Internal audits

The purpose of internal audit is to ensure the accredited individuals are competent and the accreditation work is carried out in accordance with the Quality Management Systems and Procedures, the weights and measures legislation and Trading Standards requirements.

The Management Representative is required to complete Internal Audits to determine:

• If the accredited individuals are competent, and
• If the accreditation work is carried out in accordance with the Quality Management System and associated documentation.

The findings of an Internal Audit have to be recorded and kept for a minimum of 3 years by the organisation. Any issues found during an Internal Audit must be actioned in accordance with the Internal Audit section of the Quality Management System.

During the 3 year accreditation period, all individuals and categories are required to be audited at least once. The intention of an internal audit is to identify any deficiencies, identify how they can be improved, then implement a solution(s) to rectify the issue(s), which may involve either the Management Representative, accredited individual(s) and/or the Quality Management System and associated documentation.

The Client Manager should review the Internal Audit documentation when completing the Annual Surveillance for the Accredited Organisation and the Management Representative meeting.

Surveillance plan has more information.