course, you can achieve three levels of internationally recognised certificates, giving you the skills and tools you will need to perform effective Internal Audits.

The post Investing in Your Professional Development: The Key to Success in the New Financial Year appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

As an internal auditor, you’re likely to encounter a range of personalities and attitudes during your audits. While most auditees are cooperative and engaged, some can be difficult to deal with. These individuals may resist change, refuse to provide necessary information, or simply make the process more complicated than it needs to be. Handling these situations can be challenging, but it’s essential to maintain a professional demeanour and achieve your audit objectives.

Here’s 10 tips on how to deal with difficult people during internal audits. By following these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to navigate challenging situations and ensure the success of your audit.

1. Set clear expectations

Before the audit, it is essential to set clear expectations for the auditees. Explain the purpose of the audit, what information will be required, and how the information will be used. Be transparent about the process and what is expected from them. When people understand what is expected of them, they are more likely to cooperate. In addition, you can always refer back to the initially defined audit objectives and purpose when people question things during the audit. Most importantly, highlight that you are auditing the process, not the people.

2. Keep calm and professional

When dealing with difficult people, it’s important to remain calm and professional. Don’t let their behaviour or emotions escalate the situation. Stay focused on the objectives of the audit and maintain a respectful tone. Keep in mind that your goal is to identify areas for improvement, not to criticise or blame individuals – in fact, it’s important to remind auditees of this as well.

3. Listen actively

Active listening is a critical skill when dealing with difficult people. Listen carefully to what they are saying and try to understand their perspective. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more information. This will not only help you gain a better understanding of their concerns, but also demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in their input.

If you want to learn more about the 5 key skills of a good Management Systems Auditor, you can read more here.

4. Address concerns

If a difficult person raises a concern, address it promptly and professionally. Acknowledge their perspective, explain the rationale behind the audit, and provide a clear response. If necessary and in the scope of the audit, take the time to investigate the issue further and follow up with the person once you have more information.

5. Stay focused on the objectives

It’s easy to get sidetracked when dealing with difficult people during internal audits, as they might become argumentative, disruptive, and go off topic. However, it’s important to stay focused on the audit objectives and not get drawn into personal attacks or irrelevant arguments. If the situation becomes too contentious, take a break, and regroup before continuing the audit.

6. Ask open-ended questions

Asking open-ended questions in a respectful and non-judgmental way can help you gather more information and gain a better understanding of the situation. By asking questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”, you can prompt the auditee(s) to provide more detailed and thoughtful responses. This will help the auditee to feel heard and understood.

7. Be clear and concise

When communicating with difficult people, it’s important to be clear and concise. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse the auditee or sound condescending. Use simple language and explain things in a way that is easy to understand.

8. Offer guidance and support

Some auditees may be difficult because they are not familiar with the audit process or the requirements, causing them to feel anxious or overwhelmed. In this case, it is essential to offer guidance and support. Explain the process and the requirements, and provide guidance on how to meet them. This can help to build trust and reduce resistance.

9. Document everything

Documenting everything during the audit is essential, especially when dealing with difficult people. Keep detailed notes of any issues, concerns, or disagreements. This will help you stay organised and provide an accurate record of the audit process.

10. Follow up

After the audit, follow up with the difficult person or people to address any outstanding issues or concerns when applicable. This will demonstrate that you are committed to improving the organisation’s processes and operations.

Dealing with difficult people during Internal Audits is not an easy task, but it is an essential skill that every auditor should possess in case this situation occurs. Auditors need to maintain a professional and objective approach while dealing with difficult individuals, and effective communication is the key to overcoming such challenges. By following the strategies discussed in this blog, you should be able to handle difficult people in a constructive and respectful manner.

If you want to learn more about Internal Audits and how to conduct them effectively, our Management System Internal Auditor Training course is the perfect solution for you. This practical eLearning course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct successful internal audits in accordance with the main ISO Management System Standards.

