Accreditation Audits
Challenges
Auditing certification bodies (CABs) for compliance with ISO 17021-1:2015 and AS/NZS ISO 19011:2019 involves evaluating both internal office practices and conducting witness assessments of the CABs auditors. One of the key challenges is assessing the competencies of auditors to ensure effective application of the ISO standards and consistent quality across a diverse range of competencies and industries.
E-Risk360’s Approach
E-Risk360, provided witness and office assessments to assist in the accreditation of CABs across Australia and New Zealand. The assessment process began with a risk analysis focusing on high-impact areas. Office assessments evaluated internal management systems, against the implementation of the 17021-1:2015 standard. While witness assessments directly observed the competencies of auditors adherence to the CABs internal competency requirements, and auditing processes related to AS/NZS ISO 19011:2019 guidelines for auditing management systems.
Impacts
E-Risk360, has been able to strengthen the JASANZ office and witness assessment process by improving the evaluation of auditor competencies, enhancing internal controls, which have ultimately improved audit quality, and ensured greater reliability in the certification process. By focusing on ISO 17021-1 and ISO 19011, the accreditation of CABs has contributed to a consistent, high-quality approach to management system certification across Australia and New Zealand.