Training Module
Auditing Corrective Action & Continual Improvement
Audit judgement for root cause credibility, corrective action effectiveness, and evidence of learning-based improvement across ISO management system standards
Training Module
Auditing Corrective Action & Continual Improvement
Audit judgement for root cause credibility, corrective action effectiveness, and evidence of learning-based improvement across ISO management system standards
Training Module
Auditing Corrective Action & Continual Improvement
Audit judgement for root cause credibility, corrective action effectiveness, and evidence of learning-based improvement across ISO management system standards
Move from accepting corrective action paperwork to judging whether recurrence is actually prevented
Corrective action records can look “complete” while the underlying issue persists. This module equips auditors to test root cause credibility, verify effectiveness in operation, and recognise when organisations learn versus cosmetically close findings.
Move from accepting corrective action paperwork to judging whether recurrence is actually prevented
Corrective action records can look “complete” while the underlying issue persists. This module equips auditors to test root cause credibility, verify effectiveness in operation, and recognise when organisations learn versus cosmetically close findings.
Move from accepting corrective action paperwork to judging whether recurrence is actually prevented
Corrective action records can look “complete” while the underlying issue persists. This module equips auditors to test root cause credibility, verify effectiveness in operation, and recognise when organisations learn versus cosmetically close findings.
Training module overview
Training module overview
Training module overview
Many organisations can produce corrective action forms that appear compliant but do not change outcomes: causes are asserted without evidence, actions target symptoms, and “effectiveness” is declared without a credible check. This creates false assurance and allows repeat failures to accumulate across sites, functions, or suppliers.
This audit add-on focuses on how auditors judge corrective action and continual improvement in practice across ISO management system standards: what evidence trails to follow, how to test root cause reasoning, how to verify effectiveness over time, and how to distinguish learning loops from cosmetic closure. It does not teach corrective action system design or root cause methods; those belong to Improvement Management.
Many organisations can produce corrective action forms that appear compliant but do not change outcomes: causes are asserted without evidence, actions target symptoms, and “effectiveness” is declared without a credible check. This creates false assurance and allows repeat failures to accumulate across sites, functions, or suppliers.
This audit add-on focuses on how auditors judge corrective action and continual improvement in practice across ISO management system standards: what evidence trails to follow, how to test root cause reasoning, how to verify effectiveness over time, and how to distinguish learning loops from cosmetic closure. It does not teach corrective action system design or root cause methods; those belong to Improvement Management.
Applicable environments
This module is intended for auditors working with organisations operating a management system based on an ISO standard following the high-level structure such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22301, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701 or ISO/IEC 42001. It focuses on requirements shared by these ISO standards.
Target audience
Target audience
Target audience
Aspiring auditors who want to audit management systems following best practices
Practising management system auditors who want to strengthen their audit knowledge, judgement, and effectiveness
Aspiring auditors who want to audit management systems following best practices
Practising management system auditors who want to strengthen their audit knowledge, judgement, and effectiveness
Decision support
Is this module for you?
It is a good fit if you…
seek to audit whether corrective action actually prevents recurrence.
are aiming to judge root cause credibility using evidence, not assertions.
focus on verifying effectiveness over time rather than closure status.
are prepared to distinguish learning-based improvement from cosmetic fixes.
expect to strengthen audit conclusions on corrective action effectiveness.
seek to audit whether corrective action actually prevents recurrence.
are aiming to judge root cause credibility using evidence, not assertions.
focus on verifying effectiveness over time rather than closure status.
are prepared to distinguish learning-based improvement from cosmetic fixes.
expect to strengthen audit conclusions on corrective action effectiveness.
If most of the points above apply, this module is likely a good fit.
It may not be the best fit if you…
prefer to design corrective action systems or root cause methods.
are looking for improvement techniques or facilitation tools.
focus primarily on coaching teams to solve problems.
do not intend to audit corrective action or improvement processes.
prefer to design corrective action systems or root cause methods.
are looking for improvement techniques or facilitation tools.
focus primarily on coaching teams to solve problems.
do not intend to audit corrective action or improvement processes.
Agenda
Agenda
Agenda
What “good auditing” looks like for corrective action and improvement
Root cause credibility: tests, not templates
Audit trails and evidence sources
Effectiveness verification: how to judge it without “re-auditing the whole system”
Learning loops vs cosmetic fixes
Case-based audit simulation
Show detailed agenda...
What “good auditing” looks like for corrective action and improvement
Root cause credibility: tests, not templates
Audit trails and evidence sources
Effectiveness verification: how to judge it without “re-auditing the whole system”
Learning loops vs cosmetic fixes
Case-based audit simulation
Show detailed agenda...