The post How to deal with difficult people during Internal Audits appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

If you search for “Management Systems Auditor Training Course” on Google, you’ll find hundreds of thousands of results. Even if refining your question to “ISO Management Systems Auditing”, you’ll still have over forty thousand links to check. With so many options available, how do you choose the right one?

One point that can make a significant difference when finding the right course is looking for internationally certified training. We’ll provide you with a detailed explanation of the benefits with this type of training further in this blog; however, in a few words, this means that your course follows a high standard of quality, and will be recognised and valid worldwide – a particular point of interest in an industry with ample global reach, such as management systems auditing.

Having this critical benefit to our students in mind, ICExperts Academy’s Management System Internal Auditor Training is certified and offers international recognition by Exemplar Global. As a not-for-profit organisation with offices in Australia and America, Exemplar Global Inc. has been supporting the conformity assessment industry (auditors, trainers and certification bodies) for over 30 years. Exemplar Global is passionate about supporting the auditing profession and the industry as a whole to grow and deliver strong outcomes.

As a result, they have created a Recognised Training Provider program for students to enjoy the benefits and help achieve this goal. Not only does the program foster and support the best training providers around the world, but it supports those interested in the auditing profession, as well as allowing students to become the best professionals they can be.

In order for a training provider to gain Exemplar Global recognition, their courses must follow specific guidelines comprising criteria involving ISO standards and management system industry experience and the verification of such. They must also pass an assessment which verifies the quality of management controls, such as policies and procedures – meaning students can have peace of mind knowing the course and RTP follows best practice. By being certified by Exemplar Global, ICExperts Academy is endorsed as an education provider with the competence to effectively deliver training courses for the ISO management system standards, meeting international industry requirements.

All Exemplar Global Recognised Training Providers (RTP) will have a badge on their training course pages to demonstrate that they are an official and legitimate RTP. To make it easier to identify during your search, here is what the badge looks like on our website:

The five benefits of choosing ICExperts Academy’s Exemplar Global Internationally Recognised training courses

1. Quality assurance

By choosing an Exemplar Global certified training provider, such as ICExperts Academy, you can be assured that you are attending a course of a higher standing which is industry-recognised by a third party. Not only will this help you narrow down your training provider choice for your selected course, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing you’ll invest your time and money in a course that will truly make a difference in your career.

2. It will stand out on your resume

For over 30 years, Exemplar Global Inc. has been the world’s leading personnel and training certification organisation, and is highly regarded among industry professionals. An Exemplar Global Graduate certification provides an additional credential to add to your resume that will stand out when recruiters are skimming through a long list of applications, enhancing your employment potential. Highly regarded in the job market, Exemplar Global certified courses demonstrate that you’ve completed training that is relevant to the assurance industry. Furthermore, it indicates you’ll have assistance for continual career improvement.

3. Expand your career globally

Training providers that only have a Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) qualification will only allow you to work in the country in which you completed the course. In contrast, a training provider that is Certified by Exemplar Global means your course will be recognised globally. This is particularly valuable for creating better opportunities when working for companies with international offices. Even if you don’t have plans to engage with a multinational organisation or even move overseas at this moment, remember that in a globalised job market you never know where the next great opportunity can take you.

4. Continuous professional development opportunities

Students of Exemplar Global certified courses can also count on 12 months of ongoing professional development and support. They will get to enjoy direct access to a series of tailored learning content, including access to complete the Work Style Assessment self-coaching tool. This initiative is independent of the course provider, giving you additional assistance in developing your auditing skills. Webinars, private events and online articles are also shared for continual professional development.

5. Access to an exclusive professional network

Building connections with the right people at the right time could be the key to taking your career to the next level. If you complete Exemplar Global certified training, you’ll have access to an exclusive LinkedIn community to interact with other graduates and industry professionals. This is extremely valuable to nurture networking opportunities, keep up-to-date with industry news and updates, and share experiences and skills.

The post Why you should choose an Internationally Certified training course appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

If this is just the beginning of your ISO journey, you may be doing some research to understand the ISO Certification process. Or, you may already be familiar with the Certification process, and still find yourself confused with the many technical terminologies and acronyms that most articles use.

