What is ISO 19011: 2014 ?

Title: What is EN ISO 19011: 2014?

EN ISO 19011: 2014 is an international standard for auditing management systems. It provides guidance on auditing principles, managing an audit program, and conducting audits. This standard applies to all types of organizations, regardless of their size or the industry they operate in.

EN ISO 19011: 2014 aims to enable auditors to assess the conformity and effectiveness of management systems in an objective and systematic manner. Auditing is crucial for organizations as it helps identify areas for improvement, ensures compliance with regulations and standards, and enhances overall performance.

Understanding EN ISO 19011: 2014

ISO 19011: 2014 is divided into four main parts. Each part covers a different aspect of auditing management systems. The first part covers auditing principles, while the second part covers managing an audit program. The third part covers conducting audits, and the fourth part covers reporting and follow-up.

Auditing Principles

ISO 19011: 2014 provides guidance on the auditing principles that should be followed during the auditing process. These principles are designed to ensure that audits are conducted in an objective and systematic manner.

The first auditing principle is to ensure that the auditing activities are carried out in a way that will not interfere with the normal operation of the management system. This means that auditors should avoid causing any disruption to the organization's operations during the auditing process.

The second auditing principle is to ensure that the auditing activities are carried out in a way that will not cause undue influence on the management system. This means that auditors should avoid any actions that could be perceived as influencing the management system's decision-making process.

The third auditing principle is to ensure that the auditing activities are carried out in a way that is consistent with the organization's policies and procedures. This means that auditors should ensure that their auditing activities align with the organization's overall goals and objectives.

The fourth auditing principle is to ensure that the auditing activities are carried out in a way that is in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. This means that auditors should ensure that their auditing activities are in compliance with relevant regulations and standards that apply to the organization.

Managing an Audit Program

ISO 19011: 2014 provides guidance on how to manage an audit program. The first step in managing an audit program is to identify the scope of the audit. This involves identifying the management systems that will be audited and the specific areas of improvement that will be targeted.

Once the scope of the audit has been identified, the next step is to develop an audit plan. This involves developing a detailed plan that outlines the audit activities that will be conducted and the resources that will be used.

After the audit plan has been developed, the next step is to carry out the audit activities. This involves conducting the audit activities in a way that is consistent with the auditing principles outlined in ISO 19011: 2014.

Conducting Audits

ISO 19011: 2014 provides guidance on how to conduct audits. The first step in conducting an audit is to communicate with the management system to ensure that they are aware of the audit and its objectives.

Once the management system has been informed of the audit, the next step is to develop an audit plan. This involves developing a detailed plan that outlines the audit activities that will be conducted and the resources that will be used.

After the audit plan has been developed, the next step is to conduct the audit activities. This involves conducting the audit activities in a way that is consistent with the auditing principles outlined in ISO 19011: 2014.

Reporting and Follow-up

ISO 19011: 2014 provides guidance on how to report and follow-up from audits. Once the audit activities have been completed, the next step is to report on the findings of the audit. This involves providing a detailed report that summarizes the audit findings and recommendations.

The next step is to follow-up on the audit findings. This involves taking appropriate action to address the issues identified in the audit report and ensuring that the management system is operating in a way that is consistent with the auditing principles outlined in ISO 19011: 2014.

Conclusion

In conclusion, EN ISO 19011: 2014 is an international standard for auditing management systems. It provides guidance on auditing principles, managing an audit program, and conducting audits. By following the guidelines outlined in ISO 19011: 2014, organizations can ensure that their management systems are operating in a way that is consistent with their policies and procedures and that meets the requirements of relevant laws and regulations.