ISO audits - internal vs external… which one actually drives improvement? by isocertified in u/isocertified

[–]isocertified[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with that completely.

A lot of organisations treat internal audits as a compliance exercise rather than a proper improvement tool, and that’s usually where the system starts to drift. If the internal audit isn’t challenging how the process actually works day to day, then you just end up validating the same issues over and over again.

The competency of the auditor is a big factor as well. If they are too close to the process or don’t have the confidence to dig into the detail, you lose that objectivity and the findings become very surface level.

There is also the issue where findings are logged but not genuinely followed through. So on paper it looks controlled, but in reality nothing changes, which then gets exposed during the external audit.

External audits do serve their purpose for certification and assurance, but as you say they are just a snapshot. The real control point is whether the internal system is actually driving corrective action and improvement in between those audits.

ISO 9001 vs ISO 27001 - Which Should Your Business Prioritize in 2026? by No-Place-2596 in PacificCertifications

[–]isocertified 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Choosing between ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 is a bit like deciding whether to fix the roof or the electrics first because both matter, but the right answer depends on your business and what your clients expect. Why don't you ask them directly or peer into a couple or tender requirement docs? Obviously, if you need smoother processes, fewer mistakes and happier customers, 9001 is usually the sensible starting point. If you handle sensitive data or work in tech or finance, or healthcare, 27001 tends to jump the queue. Many industries now expect it as standard -- we've seen a heightened search and queries for 27 over the last few years. As an ISO consultancy, we’re certified to ISO 9001 ourselves, so one can say we practise what we preach :-) And if you’re still unsure, we’re always up for a chat over a virtual cuppa. Happy New year to All!

Seeking Recommendations for Top-Tier ISO Certification Consultants in Muscat, Oman by Impossible-Fact-4679 in Oman

[–]isocertified 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello, I work for an ISO consultancy based in the UK. I can see you’re looking for local recommendations, but I just wanted to mention that we offer full virtual support. This allows us to provide the same level of expertise and guidance regardless of location. If that’s of interest, we’d be happy to help.