The purpose of internal audit is to ensure that the quality management system of the organization conforms to the planned arrangements to the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard and the quality management system requirements established by the organization. The other purpose of the internal audit is to ensure that the quality management system is effectively implemented and maintained by the organization. I had posted an article 'Adding Value to Internal QMS Audit' in my blog on 'ISO 9001:2008 QMS Awareness'. The article is relevant, however to further improve internal audit, top management of the organization should consider outside auditor to internal audit the organization's QMS as an added improvement action. It is observed that internal auditors, selected within the organization, generally leave auditing leadership requirements of ISO 9001:2015 QMS. Internal auditors, selected within the organization, are working in the position below the top management, they do not report non-compliances of clause 5 of ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard and avoid auditing leadership requirements due to interpersonal organizational relationship. Bringing an outside auditor will bring transparency, fairness and impartiality.
Best wishes,
Keshav Ram Singhal
