Training Module
Internal Auditing
Plan, perform and use internal audits effectively to support governance and improvement
Training module overview
Many organizations conduct internal audits, but these often become routine exercises that fail to provide meaningful governance input or drive improvement.
This module addresses the challenge of transforming internal audits from a mere compliance activity into a valuable management tool. Participants will learn the fundamental purpose of internal audits, understand key role responsibilities and independence requirements, and discover how to effectively utilize audit results to support strategic decisions and ensure robust follow-up actions. The focus is on practical application for managers and implementers, rather than detailed audit techniques.
Applicable environments
This module is applicable across a wide range of management systems and organisational contexts. The concepts are not tied to a specific ISO standard and are used wherever organisations need clear, workable processes, defined ownership, and embedded controls.
It is commonly applied in quality, information security, environmental, and other ISO-based management systems, as well as in non-certified environments that require structured, auditable operations.
Target audience
Management system implementers and coordinators
Executives and department heads accountable for management system performance
Those responsible for processes, policies, assets, risks, and controls related to a management system
Auditors seeking insights into management-side best practice (not audit technique)
Management consultants working with management system design, governance, or improvement
Decision support
Is this module for you?
It is a good fit if you…
rely on internal audits but question their practical value.
experience audits as rituals rather than decision-relevant inputs.
need clarity on purpose, roles, and independence in internal audits.
want audit results to support governance and follow-up.
are responsible for sponsoring, hosting, or using audit outcomes.
If most of the points above apply, this module is likely a good fit.
It may not be the best fit if you…
already operate a clear, well-understood internal audit approach that adds value.
have no mandate or interest in shaping how audits are used in governance.
need audit planning, interviewing, sampling, or reporting techniques.
are looking for auditor certification or audit execution training.
Agenda
What internal audits are for and what they are not
Positioning internal audits within the management system
Roles, independence, and practical boundaries
Setting expectations for an audit
What good audit output looks like for decision-makers
Using audit results for governance and improvement decisions
Case-based workshop
Show detailed agenda...
Learning outcomes
Key outcomes
Understand the fundamental purpose and value of internal audits within a management system
Define key role responsibilities and independence expectations for internal audit functions
Utilize internal audit results as practical governance input to support decision-making
Additional capabilities
Integrate audit findings into the improvement process to drive organizational change
Distinguish between effective internal audits and compliance-driven activities
Establish clear expectations for internal audit processes to ensure relevance and impact
Additional benefits
Learning materials
Slide deck
Participant workbook
Templates & tools
Practical, reusable artefacts to apply the module directly to your organisation.
Audit charter example
Audit sponsor brief
Audit independence checklist
Audit output quality checklist
Audit results decision prompts
Confirmation
Certificate of completion
Module ID
HAM-AG-C-15
Discipline
ISO clause
9: Performance evaluation
Domains
Audience
Manager
Languages
English
Delivery
Live virtual
Duration
7 h
List price
CHF 550
Excl. VAT. VAT may apply depending on customer location and status.
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.
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 general familiarity with management system concepts and how organisational processes are managed. No prior audit training is required.
Helpful background includes:
Basic understanding of how work is governed through roles, processes, and routines
Familiarity with internal reporting and follow-up practices
Preparatory modules
Supporting modules (optional)
Helpful if you want to deepen related skills, but not required to participate effectively.
