What is ISO 19011:2014?

ISO 19011:2014 is an international standard that provides guidance on auditing management systems. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of auditing processes.

Scope of ISO 19011:2014

The standard applies to organizations of all sizes and sectors, whether they are public or private. It provides guidelines for auditing quality management systems, environmental management systems, occupational health and safety management systems, information security management systems, and other similar management systems.

Key Principles of ISO 19011:2014

ISO 19011:2014 is based on a set of key principles that auditors should follow during the auditing process:

Integrity: Auditors should be honest, fair, and carry out their work with unbiased judgment.

Fair Presentation: Auditors should provide a true representation of the audited organization's processes and activities.

Due Professional Care: Auditors should exercise professional competence and perform their duties diligently.

Confidentiality: Auditors should handle information obtained during an audit with confidentiality.

Independence: Auditors should be objective and independent from any influences that may affect their judgment.

Auditing Process according to ISO 19011:2014

The ISO 19011:2014 standard outlines a systematic approach to auditing management systems. The process typically includes the following steps:

Initiating the Audit: This involves defining the scope, objectives, and criteria of the audit, as well as obtaining necessary information about the audited organization.

Planning the Audit: Auditors should develop an audit plan, considering factors such as resources, timeframe, and audit methods. The plan should be communicated to relevant stakeholders.

Conducting the Audit: Auditors collect and analyze information through various audit techniques, such as interviews, document reviews, and observation of processes.

Reporting and Communicating: Auditors prepare an audit report summarizing their findings, conclusions, and recommendations. They should then communicate this report to the audited organization and other relevant parties.

Follow-up: Auditors may conduct follow-up activities to verify the implementation of corrective actions taken by the audited organization.

In conclusion, ISO 19011:2014 provides a framework for conducting effective audits of management systems. It promotes integrity, fairness, and professionalism among auditors, and ensures that auditing processes contribute to continuous improvement within organizations.