The auditors were brilliant – flexible with terms of reference and timings to speak to people in the business.
QHSE Lead, PDMS Group
Remote auditing of your management systems offers more flexibility and less disruption, with no compromise on outcomes. Our global network of trusted experts connect with your site and team members remotely to deliver your audit - reducing on-site disruption, the need for travel and impact on the environment.
Remote auditing allows our experts to review documentation, conduct interviews and site tours using technology. Remote audits can also be co-witnessed by multiple stakeholders within your business, who can also interact with auditors via a live stream.
Contact us to learn more about remote ISO certification and training.
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What are the benefits?
Fast & Flexible
- Audit dates can be agreed and delivered quickly, minimising any potential onsite disruption.
- Increased access to technical experts globally, with multiple stakeholder participation now possible.
Safe & Sustainable
- Reduced health and safety risks for people travelling to hazardous or hard to reach locations.
- Less travel means a smaller carbon footprint and a more environmentally friendly delivery method.
It was more sustainable and saved more time by limiting the amount I needed to travel.
Quality & Compliance, Yusen Logistics (Poland)
Excellence & Expertise
- Audit outcomes and accredited certification are maintained by robust processes and technical expertise.
- Delivered through secure, easy-to-use, online platforms to protect your information and the integrity of your audit.
The remoteness did not detract from the level of depth of auditing delivered. It felt much like any other audit.
Process Assurance Consultant, Comms-care LTD
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How does it work?
Step 1: Planning
Our team will have a conversation with you to understand your requirements and technology requirements to make sure we take the right approach for your remote audit.
Step 2: Test
If necessary, we will conduct a test with you before the audit, ensuring the smooth delivery of your audit on the day.
Step 3: Remote audit
On the agreed time and date, we will undertake the audit as planned. Using tools such as video conferencing and file and screen sharing to obtain evidence demonstrating that your management system is both compliant and effective.
Step 4: After the remote audit
We will share the outcomes and findings with you in the form of an e-report. Where a certificate of approval is issued this will follow the standard technical review process.
Step 5: Follow-up
In the event of any nonconformities being raised, wherever possible we will carry out a remote review of corrective and preventive action.
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Technology
During the audit: Our auditors are trained on several platforms, including Microsoft Teams and our own LRQA Remote app, which we offer for audits that include a higher degree of complexity. We are flexible with the tools we use and will work with you to choose the right application for your remote audit whilst maintaining the security and confidentiality of the data and information shared with us.
After the audit: We will only retain information that is necessary to demonstrate compliance with our independent accreditation requirements. The data is processed and stored in a secure cloud environment. Our own Operating Systems have been approved under the UK Cyber Essentials Plus scheme. Details of the security controls used by our third-party partners can be found here. -
Applicability
Our remote audits comply with relevant accreditation bodies requirements, where applicable, giving you the confidence in our ability to provide expert guidance and support.
We can provide accredited remote audits against the following standards:
Note 1: As a general guide, up to 50% of the audit can be undertaken remotely, where the 2 duration is at least 2 days. The auditor will review the specific details of the organisation and develop an appropriate blended audit plan that includes a mix of on site and remote audit delivery.
Standard
Remote Audit?
Notes
ISO 9001
ISO 14001
ISO 50001
ISO 22301
ISO/IEC 20000-1
ISO 22000
Yes
Remote audit in accordance with IAF MD4.
Note 1 applies.
ISO/IEC 27001
Yes
Restricted to no more than 30% of the allocated audit time. Aligned with IAF MD4 requirements.
ISO 13485
Yes
Remote audit in accordance with IAF MD4.
Restrictions may apply if delivered in conjunction with MDSAP.
Note 1 applies.
ISO 45001
Yes
OHS requirements from MD5 apply. Certification audits may include remote auditing techniques, such as interactive web-based collaboration, web meetings, teleconferences and/or electronic verification of the client’s processes. In addition, process control and OH&S risk control cannot be audited using remote audit techniques.
Temporary Sites: Typically on-site audits of temporary sites would be performed. However, the following methods could be considered as alternatives to replace some on-site audits (as above).
Remote audit in accordance with IAF MD4.
Note 1 applies.
AS 9100 series
Yes
Restricted to no more than 30% of the allocated on site audit time. Aligned with IAF MD4 requirements.
Other products authorised by Accreditation Bodies
(e.g. NHSS, CMS, etc.)
Yes
No restrictions on Stage 1 (in accordance with IAF MD4)
Note 1 applies.
IATF 16949
No
IRIS
No
Food Scheme such as FSSC, BRCGS
Depends on scheme
Remote audit
We have adopted a digital approach which means we can continue to look after your interests – helping you maintain high standards and secure your certification. This means that wherever possible, we will deliver our audits remotely, using the power of technology to make the audit as effective and efficient as possible for you. Through our unique Client Portal, we give you access to all of your audit data including audit planning and reports, certificates of approval and analysis of your audit findings which provides you with greater insight into your system.
Ready for remote audit? Contact our team to discuss your requirements.
Why work with LRQA?
Deep technical and industry knowledge
Our auditors are industry experts who work with you to understand what helps your business operate at its optimum level. They apply their deep technical expertise to create long-lasting value through collaboration, delivering a greater impact on your business, your people and your customers.
Technical expertise
Our people are sector experts. They bring with them a clear understanding of your specific challenges, standards and requirements – then deploy deep knowledge of inspection, certification, assurance, cybersecurity and training to help you meet them.
Independence
We’re committed to doing things the right way to reach the highest standards and best outcomes for all, giving you confidence in our decisions every time.
Dedication to assurance
We explore every problem thoroughly with exact, analytical precision. We leave no stone unturned and no questions unanswered, to draw accurate conclusions.