Compliance audits
Structured approach to compliance auditing according to ISO 19011
Quality or compliance audits are used to verify whether an organization's processes comply with the requirements of a standard or regulatory framework. Whether conducted internally or externally, they are based on a process approach and follow the guidelines of ISO 19011 to ensure a structured, objective assessment that is useful for continuous improvement.
Reissued in 2018, ISO 19011 — Guidelines for auditing management systems — covers the principles of auditing, managing an audit program, conducting audits, and assessing the competence of those involved in the process.
It is intended for audit program managers, auditors, and audit teams, and applies to all organizations that need to plan and conduct internal or external audits of management systems.
Our various training courses offered on the subject
Quality audits: a lever for improving performance – 50 minutes
Quality audits are not just a compliance tool: they can become a real performance driver for your organization.
This webinar, lasting approximately 50 minutes, will show you how to transform your quality audits into strategic levers for continuous improvement, enabling you to maximize their added value as a manager, quality professional, or business leader.
Course Objective
Identify and exploit opportunities for improvement identified in quality audits to strengthen the organization's overall performance.
Target audience
This webinar is intended for managers, quality managers, internal auditors, consultants, SME executives, and anyone involved in managing or improving organizational processes.
Content Elements
- Introduction: Positioning quality auditing as a performance driver
- Types of audits and their strategic potential
- Prepare an improvement-oriented audit
- Analyze findings to generate value-added actions
- Conclusion: Integrating audits into a sustainable performance approach
Notes
- The webinar will include concrete examples and practical advice that can be applied immediately.
- A question-and-answer period is scheduled at the end to discuss your specific issues.
Internal process audit - 14 hours
Les audits internes constituent un levier essentiel pour évaluer la performance, l’efficacité et l’amélioration des systèmes de management. Dans un contexte où les organisations adoptent de plus en plus une approche par les processus et par les risques, les auditeurs doivent être en mesure d’aller au-delà de la simple vérification de conformité afin d’évaluer la capacité des processus à atteindre les résultats attendus.
Le présent cours de 14 heures présente les principes, les méthodes et les pratiques de l’audit interne conformément aux lignes directrices de la plus récente version de la norme ISO 19011, ainsi qu’aux bonnes pratiques reconnues en audit des systèmes de management. Grâce à des exposés, des exercices pratiques, des simulations et des mises en situation, les participants développeront les compétences nécessaires pour préparer, réaliser, documenter et assurer le suivi d’un audit interne efficace au sein de leur organisation.
Course Objective
Réaliser un audit interne de processus ou de système de management conformément aux principes et aux lignes directrices de la norme ISO 19011, afin d’évaluer l’efficacité des processus audités, de formuler des constats pertinents et de contribuer à l’amélioration continue de l’organisation.
Target audience
Cette formation s’adresse :
- Aux personnes appelées à agir comme auditeurs internes au sein de leur organisation.
- Aux auditeurs internes souhaitant actualiser leurs connaissances en fonction des plus récentes lignes directrices de la norme ISO 19011.
- Aux responsables de programmes d’audit interne.
- Aux gestionnaires, coordonnateurs ou professionnels impliqués dans la mise en œuvre, le maintien ou l’amélioration d’un système de management.
- Aux membres d’équipes qualité, environnement, santé-sécurité ou amélioration continue désirant comprendre et appliquer les pratiques d’audit interne fondées sur l’approche processus et l’approche par les risques.
Content Elements
Le contenu de cette formation est structuré de façon progressive afin d’amener les participants à maîtriser les principes, les méthodes et les outils nécessaires à la conduite d’audits internes de processus et de systèmes de management.
- Introduction
- Rappel sur les concepts, principes et ISO 9001
- Les bases de l’audit
- Triggering and preparing for the audit
- Réalisation des activités d’audit
- Rapport et suivi d’audit
- Conclusion
Notes
This training, combined with appropriate academic or professional qualifications, prepares participants to conduct internal audits competently and effectively.
Aucun prérequis académique n’est exigé pour suivre cette formation. Toutefois, une connaissance de base des processus organisationnels ou des systèmes de management, ainsi qu’une expérience professionnelle en gestion, en qualité, en environnement ou dans un domaine connexe, faciliteront l’acquisition des concepts présentés.
