Remote audits

A remote audit is the same as an on-site audit, but the auditor engages with you via technology. It can still cover document and record review, tours of your premises, interviews with workers and presentation of findings by using a range of technology platforms including:

• Live web streaming technology such as Webex, Zoom, MS Teams, GotoWebinar
• Live streaming paired with mobile technology such as a smartphone or tablet with video capabilities (e.g. WhatsApp, Skype or Facetime)
• Live streaming paired with smartglass technology and video headsets

BSI works with you in advance of the audit to ensure underlying technology is in place and compatible.

• Stay on schedule
• Decrease our carbon footprint and expenses through reduced travel for your team and ours
• A flexible approach – we align the technology that works best for you
• Access our global network of experts more easily
• Engage your teams no matter where they are based
• It’s an immersive audit experience with the same trusted expertise

Our remote audit experience delivers great feedback and results:

“Working with my client RSK Fastenings, we had a great remote audit with BSI. I was able to show them around the business and get as much value for money as we normally do from a site visit. Thank you for making it so easy!” 

Emma Eastwood, Foremost Ltd, Professional Services

We offer two main approaches for remote auditing:

1)   the auditor is off-site, auditing from a BSI office, or from their home

2)   the auditor is with you at one of your locations, remotely auditing another one of your sites, performing interviews, reviewing documentation and records or observing processes and activities with your team

Regardless of approach, and depending on the individual audit requirements, we use different technologies for an immersive audit experience. This enables you to collect data safely, access new areas and delivers the most effective experience for you. 

Remote audits may be considered at any stage of the certification process. Here are the three simple steps involved in your BSI Remote Audit.

Step 1: Planning

From the beginning we will work together to get the right audit approach for you. We will discuss the proposed approach, taking into consideration scheme specific requirements and your technology infrastructure, to ensure we can deliver an effective audit. 

Once our approach is confirmed, we’ll schedule a date and our audit team leader will start the detailed audit planning process with you. This includes agreeing the technology and audit methods used and confirming the final audit plan.

Step 2: Conducting the remote audit

A successful remote audit relies on adequate connectivity (i.e. voice and video) to ensure the communication between you and the auditor is stable.

Once your connection is up and running, audit evidence will be collected via interview, review of documentation and records (via screen sharing) and observation of processes and activities (via video sharing if possible). All evidence will be reviewed and reported to support the audit findings and conclusions – the only difference is it will be done using remote techniques.

Step 3: Audit reporting

In addition to a standard on-site audit report, remote audit reports will also include details about the remote auditing methods that have been used and will clarify the effectiveness of the audit in achieving the stated objectives.

Why not find out more by looking at our frequently asked questions

A blended audit simply means that your audit programme will be made of a combination of on-site and remote audits. UKAS have supported the use of both remote and blended approaches to audits. They understand that they can be hugely effective and can also help protect the health and safety of all staff involved.

The approach will vary depending on your management system and the scheme requirements, however, rest assured that whatever approach we take will deliver an effective assessment programme that supports your journey towards continual improvement.