To help you navigate this sometimes intricate glossary, this blog covers some common questions we hear from our clients, students and colleagues, to work as a quick guide for you.

Before we dive into the FAQ’s, let’s cover a few common acronyms in the ISO world, which will also be used throughout this blog:

Okay, now you’re up to speed with those acronyms, let’s cover some frequently asked questions.

What is ISO?

It is a common misconception that ‘ISO’ is a product, when in actual fact, it is an organisation. The International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) is an international non-governmental organisation. ISO develops and publishes a wide range of proprietary, industrial, and commercial standards, to ensure that businesses of all size, type and nature can benefit from International Standards.

ISO plays an important role in facilitating world trade by providing common standards among different countries. These standards are intended to ensure that products and services are safe, reliable, and of good quality. For the end-user and consumer, these standards ensure that certified businesses and products conform to the minimum standards set internationally.

What is a Management System?

A Management System, also commonly referred to as a Business Management System (BMS), is a systematic framework of a business’ policies, processes and procedures, which details how the business operates towards achieving its set objectives and targets. A Management System can also conform to the requirements of one or more ISO Management System Standards, such as the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Standard.

If you want to know more about Management Systems, you can read more here.

What is a Management System Standard?

ISO Management System Standards (MSS) are documents which are established to define global best practices for specific areas. These documents contain requirements, specifications and guidelines that an organisation can implement to improve its management framework and operations.

ISO has developed over 80 MSS, all containing a set of requirements, which businesses can implement into their Business Management System to achieve their goals and achieve Certification. The four most frequently adopted management system standards are:

Is a CAB, Certification Body and Certifier the same thing? What do they do?

CAB is the acronym for Conformity Assessment Body, which is the technically-correct name for, what we commonly call, a Certification Body. Often, you will also hear them being referred to as a Certifier. So yes – they all mean the same thing!

The role of a Certification Body is to conduct audits of a business’s Management Systems to issue Certifications against the chosen Standard(s). It is a requirement for Certification Bodies to be accredited, otherwise the Certification they provide to a business will not be recognised internationally.

For the Asia-Pacific region, this accreditation is provided by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ). If you want to see the full list of Accredited Certification Bodies, you can search via the JAS-ANZ register.

If you’re from a different region, you can find out which Accreditation Body applies to your region by visiting the International Accreditation Forum’s website.

How do businesses get ‘ISO Certification’?

Every business will start their Certification journey at a different stage. Some businesses may already have some sort of Business Management System in place, while others may be starting from scratch. Some businesses may also have internal resources to develop and implement their Management System, and some may choose to engage with a professional consultant to help with their Certification Readiness.

In its simplest form, the process to achieving Certification to one or more ISO Management System Standards is as follows:

1. Define the ISO Standard(s) required
2. Identify the gaps between the ISO Standard(s) and the current business processes
3. Develop processes and supporting documentation required by the Standard(s)
4. Implement the processes and maintain the required records
5. Conduct an Internal Audit and Management Review
6. Get the system Audited by a Certification Body

Once a business has achieved Certification(s), the 3-year certification cycle begins. During this period, the Certification Body will return to conduct yearly Surveillance Audits to verify that the Business Management System is still meeting the ISO Standard(s) requirements, as well as their own operational requirements.

If you want to know more about the Certification Process in detail, you can read more here.

How long does it take for a business to become ‘ISO Certified’?

This answer will vary from business to business, as it depends on the size and complexity of the organisation, as well as the ISO Management System Standards the business is aiming to achieve certification to. Generally, it may take between 3-6 months, but it could extend up to one year for larger organisations.

It’s important to note that once a business has implemented their chosen ISO Standards requirements into their Management System, it is recommended that a business runs with their system for at least a few weeks and ideally longer (depending on pre-existing implementation levels) before conducting their Internal Audits, and then moving forward with the Certification Audits. This allows an adequate amount of time for the business to identify any issues, and collect enough evidence to show that their Management System has been effectively implemented, and works for the business.

