After the successful documentation course last November, the employees were kindled to attend the internal auditor course as their year-ending productive grind.
There were 3 sessions conducted, namely: 1) Process-based approach in conducting Internal Audit, The Process Approach and the PDCA Cycle; 2) Auditing for Continual Improvement (difficult issues for auditors and Objective Cascade); 3) Auditing Definitions and Principles (definition, principle and auditor responsibilities).
Also, workshops were given where they actively participate and showcase their auditing skills by 1) identifying issues to encounter when the audit is done; 2) conducting a review of documented information (internal and external), and using in coming up with an audit plan; 3) writing a findings statement; 4) strengthening the auditor’s capability in accepting the corrective action submitted by the auditee. Through those activities guided by the tutor, the employees were equipped with the required knowledge and competence to be Internal Auditors of the university as per ISO 19011:2018.
The 2-day course taught them Audit is geared towards IMPROVEMENT.
Auditing is not self-serving but should be evidence-based against the audit criteria. When auditing, one is not looking for lapses, rather one is looking for objective evidence and evaluating it objectively. Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS) is non-punitive: no punishment. When auditing, if there is non-compliance, that person needs to engage to come out with corrective action for the internal and external stakeholders. Determine the root cause of the error. An audit program is a living document. Always analyze the result and have provision for active participation by recognizing their achievement.
SGS encouraged the participants to “Audit your way to success”.
Written by Marjorie Q. Laroya
