4. Distribute the report and monitor post-audit actions

Your report is now complete. Before distribution, make sure that its contents have been accepted (often by a signature) by the head of the audited sector or the process manager, or even the quality manager... depending on the type of audit.

At the very least, the report is distributed to the quality manager, the process manager(s) and the managers of the audited sectors, who can then pass it on to their teams. In the case of an internal audit, it is preferable for the auditor to distribute it directly to all those concerned (management, auditees, etc.).

Management system standards specify that corrective action must be taken "without undue delay". This requirement, which leaves room for discretion, nevertheless implies that deadlines are set for actions, and that they are taken care of!