An exam may be offered to assess knowledge acquisition, with a certificate of merit.
Each participant receives a 14-hour certificate, even without taking the exam.
Internal process audit – Laboratory – 14 hours
This course focuses on the internal audit of laboratory processes within the framework of the laboratory or company quality system. It is based on ISO 19011:2018 and is aligned with our "Internal Process Audit" course, which is applicable to all sectors.
The content is tailored to the laboratory context, incorporating the competency-based approach of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (also relevant for the 2005 version).
The first day covers the stages of the audit, from preparation to follow-up on corrective actions, with workshops on interpersonal relationships.
The second day is devoted to conducting a complete audit of one of your laboratory's processes.
Course Objective
This two-day course aims to provide participants with the knowledge and techniques necessary to successfully conduct internal audits of the processes at the heart of a laboratory's quality management system, whether the reference standard is ISO/IEC 17025:2005 or ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Target audience
This course has been designed for the training of new internal auditors.
It may also be useful to auditors who wish to refresh their knowledge, particularly considering the new edition of ISO 19011.
The person responsible for defining, implementing, or managing the internal quality audit program may also benefit from this and communicate specific aspects of the company's system.
Content Elements
You will prepare and conduct an audit in your company based on lists of questions prepared as a team during the session. You will lead a closing meeting in which you will present your audit findings to the managers of the audited department(s).
This course, when combined with the appropriate academic or professional qualifications, will enable you to perform internal audits effectively and competently.
The course covers the following topics, among others:
- Process-related concepts
- Fundamentals of conducting audits
- Audit preparation
- Use of information gathering grids
- Opening the audit
- Gathering information
- Psychology of auditing
- Effective post-audit meetings
- Audit report – writing
- Follow-up on corrective action
Notes
Certain knowledge promotes effective transfer of listening skills, including understanding:
- a quality system compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2005 or 2017, or ISO 9001:2015,
- Process control;
- The laboratory environment
NB: Consult our other courses to develop these aspects as needed.
An exam may be offered to assess knowledge acquisition, with a certificate of merit.
A 14-hour certificate is issued to each participant, even without an exam.
External auditor – 21 hours
Adopted as a national standard in most countries, ISO 9001 is used by more than one million companies as the basis for their quality systems and plays a strategic role in supply chains.
It serves as the foundation for sector-specific QMS standards (automotive, aerospace, medical, laboratories, etc.).
Suppliers' QMS auditors contribute to their qualification and monitoring, either in addition to or in the absence of third-party certification.
Although focused on supplier auditing, the "External Auditor" course is also relevant for auditing remote or decentralized facilities, where the auditor faces challenges specific to external auditing (geography, language, culture) that are less prevalent in internal auditing.
Course Objective
This three-day course on QMS auditing reflects the requirements of ISO 19011:2018, applicable to all management systems (quality, environment, OHS, etc.).
Through an overview of ISO 9001:2015 and discussions on audit situations, it enables participants to learn the principles and techniques of external supplier auditing.
It emphasizes the process approach and the risk-based approach and also addresses the audit of undocumented processes to better understand the fundamental approach.
Target audience
This course is intended for future auditors who will be auditing or conducting supplier or third-party audits, as well as for supervisors of supplier QMSs, whether certified or not.
Although focused on ISO 9001, the skills acquired are transferable to any management system (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, AS9100, etc.).
It provides a solid foundation for new auditors, a useful refresher for experienced auditors, and an understanding of the role of lead auditor.
Those aiming to work for a registrar should check its specific requirements, beyond the course content.
Content Elements
To properly evaluate an organization's QMS, an external audit must be carefully planned and prepared. The auditor must master flexible and effective techniques, communication skills, rigorous documentation, and good follow-up—skills that are also useful to the audit program manager.
The course allows participants to rediscover the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 through the auditor's questions and the ISO principles of quality management.
It presents proven methods for evaluating a QMS, with practical workshops covering all stages: planning, implementation, and conclusions.
You will learn how to avoid common pitfalls and engage in in-depth discussions with an experienced instructor and other participants.
Combined with academic prerequisites and audit experience, this course prepares you to audit effectively and lead an audit team.
