A PRACTICAL AUDIT-READINESS REVIEW

An external audit tests more than whether documents exist. A useful readiness review considers whether the management system, operational practice, people and supporting evidence tell the same story.

AUDIT SCOPE & CRITERIA

Clarify the applicable audit scope, requirements and areas likely to receive attention.

PREVIOUS FINDINGS

Review earlier audit findings, corrective actions and the evidence supporting closure.

SYSTEM VS PRACTICE

Compare documented arrangements with how HSE is actually being managed in operations.

OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE

Identify whether appropriate records and evidence are available to demonstrate implementation.

PROCESS-OWNER READINESS

Consider whether the people responsible for key processes understand their responsibilities and can explain how the system works in practice.

FIVE SIGNS YOU MAY NOT BE AS AUDIT-READY AS YOU THINK

THE DOCUMENTS LOOK PERFECT

But key documents appear untouched, unfamiliar to the people expected to use them, or disconnected from operational practice.

CORRECTIVE ACTIONS HAVE SUDDENLY CLOSED

A rush of recent closures before an audit deserves a closer look at whether the actions were implemented and whether they were effective.

EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON ONE HSE PERSON

If one person has to locate every record, explain every process and answer every question, the system may not be embedded across the organisation.

THERE ARE ALMOST NO NEAR-MISSES

Very low reporting does not automatically demonstrate very low risk. It may be worth examining whether reporting arrangements are understood, trusted and used.

CONTRACTOR EVIDENCE IS HARD TO FIND

The organisation's own records may be strong while evidence relating to contractor implementation remains incomplete or difficult to demonstrate.

The objective is not to make the organisation look ready. It is to understand whether it actually is ready