What Are ISO9001 Audits and Why Are They Mandatory?

ISO Audits are often dreaded by companies, but they are a core component of the ISO standards, comprising both internal and external assessments. But they don’t have to be stressful, and by using a Consultant, they can be used as a tool to improve business structure, efficiency and discipline. Internal ISO Audits can be conducted either by a qualified consultant or internally by the organization, while External Audits are typically performed annually by an accreditation body. Here we unpack Internal ISO Audits showing that they are essential for ensuring that the Quality Management System (QMS) is working for you.

1. Compliance

ISO9001 audits check whether your organization is following:

- The requirements of ISO 9001

- Your own documented procedures and policies

2. Effectiveness and Systems-Driven, Not People Driven

They help determine if your processes are working as intended and producing the desired results. You say what you do, and document it, and the internal audit checks that you do what you say.

3. Continual Improvement

ISO Audits identify areas for improvement, inefficiencies, or nonconformities, which helps you enhance your QMS over time.

4. Why ISO 9001 Requires Them (Clause 9.2):

According to ISO 9001:2015, internal audits must:

- Be planned at regular intervals

- Be objective and impartial

- Provide input for management review

- Lead to corrective actions if problems are found

5. Who Carries Out ISO9001 Audits?

A company that already has accreditation, or is implementing the ISO9001, 14001 or 45001, has to carry out at least one internal audit per year. This is not done by the accreditation body, but is normally carried out by ISO Consultants, such as Qualiform Quality Management, or ourselves. Some businesses may attempt to carry out the internal audits using their own staff, but best practice dictates that a company doesn’t audit its own work.

6. Real-World Benefits of ISO Audits:

- They drive a culture of accountability and quality

- Prevent costly external audit failures

- Build confidence in your processes

Call us on 01553 341004 to see how we can assist you in carrying out Internal ISO Audits and attending the External Audits. We are here to make the whole process as smooth and stress-free as possible.