The Art of Internal Auditing

This course is designed to provide a framework for successfully conducting internal audits that meet quality management standards and NATA accreditation requirements.

It covers the knowledge, skills, processes and documentation needed to:

• establish an internal audit programme
• plan and conduct effective internal audits using best-practice techniques
• report internal audit findings
• confidently manage stakeholders who can significantly impact internal audit outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• describe the purpose and objectives of internal audits
• identify internal audit requirements in relevant Standards
• distinguish between different types of audits and approaches to audits
• establish an internal audit programme and schedule
• plan and document internal audits based on their individual scope and objectives
• develop and complete documentation to support the conduct of internal audits such as checklists and report forms
• identify the competencies required for the internal auditor role
• use different auditing and communication techniques to gather information and evidence
• facilitate internal audit meetings
• identify, analyse and report audit findings
• apply strategies to gain organisational support for the internal audit process

The course is relevant for individuals who:

• are responsible for their facility’s internal audit programme
• plan and/or conduct internal audits, and/or
• require an understanding of the facility’s internal audit requirements and practices (e.g. laboratory or management staff)

This course also applies to facilities who may be considering, or in the process of becoming, accredited with NATA, or who are already accredited in Standards such as ISO9001, ISO14001 or any of the NATA accreditation programs including ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 15189.

Course content is delivered using engaging learning activities that include:

• individual and group work
• activities for developing an understanding of the internal audit process and practising internal auditing skills
• opportunities to evaluate understanding as the course progresses