A key audit process is the way auditors gather information and determine the findings '...

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This sequence is derived from ISO 19011:2018 – Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems, which is used in conjunction with ISO 14001:2015 by auditors. Specifically, the audit process steps during the " conducting the audit " phase include:

Determining the source of information (Clause 6.4.5): Includes documents, interviews, records, and observations.

Collecting data by sampling (Clause 6.4.6): Sampling helps in managing resources and gathering relevant evidence effectively.

Gathering audit evidence (Clause 3.8): Audit evidence is the data collected and verified to support findings.

Evaluating against audit criteria (Clause 3.9): Evidence must be evaluated against standards such as ISO 14001 requirements, internal policies, etc.

Developing audit findings (Clause 6.4.9): Conclusions regarding conformance, nonconformance, and opportunities for improvement.

Review of findings (Clause 6.4.10): Cross-verification and validation before finalizing results.

Audit conclusions (Clause 6.4.11): Final statements summarizing the audit based on findings.

This structured process ensures audits are performed impartially, with verifiable, evidence-based outcomes that contribute to continual improvement.