What is BS EN ISO 19011: 2018 ?

Title: What is BS EN ISO 19011: 2018? A Comprehensive Guide

BS EN ISO 19011: 2018 is an essential standard for organizations to follow when conducting management system audits. This international standard, developed by the ISO and CEN, is designed to provide guidelines for auditing management systems of all types and sizes. With the ever-increasing importance of compliance and performance, it is essential to understand the principles and purpose of BS EN ISO 19011: 2018.

Purpose of BS EN ISO 19011: 2018:

The primary purpose of BS EN ISO 19011: 2018 is to establish harmonized audit practices globally. It outlines general principles of auditing, managing an audit program, and conducting management system audits. The standard emphasizes the importance of competency and ethical conduct among auditors to enhance the credibility and reliability of audit results.

BS EN ISO 19011: 2018 is applicable to various management systems, including quality, environmental, occupational health and safety, and information security. By providing a consistent approach to audits, it promotes cross-functional collaboration and allows organizations to address multiple systems simultaneously.

Key Principles of BS EN ISO 19011: 2018:

BS EN ISO 19011: 2018 is built on the key principles of transparency, objectivity, and confidentiality. The standard outlines the following key principles:

Transparency: Organizations should be transparent in their communication with auditors, including providing information on their management systems and the audit process.

Objectivity: Audits should be conducted independently and objectively, with no conflicts of interest.

Confidentiality: Auditors should maintain confidentiality of the information they obtain during the audit process.

Independence: Auditors should be independent and impartial, with no vested interests in the organization being audited.

Competency: Auditors should have the necessary competencies and skills to perform the audit effectively.

Ethical Conduct: Auditors should conduct the audit in accordance with ethical principles and maintain confidentiality of any sensitive information.

Collaboration: Audits should be conducted in collaboration with the organization and involve all relevant parties.

Continuous Improvement: Organizations should continuously improve their management systems and processes to ensure compliance with the standard.

Conclusion:

BS EN ISO 19011: 2018 is an essential standard for organizations to follow when conducting management system audits. By establishing harmonized audit practices, it promotes cross-functional collaboration and ensures that audits are conducted effectively, consistently, and with a focus on adding value to the organization being audited. By understanding the key principles outlined in this comprehensive guide, organizations can enhance the credibility and reliability of their audit results and improve their overall performance.