1. Identify qualified auditors

The basic principle in setting up an audit team is to use competent auditors. Competence has many facets.

First of all, let's remember that every audit is carried out on the basis of criteria: it is therefore essential that the auditor is familiar with and practises the relevant standard. This standard may be ISO9001 for a quality system audit, or specifications for a supplier audit. For the audit to be a success, it is important that each auditor understands the requirements of the standard(s) in question. Qualification to these standards can be achieved through training.

Furthermore, an audit takes place in a particular context: the auditor must be familiar with the specifics of the business sector concerned, and be at ease in that context. In the case of an internal audit, it goes without saying that all employees are familiar with the...