Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for an internal audit
- The scope of the planned audit is determined and requirements are detailed.
- Procedures to be audited are identified and relevant documentation collected.
- Relevant personnel are briefed, and roles and responsibilities allocated.
- A detailed audit plan is developed in consultation with relevant personnel.
- A checklist to identify conformance and non-conformance is developed.
- Conduct the internal audit
- The components of the environmental management system and work area to be audited are selected.
- Continuous improvement and ownership of the audit process are maximised by collaborating with relevant personnel.
- Sufficient evidence is collected to identify non-conforming aspects of the environmental management system.
- Evidence is analysed using improvement tools to identify suitable corrective actions.
- Report findings
- Complete corrective actions
- Relevant personnel are consulted regarding the necessary strategies to improve the environmental management system.
- An action plan is developed and implemented to improve the environmental management system.
- The effectiveness of the corrective action is evaluated and reported after an agreed time interval.
- Relevant documentation is recorded and stored appropriately for future access.