Main topics covered:
- ISO quality management principles
- Audit of ISO 9001 requirements (applicable to other standards)
- Interface between auditing and audit program management
- Inputs to audit activities
- Review of manuals and documentation
- Checklists
- Initiation and opening meeting
- Information gathering
- Psychology of auditing
- Audit conclusions
- Closing meeting
- Audit report
- Follow-up on corrective actions
Notes
A written exam is available at the end of the session. This exam covers ISO quality management principles, their application to ISO 9001:2015 or other relevant standards, and the requirements of ISO 19011:2018. It also covers verbal and written communication skills.
Internal process audit – IATF 16949 – 28 hours
IATF 16949 is the international benchmark for quality management systems in the automotive industry, aimed at continuous product improvement and vehicle buyer satisfaction on a global scale. It requires the implementation of an audit program covering the entire management system, manufacturing processes and products, carried out by competent and qualified auditors.
This four-day course will introduce you to the requirements of internal auditing according to IATF 16949, the process approach and the risk-based approach, so that you are able to assess the effectiveness and consistency of the audited processes, beyond just the compliance check. Intended for future IATF 16949 internal auditors, this training includes a complete practical part, based on realistic simulations and educational role-plays allowing participants to audit processes in their own organization.
Register to develop audit skills with high added value for the performance of your management system.
Course Objective
Following this training, the participant will be able to:
- Analyze the requirements of IATF 16949 and their interactions in order to understand their concrete application within a quality management system in the automotive sector.
- Plan, conduct and document internal process audits in accordance with IATF 16949, applying a process-based and risk-based approach, in accordance with ISO 19011 guidelines.
- Communicate effectively with interviewees and other stakeholders, by formulating factual, objective findings that are useful for improving the performance of the management system.
Target audience
This training is intended for professionals in the automotive sector and its supply chain (OEMs and suppliers) who are required to perform internal audits according to IATF 16949, as well as individuals wishing to develop or update their skills as an internal auditor.
It is also intended for quality managers and managers involved in the planning, implementation or management of the internal audit program within certified organizations or in the process of IATF 16949 compliance.
Content Elements
The first part of the training focuses on IATF 16949 and will cover the following aspects:
- Concepts and definitions
- Carrying out operational activities
- Support
- Performance evaluation and improvement
- Context and Planning
- Leadership
The second part of the training focuses on internal audits and will cover the following aspects:
- Reminder of the concepts and principles
- The basics of conducting audits
- Triggering and preparing for the audit
- Conducting the audit and communication techniques
- Audit report and audit follow-up
Notes
The course is offered in 4 days of 7 hours in the classroom or in 6 days of 5 hours in virtual format.
An exam may be offered, allowing the audit program manager, as well as the participants, to assess the acquisition of the knowledge taught. A certificate of acquisition of knowledge will be issued on merit.
Notwithstanding the exam, a certificate of 28 hours of training is issued to each participant.
Audit Program Management – 7 hours
This one-day course focuses on managing an organization's audit program. It complements our "Internal Process Audit" and "External Auditor" training courses.
Rather than a theoretical course, this is an interactive workshop based on the guidelines of ISO 19011:2018. The focus is on participation, team discussions, and analysis of practical cases.
Participants acquire the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively manage an audit program, whether internal or external.
Course Objective
Combined with the appropriate academic or professional qualifications, this course will enable participants to:
- move towards competent and efficient management of the audit program entrusted to them, and
- will enable auditors to better understand the links between audit program management and the performance of the audits planned in that program.
Target audience
The course is relevant for all organizations, regardless of the management system standards used.
Content Elements
The course is structured as follows:
- Concepts and principles
- Audit program management (facilitation focused on numerous questions and answers)
- Links between the audit management program and the performance of audits (facilitation focused on numerous exercises and practical case studies)
Notes
The course is relevant to the management system of organizations, regardless of the reference standard(s). The course therefore does not cover the specific requirements of standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 17025, or ISO 14011.
What if it wasn't exactly training you needed?
Beyond knowledge development, we also offer personalized support: assistance in obtaining your certification, maintenance of your management system with an experienced part-time resource, or strategic support to improve your processes.
Whatever your situation, we are here to help you move forward effectively.