ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 Clause 9.2: Why Internal Audits?

Internal audits are the most important processes in ISO certified organizations. In particular, the best way to increase efficiency, identify operational gaps and minimize risks is to perform regular internal audits.

- While internal audits detect errors, they also reveal areas for improvement that can improve business performance.
- Internal audits check compliance with business policies and procedures, ensure compliance, and alert top management.
- Internal audits reveal whether the business complies with the requirements of the ISO standards they hold and whether they are effectively implemented and maintained.
- Internal audits provide assurance as the risks within the business change.
- Internal audits, Verifies whether your business processes reflect your documented policies and procedures.
- Internal audits ensure that your business complies with applicable industry requirements, legislation, and standards.

Once an internal audit is performed, it must be documented in an internal audit report and should be retained for future reference. As required by the ISO 19011:2018 Guidelines for management systems auditing, an internal auditor must be competent to conduct internal audits.