08/07/2025
My audit Chronicles
I represented an ISO certification body for an ISO 9001:2015 audit in Lagos which was planned for two weeks to the scheduled date.
Two days before the audit I reached out to the MR(Management Representative) to send my logistics details which was supposed to have been sent to initiate my travel plans but to my amazement he had forgotten his company was scheduled for an audit and said he was sorry and would get back to me at COB. I reached out to the certification body and updated them of the recent happenings.
At about 6pm I received a call that my flight has been booked and my hotel reservations has been made. I reminded him to communicate to relevant auditees to be present on the day of the audit and we ended the conversation.
Fast forward to my arrival in Lagos and the day of the audit, I came in and the MR said the top management and some auditees are not present yet and I asked were they not aware of the audit, he said they were but since they forgot about the audit other activities were scheduled for, I told him since I am already here for the audit we will continue and I would send my objective findings to the certification body.
Then the begging began because considering the scope of the audit and key personnel’s not present they were already not conforming to the requirements of the standard.
Points to Note
* In ISO audits, awareness is paramount
* Audit plan should be communicated to interested parties atleast a week to the audit
* Top management must show leadership and commitment to ensure the effectiveness of the management system.
* Responsibilities/ Accountability should be Assigned
* Always prepare for Audits