Title
Reference
Version
Sheet
Issue Date
Issued By
Approved By
1.0
SCOPE
The purpose of the internal EMS audits is to evaluate the
compliance of the Natural Resources Wales (NRW)
Environmental Management System (EMS), with particular
regard to the key NRW EMS documents against the
requirements of the ISO14001 environmental standard and
with applicable legal and other requirements.
2.0
RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1
3.0
RELATED DOCUMENTS
EMS Internal Audit Log
EMS Internal Audit Report Form
EMS Internal Audit Non Conformance Report Form
4.0
PROCEDURE
4.1
Audit Categories
1. Management System & Documentation Audit
2. Operational Control, Legal & Other Compliance Audit
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.3
4.3.1
Audit Criteria
4.3.2
Audit Scope
Evaluate compliance and conformance of the key NRW EMS
documents against the requirements of the ISO14001
environmental standard and applicable legal and other
requirements.
4.3.3
Audit Frequency
All locations within the scope of the EMS will be audited at
least 1/year by a nominated trained auditor who has no direct
responsibility for that site.
4.3.4
Audit Method
The audit methodology will make use of interviews, guided
walkabouts, and document review. Audit reporting and
planning is the responsibility of the Lead Auditor.
Confidentiality, impartiality and objectivity will be maintained at
all times within the Team. Plan, Execute, Record, and Close
(PERC) is the recognised audit approach and method
structure of the audit.
4.4
Auditor Training
Auditors will be appropriately trained. If specialist skills and/or
knowledge are required for the successful completion of an
audit, the auditor will enlist appropriate assistance.
4.5
Audit Arrangements
4.5.1
4.5.2
The ESM will nominate an auditor and issue the auditor with a
unique audit reference number. The ESM will provide contact
details and any previous audit reports and nonconformities
relevant to the site.
4.5.3
4.5.4
4.6
Audit Reports
4.6.1
4.6.2
The findings are categorised as O.K., Observation and NonConformance. The findings should be documented and be
traceable throughout the audit process.
4.6.3
4.7
Nonconformity
4.7.1
4.7.2
4.7.3
4.7.4
4.8
Management Review
The audit results and any Nonconformances will be reported
quarterly to the Head of Corporate Assets. They will also be
reported at the EMS Directors Team Management Review
meeting.