Auditing quality objectives
Auditors need to verify that the organization’s overall quality objectives have been defined, that they reflect the quality policy, are substantially coherent, aligned and compatible with the overall business objectives, including customer expectations. If this is not the case, the auditors should further evaluate Top Management commitment to quality.The fulfilment of quality objectives needs to be measurable and documented.
There is no specified way of identifying or documenting quality objectives, as these may appear through business plans, management review outputs, annual budgets, etc. It is up to the auditors to satisfy themselves that the objectives are adequately documented.
The auditors should obtain evidence of the way the quality objectives are suitably cascaded throughout the organization’s structure and processes, linking the general strategic objectives to management objectives and down to specific operational activities.
It is recommended that the documented quality objectives should be examined at the documentation review stage of the audit.
Before the end of the audit, the auditors have to satisfy themselves that the quality objectives are realistic and relevant, and that the organization has assigned to responsible personnel the resources needed to meet their objectives. Evidence of this should be obtained at all levels of the organization.
Quality objectives are not static and need to be updated in the light of the current business climate and the quest for continual improvement. Auditors should verify that the overall performance of the organization reflects the aims of the quality policy and reasonably meets the quality objectives.
Auditors should keep in mind that the fulfilment of objectives can be measured in a quantitative or qualitative manner. They should also remember that there is a clear link between the dynamic aspects of revising the quality policy and the quality objectives and the commitment of the organization to continual improvement.