25 July 2019 4 Things about Audits They are sample tests (auditors can’t verify it all) Audits are tests of compliance with the documented system “is this team/person following the documented system?” “what evidence is there to support that?” “if not, is it a single instance or a mistake… or is it a bigger problem?” Auditors must see objective evidence - “could you show me…?” Auditors are always on the job (ie, the entire time of the audit) 25 July 2019

Auditors are Not Intimately familiar with: our system the project 25 July 2019 Auditors are Not Intimately familiar with: our system the project your job, etc That’s why they read our documents and ask questions! Your friend Always right 25 July 2019

Things to Do Be co-operative & friendly Listen to questions carefully 25 July 2019 Things to Do Be co-operative & friendly Listen to questions carefully don’t assume “trick question” answer may be fairly basic/obvious to you, but not to them but don’t volunteer too much! Be prepared to demonstrate evidence of activities If necessary, disagree or explain: eg, wrong tack, misunderstanding too way out “what if”, etc 25 July 2019

Don’t Worry too much or get too tense 25 July 2019 Don’t Worry too much or get too tense Think the auditor is right all the time Volunteer more information than required - just answer the question Offer major concerns/fears/misgivings during an external audit Forget that it is an audit 25 July 2019

Remember If we are doing what we say we are doing… 25 July 2019 Remember If we are doing what we say we are doing… an audit is not a problem 25 July 2019