Elements and Performance Criteria
- Develop a communication plan to support audit processes
- Define and agree on scope of audit with client
- Define, communicate and agree on roles and responsibilities of all personnel involved in the audit process, including those for whom English is a second language
- Determine and agree on appropriate communication methods and protocols and specific arrangements, including reporting requirements
- Document the communication plan
- Select and use appropriate communication methods to conduct an audit
- Select communication methods to take account of system owner and food business requirements, workplace culture and individual differences
- Use appropriate communication methods to establish and maintain effective client relationships
- Interpret information provided by the auditee in the context of the industry sector, language and culture of the business
- Apply communication techniques to encourage all relevant parties to participate and express views throughout audit
- Negotiate to achieve agreement on audit outcomes
- Identify and clarify areas of disagreement over audit outcomes with the auditee
- Seek understanding on actions to be followed to resolve outstanding issues
- Treat auditee’s views with respect
- Explore options for resolving differences to reach agreement and meet audit timeline and resource parameters
- Explore appropriate issue resolution strategies to increase the likelihood of agreement on steps required to conclude the audit
- Manage the negotiation process to maintain constructive client relationships
- Report any areas of continuing non-compliance that result from unresolved differences to system owners and appropriate authorities as required