What “good auditing” looks like for corrective action and improvement
Root cause credibility: tests, not templates
Audit trails and evidence sources
Effectiveness verification: how to judge it without “re-auditing the whole system”
Learning loops vs cosmetic fixes
Case-based audit simulation
Show detailed agenda...
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
Key outcomes
Distinguish correction, corrective action, and improvement in audit evidence and expectations
Test root cause claims for credibility using evidence-seeking questions and alternative hypotheses
Identify common “cosmetic closure” patterns and articulate why they do not constitute effectiveness
Distinguish correction, corrective action, and improvement in audit evidence and expectations
Test root cause claims for credibility using evidence-seeking questions and alternative hypotheses
Identify common “cosmetic closure” patterns and articulate why they do not constitute effectiveness
Additional capabilities
Trace corrective action from detection to closure and assess whether the audit trail is complete and coherent
Evaluate effectiveness verification approaches (timing, indicators, sampling) and judge whether recurrence risk is reduced
Recognise when issues are systemic and determine what additional evidence or escalation is justified
Formulate clear follow-up expectations that align with audit reporting and verification practices
Trace corrective action from detection to closure and assess whether the audit trail is complete and coherent
Evaluate effectiveness verification approaches (timing, indicators, sampling) and judge whether recurrence risk is reduced
Recognise when issues are systemic and determine what additional evidence or escalation is justified
Formulate clear follow-up expectations that align with audit reporting and verification practices
Additional benefits
Additional benefits
Additional benefits
Learning materials
Slide deck
Participant workbook
Templates & tools
Practical, reusable artefacts to apply the module directly to your organisation.
Root cause credibility test checklist (auditor questions and red flags)
Corrective action audit-trail map (from issue detection to closure)
Effectiveness verification plan template (what to verify, when, and against what evidence)
Sampling heuristics for corrective actions (recurrence-prone areas, multi-site patterns, supplier-driven issues)
Optional AI prompt set for summarising corrective action records and highlighting inconsistencies (supporting—not replacing—auditor judgement)
Root cause credibility test checklist (auditor questions and red flags)
Corrective action audit-trail map (from issue detection to closure)
Effectiveness verification plan template (what to verify, when, and against what evidence)
Sampling heuristics for corrective actions (recurrence-prone areas, multi-site patterns, supplier-driven issues)
Optional AI prompt set for summarising corrective action records and highlighting inconsistencies (supporting—not replacing—auditor judgement)
Confirmation
Certificate of completion
Module ID
HAM-AG-A-07
Domain
Audience
Auditor
Language
English
Delivery
Live virtual
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
Excl. VAT. VAT may apply depending on customer location and status.
Delivery & learning format
Delivery & learning format
Delivery & learning format
Virtual live teaching
This module is delivered live, with a strong focus on discussion, practical application, and direct interaction with the instructor.
Sessions work through realistic examples, clarify concepts in context, and apply methods directly to participants’ organisational realities.
Custom delivery options
For organisations with specific constraints or learning objectives, the module can be adapted in format or scope, including in-house delivery and contextualised case material.
Not sure if this module is right for you?
Not sure if this module is right for you?
Not sure if this module is right for you?
For an optimal learning experience
Preparation guidance
This module is designed as part of a modular training approach. Topics are deliberately distributed across modules and are not repeated in full, in order to avoid unnecessary redundancy. Each module is self-contained and can be taken on its own. Where prior knowledge or experience is helpful, this is indicated below so you can decide whether any preparation is useful for you.
For an optimal learning experience
Preparation guidance
This module is designed as part of a modular training approach. Topics are deliberately distributed across modules and are not repeated in full, in order to avoid unnecessary redundancy. Each module is self-contained and can be taken on its own. Where prior knowledge or experience is helpful, this is indicated below so you can decide whether any preparation is useful for you.
For an optimal learning experience
Preparation guidance
This module is designed as part of a modular training approach. Topics are deliberately distributed across modules and are not repeated in full, in order to avoid unnecessary redundancy. Each module is self-contained and can be taken on its own. Where prior knowledge or experience is helpful, this is indicated below so you can decide whether any preparation is useful for you.
Assumed background
This module assumes participants can already perform core audit activities and write findings appropriately. Helpful background includes:
Audit evidence logic, sampling, and professional judgement
Audit communication and clarification techniques during interviews
Understanding of how corrective action and continual improvement are managed in a management system (method ownership sits with Improvement Management)
This module assumes participants can already perform core audit activities and write findings appropriately. Helpful background includes:
Audit evidence logic, sampling, and professional judgement
Audit communication and clarification techniques during interviews
Understanding of how corrective action and continual improvement are managed in a management system (method ownership sits with Improvement Management)
Preparatory modules
Foundational modules (depending on background)
Useful if you are new to the underlying concepts or want a shared baseline before attending this module.
