Re: Internal Auditor lack of Competence.
I find this question interesting because I am an internal auditor, mainly for our sister company. They are certified/registered with ISO 9001:2000, API Q1 and A2LA.
I went through training to learn how to audit; however, I have never felt that I had a solid enough base from which to conduct audits. I just received an email from the Quality Manager at the sister company which states he received an email from A2LA which states, in short, to note the 3 areas to be covered in ISO 17025, section 4.14.1, as well as all elements in ISO 17025, section 4.15.1. It ends by saying "We remind you that, at the time of your renewal assessment, the assessor will review your internal audit and management review records for completeness and for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Sections 4.14 and 4.15."
While the original poster is wondering how to tell a manager that an internal auditor is incompetent, I'm wondering how to convey to management that I don't feel that I'm qualified for this position. I was really only chosen because there was nobody else to do it, I was just starting in my position and was looking forward to the challenge. Now, I know more than ever that this must not be something that I'm cut out to do; our company is very small and I work with the GM/owner of both companies on a daily basis - how does one approach that subject without sounding lazy?!
All input would be appreciated and valued.