Write a simple, effective audit report

The report is the deliverable of the audit, enabling the audit findings to be capitalized on and exploited. Clarity, relevance and precision contribute to the added value of the audit and the recognition of the auditor. It's well worth taking the time to write it up, to make it a real tool for progress.

The audit report provides the auditees and their managers with the essential facts uncovered during the audit, enabling them to address any deviations and opportunities for improvement as quickly as possible. This mainly concerns internal audits and supplier audits.

An audit report may include the following parts:

• information on the context of the audit (location, dates, duration, audit objectives, audit plan or reference to it, audit scope, participants, audit repository, main evidence examined, etc.);

• a summary conclusion of the audit with regard to the audit objectives, the level of compliance with audit criteria and the improvement approach;

• Detailed drafting of audit findings (strengths and best practices, sensitivities, gaps, opportunities for improvement, etc.).