EN ISO 19011:2012 is an international standard that provides guidelines for auditing management
systems. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The standard aims to help organizations ensure
that their management systems are effective and meet the established requirements.
The Purpose of EN ISO 19011:2012
The main purpose of EN ISO 19011:2012 is to provide guidance on auditing management systems, including
those based on other ISO standards such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14001
(Environmental Management System). The standard is applicable to all types of organizations,
regardless of their size or industry sector.
Auditing is a systematic process used to determine the effectiveness of a management system.
By following the guidelines in EN ISO 19011:2012, auditors can assess if the management system
meets the organization's objectives and identifies areas for improvement. This helps organizations
to enhance their efficiency, reduce risks, and increase customer satisfaction.
The Key Principles of EN ISO 19011:2012
EN ISO 19011:2012 is based on several key principles that guide the auditing process. These principles
include integrity, competence, confidentiality, and evidence-based approach. Auditors need to demonstrate
integrity by conducting audits with honesty and fairness. They must also possess the necessary knowledge
and skills to perform effective audits. Confidentiality is crucial to ensure that sensitive information
obtained during the audit process is protected.
An evidence-based approach means that auditors must gather and evaluate objective evidence to support
their audit findings and conclusions. This evidence can be in the form of documents, records, observations,
or interviews with the organization's personnel. By following these principles, EN ISO 19011:2012 helps
organizations conduct audits that are reliable, consistent, and provide meaningful results.
The Benefits of Implementing EN ISO 19011:2012
Implementing EN ISO 19011:2012 brings several benefits to organizations. Firstly, it helps improve their
management systems by identifying areas of non-compliance or opportunities for improvement. Audits conducted
based on this standard enable organizations to enhance their processes, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
Secondly, compliance with EN ISO 19011:2012 demonstrates an organization's commitment to continuous improvement
and customer satisfaction. It enhances stakeholders' confidence in the organization's ability to achieve its
objectives and deliver high-quality products or services.
Lastly, using EN ISO 19011:2012 as a guideline for auditing management systems ensures that audits are conducted
consistently and effectively. This leads to more reliable audit results, increased credibility, and better decision-making
based on the audit findings.
Nina She