Training Module
Supplier Auditing
Plan and conduct supplier audits using contract-based criteria, defined evidence targets & disciplined audit documentation
Training module overview
Supplier audits often navigate complex terrain, balancing contractual obligations with operational realities and limited access. Without a structured approach, these audits can devolve into superficial reviews or mere relationship management.
This module provides a professional, evidence-focused methodology for executing supplier audits. Participants will learn to define audit scope and criteria from contractual requirements, prepare specific evidence targets, conduct audits effectively within access boundaries, and produce clear documentation that supports internal use and downstream reporting, ensuring results are defensible and actionable.
Applicable environments
This module is applicable to auditing across all ISO-based management systems. The principles and methods taught here are independent of any specific standard and focus on how to plan, conduct, and report audits effectively.
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
Decision support
Is this module for you?
It is a good fit if you…
conduct supplier audits under contractual or access constraints.
struggle to define scope, criteria, and evidence expectations upfront.
experience supplier audits drifting into visits or relationship meetings.
need supplier audit results that are defensible and usable internally.
want to run supplier audits professionally under real-world limitations.
If most of the points above apply, this module is likely a good fit.
It may not be the best fit if you…
already execute supplier audits with clear scope and evidence targets.
are not involved in supplier audits or second-party assurance.
need contract negotiation, procurement, or supplier management training.
are looking for programme governance rather than audit execution.
Agenda
Supplier audits as assurance engagements
Engagement-level planning
Preparing supplier-specific evidence targets
Executing supplier audits on-site, remote, or hybrid
Evaluating what you see under supplier constraints
Managing challenging situations professionally
Audit documentation and handover
Case-based workshop
Show detailed agenda...
Learning outcomes
Key outcomes
Define a supplier audit scope and brief using contractual and mandatory requirements as criteria
Translate audit criteria into supplier-specific evidence targets and an evidence request plan
Document audit workpapers that clearly link evidence to criteria and support downstream decisions
Additional capabilities
Choose and structure an on-site, remote, or hybrid supplier audit approach appropriate to access constraints
Run supplier audit activities in a controlled manner, managing timing, access, and interface tracing
Evaluate supplier evidence under real-world limitations using triangulation and consistency checks
Additional benefits
Learning materials
Slide deck
Participant workbook
Templates & tools
Practical, reusable artefacts to apply the module directly to your organisation.
Supplier audit process
Supplier audit brief template
Evidence request and access boundary checklist
Supplier audit red-flag prompt list
Confirmation
Certificate of completion
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 participants can already apply core audit craft in a general context, including:
Evidence-based auditing and professional judgement
Basic audit planning at engagement level (scope, criteria, audit plan)
Familiarity with using documented information and records as audit evidence
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.
Supporting modules (optional)
Helpful if you want to deepen related skills, but not required to participate effectively.
