Are internal audit results a true reflection of the organisations quality system

I have few questions here. Hope u guys can enlightened me..thanks.

1. Does audit results is a true reflection of the organisations quality system especially for a construction firm?
2. Will organisations continue to maintain the quality system after receiving the certificate?
3. How can an external audit ensure that there is no slippage after the organisation obtained the certificate?

[Marc]

1. Internal audits, if done correctly, reflect the 'health' of the quality systems - in any industry.

2. Virtually all do.

3. External audits (I assume you mean 3rd party) do this by sampling the systems regularly. This is done by checking to see if 'everyone is following documentation'. In addition, they check your systems to ensure any changes have not changed compliance to the standard.

[barb butrym]

absolutely, Marc....on all counts.

The only thing to add would be the competency of the auditor and the commitmaent of the company..**** happens. If you have a manufacturing type auditor, the construction experience can slip through some cracks........