What is a Quality Audit?
A quality audit is a systematic evidence gathering process. Audits must be independent and evidence must be evaluated objectively to determine how well audit criteria are being met.
It is an essential part of a businesses quality management system and therefore is a crucial element in the ISO quality management system standard, ISO 9001.
Companies can carry out first party audits themselves. First party audits are used to provide input to the management review and for other internal purposes.
A second party audit is an external audit. Your customers and clients may wish to audit your systems before offering a contract to you – and during the period of the contract.
A third party audit is also an external audit – normally carried out by certification bodies.
You must establish an audit programme – and once established it’s important that it is followed and maintained. Your certification body will review this at every surveillance visit.
Grange Consultancy can therefore offer to prepare and maintain your audit programme and carry out your internal audits in order to ensure they stay on track. If your staff are busy carrying out billable work or fulfilling orders for clients, it might be more cost effective to engage a consultant to work with you to carry out your internal auditing.
Are You Looking For an Independent Quality Auditor?
Grange Consultancy has undertaken IRCA approved Lead Auditor training so we are qualified to assist you. So, if you are a business or organisation in London, Kent or the South East, and are looking to hire an independent quality auditor that can help you increase customer satisfaction and reduce your operating costs, then contact us today to find out how we can help.