Useful information before an audit.

A starting point for defining context and expectations.

Start with the reason for the conversation: a process change, a commercial request or a question about day-to-day operations. Describe the facility’s activity and the stages you need to understand better.

Prepare a short description of products and operational flow, the roles involved and the records already available. For the first conversation, knowing what information exists is enough; confidential documents should only be shared after the working arrangements have been agreed.

Finish with the outcome you need: an external perspective, clarification of observations or priorities. This gives the conversation a concrete focus.

An important distinction when selecting the right provider.

A consultancy audit is an assessment against an agreed scope and criteria. It can help an organisation understand its processes, available evidence and gaps that need attention.

Sam Consulting provides independent audit consultancy and does not issue accredited certification. If certification is your objective, make that clear at the outset so each provider’s role can be properly defined.

Before engaging a provider, clarify the deliverable: what you receive, what the assessment covers and what cannot be concluded from the available information.

Questions about operations, criteria, documents and deliverables.

What activity, site and period should be assessed? Who can explain the process, and who will use the conclusions?

What are your main questions? Which criteria should be considered? What documents and records are available?

What do you expect from reporting? Is there a relevant deadline? How will findings and responsibilities for next steps be discussed? Write down your answers and use them as an agenda for the first conversation.