What is the difference between Certification and Accreditation?

Certification for ISO Management System Standard(s) is provided by an independent Certification Body. When a business achieves Certification, it means that their ISO Management System meets all of the requirements of their chosen standards.

In order for a Certification Body to issue internationally-recognised Certifications, they must be Accredited. Accreditation only applies to Certification Bodies, not businesses who want to achieve Certification. In Australia and New Zealand, Certification Bodies are accredited by JAS-ANZ.

In essence, an Accredited Certification Body will conduct an audit and issue Certification to a business if the requirements of their chosen ISO Management System Standard(s) have been met.

What is the difference between an Internal and External Audit?

If you aren’t familiar with the Certification process, it can be confusing to differentiate the types of audits involved during the process. In its simplest form:

If you want to know more details about Internal and External Audits, and how you can become qualified to conduct these Audits, you can read more here.

Can businesses use their own resources to conduct Internal Audits?

Many people think that they have to outsource to a professional to conduct their Internal Audits, but this is not the case. Businesses are able to use their own internal resources, such as their employees, to conduct their Internal Audits, as long as they are trained and competent to do so.

In order for someone in the business to be deemed competent to conduct Internal Audits of ISO Management Systems, the first step is training. With our Management Systems Internal Auditor Training, you can achieve three levels of internationally recognised certificates, including the one for Competency after successful assessment of your first internal audit by one of our experts. Our Internal Auditor training also provides the tools to develop all the skills and resources needed to become a competent internal auditor, in line with the guidelines of ISO 19011:2018.

The competency of Internal Auditors may be questioned during External Audits, so it’s important that they have this training to demonstrate it.

Is an audit the same thing as an inspection?

These two terms often get used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing.

An audit is an assessment of a process or a system to determine whether it meets a defined set of criteria. Audits can be performed internally or externally, to verify conformance to one or more ISO Standards and the organisation’s own requirements, through a systematic review of factual evidence. Other common types of audits are Operational audits and Financial audits.

On the contrary, an inspection is an evaluation of a place, product or service to ensure relevant requirements have been met. You may be familiar with site safety inspections, which generally check for hazards and potential risks in an environment, and usually verify that safety measures are in place and effective.

What are Non-Conformances?

In short, a Non-Conformance is the failure to meet a specific requirement. There are two types of Non-Conformances that could be raised during an audit:

Both major and minor Non-Conformances will be recorded in the audit report, and must be resolved and closed within the time frame designated by the auditor.

What is an Opportunity for Improvement?

An Opportunity for Improvement (OFI) is an observation or suggestion that can be raised during audits regarding a potential improvement opportunity. While OFIs are recorded in the audit report, they won’t impact your Certification. Although, when addressed, it may prove beneficial toward making the system and business operations more effective.

No action is necessarily required. However, actions on OFIs may be reviewed at the next audit, and the business may be asked to show evidence of decisions and actions taken to address them.

What does it mean when a course is certified by Exemplar Global?

Being an Exemplar Global Recognised Training Provider (RTP) means that the course follows a higher standing that has been recognised by a third party. It demonstrates that the course has been reviewed by experts and is relevant to the industry globally.

All certificates issued will contain the Exemplar Global stamp, validating it as a certified training course which is recognised worldwide.

Completing the course will also allow you to gain many other benefits from being an Exemplar Global certified professional, to joining a network of professionals, and gaining access to exclusive resources and webinars.

If you want to learn more about Exemplar Global, you can visit their website here.

We hope that you were able to learn something new, and that these ISO related terms and acronyms are now clearer for you to understand. Need help demystifying other terms and processes to help with your ISO studies? Or, do you want to become qualified to conduct Internal Audits of ISO Management Systems?

The post Common ISO Terminology and Acronyms Explained appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

In business, there are several different types of audits you may come across. You may already be familiar with performance audits, operational audits, and payroll audits, but when it comes to the Certification process, did you know that audits are a major component?

