ISO 9001 Major Nonconformance Internal Audit Schedule/COVID-19

[Mikey324]

I would assume there were very few companies that were able to follow their internal audit schedule, as it was originally planned anyway. I had internal audits scheduled in March, April, and May. None of those got done. First, it was to help with social distancing, then it was because, well, there was nothing/no one to audit. As things returned to some type of "normal" we adjusted the schedule. Some operations had associates that were on lay off for months. That increases the risk of that process. Now there is more risk involved than what was there during the original schedule, so priorities change.
This is what the standard intends, in my opinion.

 

[blackholequasar]

I've seen CBs who have given allowances to their own audits during Covid. They've given extensions to a few folks, from what I've read, so it seems really ridiculous that one would try to write an NC based on the schedule that, due to a global pandemic, was altered. I'd fight this. I'd ask to see where in the standard they are claiming this is a non-conformance. It definitely doesn't seem right.

 

[Mikey324]

I've seen CBs who have given allowances to their own audits during Covid. T

That's very true.

 

[Sidney Vianna]

Here is the full text.

The organization shall conduct internal audits at planned intervals.
xxxxx has not performed Internal Audit full system according to the schedule of 2020, The total of the activities are 20, the activities that have been audited only 10.

Just more anecdotal evidence of the decline of competence in the certification body ranks. No analytical mention to the potential risks of deviating from the original internal audit program. No concern over the status of the activities, etc...There should be 20; I see only 10. BANG! Major NC!

Pathetic state of affairs. The decline in value seems to be limitless.

 

[Randy]

Just more anecdotal evidence of the decline of competence in the certification body ranks. No analytical mention to the potential risks of deviating from the original internal audit program. No concern over the status of the activities, etc...There should be 20; I see only 10. BANG! Major NC!

Pathetic state of affairs. The decline in value seems to be limitless.

You're right....Pathetic (Don't you hate it when we agree?)

 

[Kronos147]

Is the auditor full time or contracted? (An additional visit to do a special audit after correction can mean $$$$ to a contract auditor).

I hope that was not the reason, but, Randy, you are probably on to something.

That audit program and schedule is yours and yours alone to change, modify, plan, deliver and everything else as long as it's effectively managed and controlled.

Yep. Well said.

 

[mcspanky]

I just wanted to update and let everyone know that the CB has removed the major after my appeal! Thanks so much to all of you for your help.

 

[mcspanky]

Here's a question from me, who has done almost nothing but remote 3rd party audits since 3/2020 so that's close to 40+ internal audits this year alone with all the craziness................ Is the auditor full time or contracted? (An additional visit to do a special audit after correction can mean $$$$ to a contract auditor).

I agree with the others, appeal. If you did as you stated with the CAR's, changes and everything else then it appears to be bogus HS, Pig&*/t, garbage and tripe...............

Everybody and his brother has struggled this year including the CB's themselves with keeping schedules and everything else, I did an audit last week that was originally scheduled in June and the week before 2 audits scheduled for August (in Canada and Remote because of travel, I'm almost the only one with the proper code and Arkansas ain't in Canada).

That audit program and schedule is yours and yours alone to change, modify, plan, deliver and everything else as long as it's effectively managed and controlled.

Hi Randy.

I do not know if the auditor was full time or contracted.

 

[Randy]

Hi Randy.

I do not know if the auditor was full time or contracted.

That's a shame, we do it as a matter of policy and honest disclosure to help provide assurance of continued confidentiality