Entry Meeting

Every audit should start with one.  Why?  So that the scene, the scope, the intents can be set.

Your auditor then explains process, confirms the scope, describes reporting, categorisations of findings, confidentiality, seeks clarification of reporting styles, lunch breaks, report generation periods.  They might give an overview of their credentials or background.  They will expect at the very least the management representative attends.  However, there are some that also expect a ‘show of strength’ by having the managing director, the coo, the cfo and so on.  Perhaps for the very initial certification audit this might happen, but don’t be bullied, just have those who wish to attend, attend, the rest can hear about the meeting through phone calls or emails.

Hopefully your certification provider has provided you with a booking / audit schedule for the areas that will be audited on the day.  It will be during the entry meeting that you can discuss and negotiate times, personnel, resources, etc.

These meetings should only take the auditor 15 minutes to discuss what she needs to discuss, the rest of the time and agenda is governed by you the client.  If you have nothing to contribute, don’t and get on with the audit.

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