๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | Current, new IQAs undergo training on auditing management systems
The Tarlac Agricultural University - Office of Quality Assurance (TAU-QA), in partnership with the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, recently facilitated a Capability Training/Re-training for current and new Internal Quality Auditors (IQAs) and Document Control Officers (DCOs) on Effective Internal Auditing in ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) based on ISO 19011:2018 at TAU Agritourism Hostel Function Hall, 18-20 April.
Aimed to enable the participants to understand the concepts and principles of risk-based auditing based on ISO 19011:2018 standards as well as to plan, conduct, and report internal audits based on ISO 9001:2015 requirements,ย the three-day training workshop, was conducted to fulfill the requirement of the ISO 9001:2015 standard to equip personnel with the competencies and to assess the compliance and performance of the TAU-QMS as internal quality auditors.
Topics discussed included the introduction to ISO 9001 and its benefits; concepts and principles of management; requirements and application of clauses 4 to 10 of the ISO 9001:2015 standard; internal auditor qualifications; principles of auditing; planning and conducting the audit; reporting the audit findings; and post-audit activities.
During the initial day of the training, Ms. Cynthia Ramirez, who served as the resource speaker, reiterated the importance of conducting internal audits, claiming that they are not made to find faults but to aid in improving the established quality system.
"With a well-structured and systematic evaluation of QMS processes and practices, internal audits enable organizations to be proactive in detecting problems, thereby lowering the risks of non-compliance," Ms. Ramirez said.
"By continuously doing audits followed by improvement programs, it instills a culture of continuous refinement that aids in operational effectiveness and efficiency," she added.
The ISO trainer also emphasized the critical role that internal auditors play in maintaining the quality of TAU management system, that's why they need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and explain complex ISO standards.
"Internal auditors must be competent enough to tailor their auditing approach towards meeting their organizationโs unique requirements to be able to turn it into more than just an auditing exercise, but also a beneficial tool towards continuous improvement," Ms. Ramirez quipped.
A mock audit on the last day of the training served as the highlight of the activity, where the participants experienced conducting real-time audits with select auditees and executing the auditing process from planning, actual execution, and reporting of results of the mock audit.
"It is such a timely and relevant training. It has made me know more about what to look out for and the kind of information that I need from the auditee during an audit. This course has also provided me with the required auditing skills,โ Dr. Jay-ar De Mayo, the University's Document Control Officer (DCO), said when asked about his experience from the three-day training workshop.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jerome D. Soriano, the Lead Internal Quality Auditor of TAU, underscored the importance of such training to all members of the QMS core group, but especially for the internal auditors.
"The role of the internal auditors should not be underestimated, as they are very much responsible for ensuring that our University is prepared enough to be audited externally, such as this coming November 2024 ISO re-surveillance visit. These internal auditors conduct first-party audits. Consequently, it is essential to continually train them on various ways to develop an improved management system," the Lead Auditor said.
In her closing message, Ms. Yolanda F. Juan, the Officer-in-Charge at the Office of Vice President for Finance and Administration called out the newly trained internal auditors, hoping that โthrough this training, your empowerment is fostered and your skills and competences are enhanced, specifically in the conduct of quality audits and checking objectively the effectiveness of our Universityโs Quality Management System.โย
This training on auditing quality management system not only served as a venue to update the knowledge and skills of existing internal auditors but also served as a recruitment channel for new auditors.ย Because quality management is the foundation of institutional excellence, activities such as the ISO 19011:2018 capability training provide evidence that TAU remains committed to maintaining high levels of quality in all its areas of operation. By the end of this training-workshop, participants are expected to come out as change agents who will advance the University to another level of excellence in terms of quality assurance.
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Article | Information Unitย
Photos | Planning and Development Office