Internal audits when you need to comply with different standards?
Hi all,
How do you deal with internal auditing when you need to comply with different standards? Our site is being audited against SQMS, BRC, Waitrosse, M&S, ISO.. Just to name few.
Thanks
Like Setanta said, the strictest standard typically covers all the bases. For the individual requirements of each standard, you should also find that they reference a particular government regulation. Finding the common regulation referenced across multiple standards can be a good way of determining how the standard stacks up against others (i.e. how strict it is), or whether there are any unique requirements to a particular standard.
I've put all of my standards into a a single excel page, and I use that..........then you can populate the IA with the corresponding element/code numbers for each standard
Your programs should be written in a manner to comply with the different standards you are subjected to. Your internal auditing should focus on ensuring your programs are being followed, which in turn means you'll be compliant with those external standards.
I would go for the highest standard (probably BRC) and ensure compliance with that standard. That way, you will meet the requirements of all the standards.
If a section on training has more rigourous requirements in standard A than B but B has more rigourous requirements in record keeping than A then you could write your own internal standard (if you're sad QA like me!) so you audit to the highest standard for every requirement. This takes time but it is worth the effort so that you are always auditing against the highest standard for every requirement.