Who should perform internal audits?

Who should perform internal audits?
Internal QMS auditors should perform internal audits. ISO 9001:2008 QMS Standard has two relevant important requirements:
- Selection of auditors must ensure objectivity and impartiality of the audit process
- An auditor must not audit his/her own work.

Clause 6.2.1 of ISO 9001:2008 QMS Standard mentions the requirement of competent personnel performing work affecting conformity to product requirements on the basis of appropriate education, training, skills and experience. Accordingly, the personnel conducting internal audit must be competent to audit for which the organization should refer to the relevant guidelines as mentioned in ISO 19011 Standard and take appropriate steps to provide appropriate training to personnel selected as auditors for internal audit.

Suggested Reading: Chapter 12 – Value Added Audit, Implementing ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System – A Reference Guide, Dr. Divya Singhal and K. R. Singhal (Published by PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi – 110001, India)

Courtesy Source References
- ISO 9001:2008 QMS Standard
- ISO 9004:2000
- ISO 9001 for small businesses – What to do (Joint publication from International Organization for Standardization and International Trade Centre UNCTAD / WTO)
- ISO 9001:2000 – A workbook for service organizations (Joint publication from International Organization for Standardization and International Trade Centre UNCTAD / WTO)
- ISO 9001 Fitness Checker – A practical, easy to use checklist designed to help SMEs assess their readiness for ISO 9001 certification
- Implementing ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System – A Reference Guide, Dr. Divya Singhal and K. R. Singhal (Publication from PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi)
- Discussion at Linkedin.com Groups