Who accompanies 'the Auditor'? Should Auditors be Escorted?

[Ingeniero1]

Should anyone accompany the registrar auditor, or is expected to, or even able to if we wanted, during the audit? I don't mean looking over his/her shoulder when reviewing documents, etc., but rather as they walk around the shop observing and interviewing the workers. Perhaps the manager of the area being audited? The Management Representative? Anyone?

Thanks -

Alex

[RCBeyette]

As the Management Representative, I am always with the auditor. I take my own notes so that I have the situation and details of what led up to any findings. Plus,I may spot things that the auditor does not and this is my record to return to after the audit.

I also have a guide from the area...be it a supervisor, the manager, or even a floor employee. They serve as a translator...the auditor may ask for things that the auditee may not understand. Between the guide and myself, we should be able to figure things out.

What auditors don't like is when the whole department follows them around...plus it makes the auditee nervous when people stand in a circle around them.

[mshell]

In my experience, the management rep accompanies the auditor throught out the facility (offices included). The management rep will have to translate (if needed), make introductions and show the auditor where the various departments are located.

[Marc]

Auditors should NEVER be alone when auditing save when (if a group) they caucus, bathroom, etc.

[RCBeyette]

In Reply to Parent Post by Marc

Auditors should NEVER be alone when auditing save when (if a group) they caucus, bathroom, etc.

You're right...there is more to being with the auditor than just translating. There is a safety issue, too. In fact, our externals stress that they are to never be left alone.

[mshell]

Not to mention the benefits of watching an auditor and learning from his/her vast experience (if they are good).

[Graeme]

I agree that an auditor must always be escorted ... some very good points here.

I also look at it this way: would you let ANY non-employee wander freely through every area of your facility? I think not. Even in the most publicly accessible places such as retail businesses, there are still areas marked "Employees Only". To me, providing a knowledgable escort is that rarest of intellectual attributes - common sense.

[sal881vw]

The following reference from...........ISO 10011-1:1990 Guide to Quality systems auditing Part 1. clause 4.2.3 Auditee in particular point 2 -appoint (auditee) responsible members of staff to accompany members of the audit team............sums up what all persons have already answered........