
Episode #88
ISO 19011:2026 Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems - Annex A, Clauses 1-6
Welcome to the latest episode of the ISO Review Podcast, where we dive into the essentials of international standards and provide guidance for optimizing your management systems. In this episode, Howard Fox and ISO management system expert Jim Moran explore ISO 19011:2026, focusing on Appendix A, clauses 1 through 6. Whether you’re looking to refine your internal audit program or better understand auditing methods, professional judgment, and sampling techniques, this conversation covers the practical guidance and expert insights you need to elevate your audits and drive ongoing improvement within your organization. Join Jim and Howard as they break down the first part of Appendix A, setting the stage for future episodes covering the remaining clauses—your go-to resource for mastering ISO 19011. DISCUSSION 1. Overview of ISO 19011 Introduction to ISO 19011 and its relevance for audits 02:12 Historical background of the standard: origins, evolution, integration of quality and environmental standards, and its use globally (03:10) Universal adoption by registrars and training programs 03:35 2. Structure and Sections of ISO 19011 Review of previously covered main clauses/sections (definitions, preparing/audit planning, managing the audit program, conducting audits, auditor competence) 04:14 Transition to Annex A, explaining its structure: 18 sections, planned coverage over three episodes (04:27) 3. Details of Annex A (Clauses 1–6) A.1 Auditing Methods Human interaction (onsite/remote interviews, observations, document review with auditee) 06:17 No human interaction (reviewing documentation alone) 07:14 Audit objectives: effectiveness, risk management, improvement opportunities 07:49 Importance of audit methods in planning and reporting 08:34 A.2 Auditing of Processes Relationship of policies, objectives, and processes 09:36 Understanding process inputs, activities, and outputs (input-process-output model) 10:09 Interrelated processes and workflow, from customer inquiry to delivery and payment 10:25 Importance of auditing end-to-end flow and process handoffs 11:23 A.3 Professional Judgment Necessity for human auditors to apply context and judgment; reasons AI can’t fully replace auditors 11:43 Judging the adequacy and effectiveness of the organization’s approach rather than strictly following standard text 12:17 Auditors to audit the organization’s workflow, not just standard clauses 12:41 Confidentiality, non-consultancy stance, and providing suggestions without directive language 14:13 A.4 Performance Results Focus on intended results of the management system during audits 15:26 Auditor’s need for industry knowledge 15:58 Use of technical experts when needed 16:34 Documented information: maintain/retain requirements, and typical gaps in new ISO 9001 adopters 17:31 A.5 Verifying Information Concept of verifiable evidence versus “facts” 18:58 Criteria for verification: complete, correct, consistent, current (“4 C’s”) 21:11 Document accessibility requirement and practical ways to check it 21:25 Care in handling sensitive and confidential information during audits 22:46 A.6 Sampling Challenges in sampling: deciding quantity and representativeness 23:53 Standard sampling approaches and relevance to different industries 24:51 Practical sampling guidance (e.g., randomly checking 5 records) 25:09 Auditing for conformance, not nonconformance; limits of 100% checking 25:41 Risk with sampling and principles for application (randomization, adequacy) 26:17 Mention of statistical versus judgment-based sampling approaches 27:15 4. Preview of Next Episode Plan to cover Annex A clauses 7–12 (compliance, context, risks and opportunities, lifecycle, supply chain auditing) 27:58 5. Conclusion and Resources Howard Fox’s reflections on practical connections of ISO knowledge 28:27 Jim Moran’s resources: SimplifyISO, IMSIpro, other content 29:05 Howard Fox’s sites and closing remarks 30:54 NEXT STEPS We appreciate your likes & comments, and shares. Click here to visit the SimplifyISO website. Click here to visit the International Management System Institute website and learn how to become a Certified ISO Management System Professional. Click here to learn about our new DIY ISO 9001 program using AI Learn more about Jim on LinkedIn & YouTube. LinkedIn LinkedIn Articles YouTube Learn about Howard's Coaching and Podcast Services Website : https://foxcoaching.com LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/foxcoachinginc/ Podcast Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/foxcoachinginc/podcast-discovery-call KEYWORDS Jim Moran, Information Security Management System, ISO 19011:2026, ISO Review Podcast, SimplifyISO, Podcast #JimMoran #InformationSecurityManagementSystem #ISO9011:2026 #ISOReviewPodcast #SimplifyISO #Podcast





