Reviewing previous findings before an audit

Who this is for: Auditors conducting an audit (Conduct Audits).

The audit wizard has a Previous Findings step straight after Audit Details, on every template. Use it to review what was found the last time this location was audited, and record what you made of each finding before you start the checklist. The step is optional.

Scheduled audits: findings from the latest completed audit at the same location and standard load automatically when you open the step. A line reads “This audit follows on from <reference> (<date>)”, with a count such as “0 of 3 reviewed”. Nonconformities and opportunities for improvement are brought in, whatever their status. Observations aren’t brought in. There’s no button to press.

Ad hoc audits, or to add more: select Add Previous Findings. Choose a Previous audit or leave it on all previous audits at this location, Search by reference, clause or statement, and use the Same standard as this audit (on by default) and Not closed only switches. Tick the findings you want and select Add.

Note: The original findings are never changed. Each one is saved as it stood when you reviewed it. Every load, outcome, add and remove is logged in the audit's history.

Note: The step shows as incomplete until every loaded finding has an outcome. That doesn’t stop you publishing — see Previous findings in the published report [LINK].