Hi, It's been a while since I have been to the site and scanning some of the topics I came across yours and thought I'd respond. I have been a QMS auditor for about 6 years now. I perform certification, supplier and internal audits. I have never encountered any issues during audits. However, I have encountered challenges during training and networking events. It typically involves "mansplaining" or obstacles entering discussions. Common situations I also encountered during my corporate experiences. Thankfully these occurrences have been few and far between. By far my experiences have been positive, most auditors are interested in sharing experiences and learning from each other. As for your rules listed above I think they are also applicable to all business/professional interactions. As a certified auditor you also typically sign a code of conduct to underscore ethical behavior during audits. Here is an example:
1. I will act professionally, accurately, and in an unbiased manner.
2. I will strive to increase the competence and prestige of my profession.
3. I will assist those in my employ or under my supervision to develop their professional competencies.
4. I will not undertake any assignments that I am not competent to perform.
5. I will not represent conflicting or competing interests and will disclose any relationships to any client or employer that may influence my judgment.
6. I will not discuss or disclose any information relating to any assignment unless required by law or authorized in writing by the client and/or my employing organization.
7. I will not accept any inducement, commission, gift, or any other benefit from client organizations, their employees, or any interested party, or knowingly allow colleagues to do so.
8. I will not intentionally communicate false or misleading information that may compromise the integrity of any assignment or the personnel certification process.
9. I will comply with any Certification Requirements, procedures, and advisories which are relevant to my profession or certification.
10. I will comply with industry-specific standards, including international standards which are relevant to my profession or certification.
11. I will not act in any way that would prejudice the reputation of my certification organization or the personnel certification process and will cooperate fully with an inquiry in the event of any alleged breach of this code.
12. I will submit myself to this Code of Conduct and any complaints, appeals, and disciplinary procedures.
13. I understand that any breach of this Code of Conduct may lead to warnings, suspension, or withdrawal of certification, in accordance with "certifying organization's" disciplinary procedures.
Looks like it has been about year since your post. I hope you are finding success with auditing.