Many people see internal audits as a challenge or even a disruption, but they can actually be a powerful tool for growth.
The main and only mandatory requirement for internal audits is that the internal auditor should not be responsible for the processes they are auditing. The auditor cannot be the implementer or consultant for those processes. Why is this important? Because the internal auditor needs a fresh perspective and should ask questions like, "Why are these processes set up this way?" and "Could they be done differently?"
For the process owner, an internal audit is a chance to reflect on their processes, find areas for improvement, and manage risks before they become bigger problems. Having a conversation with someone outside your team (the internal auditor) can help you spot things you might have missed before.
When done properly, internal audits focus on continuous improvement, not just finding issues. The best part? A well-conducted internal audit also prepares you for external audits, reducing stress and ensuring you're ready for the next step—your ISO certification audit.