Audit Foundations
Understand core audit mindset, evidence logic, materiality-based focus, and audit test plan design
7 h
Audit Foundations
Understand core audit mindset, evidence logic, materiality-based focus, and audit test plan design
7 h
Audit Foundations
Understand core audit mindset, evidence logic, materiality-based focus, and audit test plan design
7 h
Improvement Management
Understand corrective actions, root cause analysis, action tracking, and effectiveness verification in management systems
7 h
Improvement Management
Understand corrective actions, root cause analysis, action tracking, and effectiveness verification in management systems
7 h
Improvement Management
Understand corrective actions, root cause analysis, action tracking, and effectiveness verification in management systems
7 h
Supporting modules (optional)
Helpful if you want to deepen related skills, but not required to participate effectively.
Audit Execution: Communication & Interviewing
Learn the skills for effective interview planning, questioning, and conversation control for reliable audit evidence
7 h
Audit Execution: Communication & Interviewing
Learn the skills for effective interview planning, questioning, and conversation control for reliable audit evidence
7 h
Audit Execution: Communication & Interviewing
Learn the skills for effective interview planning, questioning, and conversation control for reliable audit evidence
7 h
Audit Reporting & Follow-up
Understand how to write evidence-based findings, structure audit reports, and follow up agreed actions to verified closure
7 h
Audit Reporting & Follow-up
Understand how to write evidence-based findings, structure audit reports, and follow up agreed actions to verified closure
7 h
Audit Reporting & Follow-up
Understand how to write evidence-based findings, structure audit reports, and follow up agreed actions to verified closure
7 h
Continuous learning
Follow-up modules
Continuous learning
Follow-up modules
Continuous learning
Follow-up modules
After completion of this module, the following modules are ideal to further deepen your competence. If you are looking for a structured learning path, modules can also be taken as part of a professional track.
Auditing Context, Scope & Boundaries
Audit the credibility of organisational context, interested parties, scope, and system boundaries, including interfaces, exclusions, multi-site structures, shared services, and outsourcing
Duration
2.5 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Context, Scope & Boundaries
Audit the credibility of organisational context, interested parties, scope, and system boundaries, including interfaces, exclusions, multi-site structures, shared services, and outsourcing
Duration
2.5 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Context, Scope & Boundaries
Audit the credibility of organisational context, interested parties, scope, and system boundaries, including interfaces, exclusions, multi-site structures, shared services, and outsourcing
Duration
2.5 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Management Review
Audit management review inputs, decisions, follow-up, and alignment with organisational performance
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Management Review
Audit management review inputs, decisions, follow-up, and alignment with organisational performance
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Management Review
Audit management review inputs, decisions, follow-up, and alignment with organisational performance
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Documented Information
Audit fitness for use, consistency, and credibility of documented information across policies, procedures, and evidence
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Documented Information
Audit fitness for use, consistency, and credibility of documented information across policies, procedures, and evidence
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Documented Information
Audit fitness for use, consistency, and credibility of documented information across policies, procedures, and evidence
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Objectives, KPIs & Performance Evaluation
Audit objectives, key performance indicators, and performance evaluation evidence across ISO management system standards
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Objectives, KPIs & Performance Evaluation
Audit objectives, key performance indicators, and performance evaluation evidence across ISO management system standards
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Objectives, KPIs & Performance Evaluation
Audit objectives, key performance indicators, and performance evaluation evidence across ISO management system standards
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Risk & Opportunity Management
Assess traceability and consistency between context, risks, controls, objectives, and risk-based decisions
Duration
3 h
List price
CHF 250
View module
Auditing Risk & Opportunity Management
Assess traceability and consistency between context, risks, controls, objectives, and risk-based decisions
Duration
3 h
List price
CHF 250
View module
Auditing Risk & Opportunity Management
Assess traceability and consistency between context, risks, controls, objectives, and risk-based decisions
Duration
3 h
List price
CHF 250
View module
Ready to improve your management systems?
We support continuous improvement by embedding ISO requirements into everyday practice and daily operations.
Ready to improve your management systems?
We support continuous improvement by embedding ISO requirements into everyday practice and daily operations.
Ready to improve your management systems?
We support continuous improvement by embedding ISO requirements into everyday practice and daily operations.