This draft standard ISO 19011 is based on international discussions in which the UK has taken an active part.
ISO 19011 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 176, Quality management and quality assurance, Subcommittee SC 3, Supporting technologies. ISO 19011:2011 was prepared under the auspices of the Joint Technical Coordination Group and administered by Technical Committee ISO/TC 176, Quality management and quality assurance, Subcommittee SC 3, Supporting technologies. Members of Working Group 16 under TC 176/SC 3 included representatives of other technical committees (e.g., TC 207, TC 34) and other interested parties for the management systems included within the scope of this standard. This second edition of ISO 19011:2011 cancels and replaces ISO 19011:2002 which has been technically revised.
This International Standard ISO 19011 provides guidance on auditing management systems, including the principles of auditing, managing audit programmes and conducting management system audits, as well as guidance on the evaluation of competence of individuals involved in the audit process including those responsible for audit programme management, auditors and audit teams.
It is applicable to all organizations needing to conduct internal or external audits of management systems or manage an audit programme.
The application of this International Standard to other types of audit is possible, provided that special consideration is paid to the specific competences needed.