The ISO Management System Standards are documents which provide businesses with requirements, specifications and guidelines that can be used consistently to ensure that their products, services and processes are fit for their purpose. In order to achieve Certification to these ISO Standards, businesses will need to develop and implement a Management System in line with these requirements. To achieve Certification, the business Management System must go through a series of auditing processes.

Continue reading to find out more about the different types of ISO audits, and how you can get qualified to perform them yourself.

What is an audit, and why do we do them?

Essentially, an audit is a systematic process where objective evidence is obtained and evaluated to determine if a business has fulfilled a set of criteria or requirements. Audits of a businesses Management System are conducted to check if a business is meeting the requirements of their chosen ISO Standard(s).

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has reiterated the importance of audits throughout the Certification process by publishing an ISO Standard with recommendations on how to perform them.

The ISO 19011:2018 Guidelines for auditing management systems Standard provides guidance on preparing audit programs, management of an audit program, planning and conducting management system audits, as well as guidance on the competence and evaluation of an auditor. If you want to learn more about the standard, you can read more here.

Types of ISO Audits

In a nutshell, within the ISO scope there are two audit categories:

1. Internal Audits – An internal review of a businesses management system required by the ISO Management System Standards, prior to the external audits.
2. External Audits – The auditing process conducted by Certification Bodies (CAB – Conformity Assessment Bodies) that should result in Certification for a business.

Let’s dive deeper into each type:

1. Internal Audits

Internal audits, sometimes called first-party audits, are performed by an organisation on its own systems and processes. They will assess the effectiveness of the business processes, including internal controls, risk management, and governance.

Internal Audits are a requirement of the ISO Management System Standards and need to be conducted before and after Certification is achieved. An Internal Audit consists of a full review of a businesses management system to ensure that it has met all of the ISO Standard requirements, as well as the organisation’s own requirements, before going for Certification.

Besides assuring that the organisation’s processes are meeting their chosen ISO Management Systems Standard(s) requirements, the internal audit is an excellent opportunity for the business to improve its systems and the effectiveness of its management system.

Internal Audits need to be scheduled at regular intervals, taking a risk-based approach, which means that higher-risk processes, or processes with more frequent issues, should be audited more often than others. All processes should be audited at least once every three years; however, it is recommended that for the first couple of years, all processes are audited annually.

– How can you become qualified to conduct Internal Audits?

An Internal Auditor can be someone from within the organisation, although sometimes a business may choose to engage an external consultant to conduct their Internal Audits.

As defined in the ISO 19011:2018 standard, Internal Auditors must be trained and deemed competent to conduct internal audits. There also needs to be objectivity and impartiality throughout the audit process, which means that the auditors should not audit their own work or processes.

Our Management Systems Internal Auditor Training is an online course that covers all the principles of becoming an Internal Auditor, offering three levels of internationally recognised certificates, including the one for competency, which is required when the business goes for Certification of their Management System.

Delivered in a series of short videos that can be watched at a time that best suits you, this practical online course will provide you with the knowledge and qualification you need to become an ISO Management Systems Internal Auditor for the main ISO Management System Standards: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 27001:2022.

It’s important to note that once a business achieves Certification, it will have to continue performing internal audits in order to keep meeting the standards’ requirements, and in preparation for the yearly Surveillance Audits, and the Recertification Audit in three years. Therefore, businesses can benefit long term by qualifying their team to ensure their internal audits are being performed on an ongoing basis and in conformance with the requirements.

2. External Audits

External Audits are conducted by a party that isn’t directly associated with the business under audit. They are divided into two categories:

Click here to learn what is involved during the Certification Process.

– How can you become qualified to conduct External Audits?

This is only applicable if you are interested in pursuing a career to work as an auditor on behalf of Certification Bodies. If this is the case, you will need to complete a Lead Auditor training course, and then start acquiring hours of auditing experience (both internal and/or external) to apply for a professional certificate.

Courses like PECB’s ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor eLearning training will give you the necessary skills, knowledge and qualification to plan and perform external audits according to the requirements of a specific ISO Standard – in this case, the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information Security Management Systems Standard.

