QMS Component: Internal Audits
Internal Audits component requires a process that outlines the scope and frequency of internal audits to be carried out by the applicant.
This should outline the procedure for conducting internal audits. It is expected to include a matrix of the individual areas or processes within your business, as well as the scope of the audit to be carried out on each area. An internal audit schedule must be included in the process. This will ensure all areas or processes are audited regularly.
Things to consider:
- Is there a procedure outlined for conducting internal audits?
- What are the audit forms?
- Who is responsible in implementing corrections/corrective or preventive actions?
- What is the expected time frame to resolve findings?
- How to ensure that the actions identified to resolve non-compliances are measured and effective?
- Who is responsible in ensuring that action plans are reflected or implemented in the QMS?
- Is there a matrix of individual departments or processes within the applicant’s business? (NOTE: Good practice is to ensure that auditors will not audit their own department or system.)
- Is there a scope of the audit to be carried out on each department?
- Is there an internal audit schedule to ensure all departments or processes are audited regularly?
