Content:
In early
April 2025, a newly formed Integrated Management System (IMS) audit team at the
Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) came together for a transformative three-day
training workshop on ISO 9001:2015 Auditing. The session, held from the 9th to
the 11th of April, brought together participants from nearly every department
of the Authority and was facilitated by a seasoned instructor from SGS Ghana.
This initiative was born out of a growing need to strengthen internal audit
capabilities and ensure the organisations systems and processes align with
global best practices. The training delivered not only a solid foundation in
the ISO 9001:2015 standards but also equipped participants with the tools and
confidence to conduct effective internal audits.
From the onset, the objectives of the training were clearly outlined. The workshop aimed to reinforce participants understanding of management systems, provide an in-depth introduction to ISO 9001:2015 requirements, and, perhaps most importantly, develop hands-on auditing skills. These goals set the tone for an engaging and rigorous training experience, blending theory with practice in a way that emphasized real-world application.
Throughout
the sessions, several core themes and issues were explored. One of the first
topics addressed was the importance of ISO 9001:2015 to organisations like the
NRA. Participants quickly came to appreciate that ISO standards extend far
beyond compliance; they are instrumental in improving customer satisfaction,
enhancing performance, and bolstering the organisations credibility. Another
critical area of focus was documentation. The sessions stressed the necessity
of maintaining accurate and accessible records to support the quality
management system. Participants learned the difference between maintaining and
retaining documented information and the impact this distinction has on audit
processes.
Central to the training was the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, which forms the backbone of continual improvement under ISO 9001:2015. This cycle provided a framework within which participants could place the various components of the standard, enabling them to see how each clause contributes to long-term organisational growth. Additionally, the principles of auditing based on ISO 19011:2018 were thoroughly discussed. Concepts such as integrity, fair presentation, and evidence-based approaches were emphasized, alongside the practical challenges that arise during actual audits. Through engaging discussions, participants gained insight into dealing with incomplete evidence, inconsistent documentation, and even the unexpected reactions that can sometimes emerge from auditees.
The
highlight of the workshop came in the form of two interactive group exercises
designed to test and reinforce the knowledge gained. In the first exercise,
participants were split into four groups, each tasked with developing an audit
plan for one of the internal processes of the NRA. This involved setting audit
objectives, defining criteria, and crafting interview questions to assess
conformance with ISO 9001:2015. The exercise revealed the importance of a
structured approach to auditing, emphasizing the value of thoughtful planning
and strategic questioning.
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