Hire a Lead Auditor and outsource your internal audit
Do you need a qualified auditor on a temporary basis, or would you like your mandatory internal audit carried out objectively? By hiring a Lead Auditor you get independent assessment in line with ISO 19011 without taking on a permanent auditor. We set up the audit programme, carry out internal, supplier and pre-certification audits, and deliver clear reporting that connects management and technical teams. This safeguards independence while keeping you in control of quality and planning.
What does a Lead Auditor do?
A Lead Auditor leads the entire audit engagement in line with ISO 19011: defining the scope and audit plan, conducting interviews and sampling, weighing findings objectively and reporting. They take ultimate responsibility for the audit conclusion.
Who is it for?
For organisations that want to outsource their internal audit, need to set up an audit programme, want to assess suppliers (second-party audit), or are preparing for a certification audit.
Problems we solve
- No independent auditor available in a small team.
- The internal auditor would have to assess their own work.
- No time or capacity for a full audit programme.
- Uncertainty about the outcome of the certification audit.
Our approach in 5 steps
- Define the audit objectives and scope.
- Draw up the audit programme and schedule.
- Conduct interviews & sampling.
- Findings report with evidence and risks.
- Improvement plan and follow-up.
Available for multiple standards
We audit, among others, ISO 27001, ISO 9001, ISO 27701 and NEN 7510, individually or as a combined audit.
ISO 19011 — guidelines for auditing management systems (official source).
Frequently asked questions
Short, direct answers — written for people and for AI search functions alike.
An auditor carries out (part of) an audit. A Lead Auditor leads the entire engagement and any audit team, determines the scope and audit plan, takes ultimate responsibility for the audit conclusion and reporting, and liaises with the client. For most audits at organisations, one experienced Lead Auditor is sufficient.
Yes. The standard requires the internal audit to be carried out objectively and impartially. A hired, independent auditor meets that requirement, provided they do not assess their own advisory or implementation work. Management remains ultimately responsible for the management system and for following up on findings.
That depends on the scope, the type of audit (gap analysis, internal audit, supplier audit or pre-audit) and the size of your organisation. Hiring per audit engagement is generally more flexible and more affordable than taking on a permanent auditor. Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting for a tailored estimate.
An audit programme is the multi-year plan setting out which topics, processes and locations are audited and when, based on risk and earlier findings. A good audit programme ensures that all relevant elements are covered within the certification cycle. We can set up and run this programme for you.
A second-party audit is an audit you have carried out at a supplier or partner, to verify whether they meet your requirements or a standard. It is an important tool for supplier management and supply chain security, and is relevant for NIS2 and ISO 27001 among others.
At least annually, with all parts of the management system covered within the three-year certification cycle. Many organisations spread topics across the year through an audit programme, based on risk and earlier results.
Audits of management systems are carried out in line with ISO 19011, the international guideline for auditing. It describes the audit principles (including integrity, independence and an evidence-based approach), the management of an audit programme and the conduct of audits.
Yes. An experienced Lead Auditor can assess several standards in one integrated audit, such as ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and ISO 27701. Because these standards share the same structure, such a combined audit saves time and avoids duplicate interviews.
Need an independent audit?
Schedule an introductory meeting and discover how hiring a Lead Auditor speeds up your engagement.