In a highly competitive job market, and as professionals increasingly look to explore independent career paths, becoming an auditor may bring numerous benefits. Our Management Systems Internal Auditor Training is a great way to become familiar with the ISO world, and explore new career opportunities. It will teach you how to conduct effective Internal Audits in accordance with the main ISO Management System Standards.

The post How many types of Audits are there? Understand the different Audits for ISO Management System Standards appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

As an ever-hot topic in business conversations, effective leadership is arguably one of the most important qualities in a workplace, as it can determine a business’s success. It can be described as the ability to influence and encourage others, take risks, act decisively, communicate effectively, and the list goes on. Almost every situation in business requires a leader to vary behaviour to fit the prevailing circumstances, which will directly contribute to the success of any business. But how can you ensure that leadership commitment transpires into business improvement projects, such as the implementation of an ISO Management System Standard?

As a key requirement across all main ISO Management System Standards, Leadership and Commitment are vital contributions to the certification-readiness and maintenance process. Its importance is reinforced from top to bottom in each core standard, as the Management System must be aligned with business objectives, which are usually formed by top management.

For example, in the ISO 9000 Family of Standards, top management is defined as the person or group of people who directs and controls an organisation at the highest level. They must ensure that the chosen standard’s requirements, with its policies and objectives, are consistent with the strategic context and direction of the business.

Among other topics, Clause 5.1 in the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Standard specifies that top management shall demonstrate leadership and commitment by:

The development and implementation of any Management System is a massive task for any business, which at times can be quite complex. Therefore, it should go without saying that there should be full leadership support throughout the entire process, as described above. However, leadership involvement by top management is too often overlooked, causing significant problems with the system implementation, and can become issues raised when the business has their Internal and External Audits.

What happens when leadership fails to support a Business Management System?

Although the decision to implement one or more ISO Management System Standards to achieve Certification mostly comes from top management, it’s common to find that their involvement stops there.

The Leadership and Commitment clause in the main ISO Management System Standards often ends up being neglected, as top management solely relies on their employees to develop and implement the Management System for them. In some cases, top management doesn’t even attend their Internal or External Audits, because they haven’t made it a priority to learn about the new Management System, or be involved in any part of the process.

Without involvement of top management throughout the certification process, there are some damaging consequences which could not only impact their certification, but also the business as a whole. Some of these include:

How can top management demonstrate leadership support when implementing and maintaining a Management System?

It goes without saying that a business cannot successfully operate day-to-day without effective leadership from top management. So why would it be any different when developing, implementing and maintaining a new Management System into the business?

The involvement of top management during this process is crucial, to ensure that the Management System policies, procedures and objectives directly align with the business’s strategic direction. Top management is responsible for communicating this to the team, and ensuring that these policies and procedures are being followed correctly, so that business objectives and strategic goals can be met. Regular check-ins with employees should be conducted to make certain that the Management System has been effectively integrated into the organisation’s existing processes.

The “set by example” effect is also applicable here – each person will take the policies and procedures as seriously as leadership does. This is especially sensitive as the development and implementation of the Management System can be a daunting process, one that requires motivation and encouragement, before and after achieving Certification.

Below are some of the actions top management must put into practice to support the effective implementation and use of the Management System:

By ensuring the Management System works cohesively with the organisation’s business processes, the organisation will not only meet the ISO Standard’s requirements, but also ensure it relishes all the benefits of working with an effective Management System. Reduced costs, increased productivity, continuous improvement culture, and improved staff morale are just a few of those benefits.

How can you approach the Leadership and Commitment clause when conducting Internal Audits?

As you progress your studies to become an ISO Management Systems Internal Auditor, it’s important to cover how you can approach the Leadership and commitment clause in your audit. Make sure you look for consistent evidence of a “hands-on” top management approach. This should be assessed during interviews with the staff and leadership members; key questions such as the below should help you:

Other evidence of top management involvement could be found in:

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