Certification Findings - Part 2

As we discussed last fortnight, the classifications of findings is very important but it is not as important as to agreeing that a finding has been found. So the first thing you must do whenever a finding is brought to your attention is to see or have quoted what is the objective evidence that is being cited as the finding in the circumstance. If this cannot be explained or shown, then you seek further clarification.

This is the most part of any of the audit processes. You as the auditee must agree that a finding is evident. Once agreed, then accept. The only wriggle room after this is the classification which we covered last blog.  And why am I droning on about this? Well, it is do with the professional relationship and trust you need to foster between yourself and your service provider. All parties need to be clear as to what is being found, what is being classified and what to expect in the exit meeting (next blog).

You as the management representative for your company have the right to ensure all things reported are factual/. Because at the end of the day, the final output is the audit report and in it are the ‘results’, so let’s make them right. More effort and resources are wasted than in all of the certification processes combined when reacting to inaccurate or even worse, incorrect findings. So ensure you are kept in the loop, ensure that they are agreed to and there will then be no surprises in the exit meeting.

previous blogs;
http://johnmasonstuff.blogspot.com
http://john-mason-stuff.blogspot.com/