ATOL Articles

Learn about Internal Audits Closing Meeting

Written by Jackie Stapleton | 10 October 2022 12:00:00 AM

Learn all about what to include in a closing meeting and this translates into your Internal Audits.

The differences will be very similar, if not the same as what we discussed for the opening meeting. The main differences might be:

  • - That you are communicating as an auditor with people or a team that you normally work with as a colleague
  • - That the closing meeting is not quite as formal

It can be a challenge when you are an internal auditor on top of your ‘normal’ job. This means that in some instances you move into an auditor role instead of a work colleague role. You need to manage this ‘work colleague’ relationship while still being an auditor.

As I’ve mentioned in previous videos, I would recommend to you to NOT all of a sudden become the ‘auditing police’ and go on a power trip. At the closing meeting especially as this is where you will be presenting your findings, such as nonconformances, observations, and improvement opportunities. Of course, the findings presented at the closing meeting shouldn’t be a surprise as you would have communicated these throughout the audit. It is important that you be more aware of your existing working relationships with anyone in the closing meeting and use this to your advantage. Change your language and approach to suit your audience – the audience that you should already be familiar with when it comes to personality and personal behaviours.

You might also find that your closing meeting could be conducted on the corner of a work colleague's desk or standing on the production line or on the back of a work truck. This is perfectly fine – conduct the closing meeting where it is most comfortable and relevant to the area you are auditing. They don’t always have to be a formal affair in fancy boardrooms. Make it real and comfortable for everyone.

Happy Auditing.

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