Our ISO Auditor is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour in all auditing activities. As an independent auditing service provider to certification bodies, we ensure that both the business and its auditors and personnel uphold the ethical and legal standards outlined in this Code of Conduct.
We recognise our obligation to comply with the codes of conduct of certification bodies, their governing bodies (such as IAF and ISO), and regulatory authorities (such as UKAS). This Code establishes minimum standards for ethical and professional behaviour. Where a higher contractual or legal requirement applies, Our ISO Auditor and its personnel will ensure compliance.
All auditors and personnel must adhere to this Code. Any questions or concerns should be directed to compliance@ourisoauditor.com.
Integrity and Impartiality
Business obligations:
- Our ISO Auditor ensures that audits are conducted independently and free from undue influence, commercial bias, or conflicts of interest.
- We do not engage in or tolerate behaviour that could compromise the integrity of the auditing process.
Auditor obligations:
- Auditors must act honestly, impartially, and professionally in all engagements.
- Conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived, must be disclosed immediately.
- Auditors must not accept gifts, hospitality, or inducements that could influence audit decisions.
Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Business obligations:
- Our ISO Auditor ensures compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and standards applicable to auditing and certification.
- We uphold contractual obligations with certification bodies and accreditation bodies.
Auditor obligations:
- Auditors must adhere to the legal and regulatory frameworks of the jurisdictions in which they operate.
- They must comply with industry-specific requirements as set out by ISO, IAF, and relevant accreditation bodies.
Professional Competence and Due Care
Business obligations:
- Our ISO Auditor ensures that all auditors meet required competency standards before conducting audits.
- We provide access to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and maintain records for review by certification bodies and regulators.
Auditor obligations:
- Auditors must only undertake assignments in industries and disciplines where they hold relevant expertise.
- They must engage in ongoing professional development and ensure their CPD records are up to date and available on request.
- Auditors must exercise due care and diligence in their work, ensuring all findings are evidence-based and in accordance with best practice.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Business obligations:
- Our ISO Auditor is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our operations.
- We ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws and make reasonable adjustments for disabled individuals.
Auditor obligations:
- Auditors must treat all individuals with fairness, dignity, and respect.
- Any form of discrimination, harassment, or victimisation based on protected characteristics (including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation) is prohibited.
- Auditors must respect cultural differences and work inclusively.
Confidentiality, Data Protection, and Mandatory Reporting
Business obligations:
- Our ISO Auditor ensures that confidential data is protected and only disclosed when legally required.
- We provide training on mandatory reporting obligations relevant to the jurisdictions in which we operate.
Auditor obligations:
- Auditors must safeguard all information obtained during audits and not disclose it unless legally required or authorised.
- Auditors must comply with all mandatory reporting obligations, including but not limited to:
- Protection of Vulnerable Adults (PoVA)
- Protection of Children
- Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering)
- Any other legally required disclosures
Ethical and Respectful Conduct
Business obligations:
- Our ISO Auditor ensures that all auditors act professionally and with integrity in their interactions.
Auditor obligations:
- Auditors must behave ethically, treating clients, auditees, and colleagues with respect.
- They must not engage in harassment, coercion, or any form of unprofessional conduct.
Accuracy, Transparency, and Accountability
Business obligations:
- Our ISO Auditor ensures that audits are conducted transparently and that reports reflect factual, unbiased findings.
Auditor obligations:
- Auditors must provide clear, truthful, and accurate reports based on objective evidence.
- They must take responsibility for their professional actions and correct any errors or omissions.
Compliance with Employment Law, Taxation, and Prevention of Exploitation
Business obligations:
- Our ISO Auditor complies with all employment, tax, and financial regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
- We actively prevent tax evasion, aggressive tax avoidance, and financial misconduct.
- We uphold the principles of fair pay, ethical employment practices, and prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking, in compliance with the UK Modern Slavery Act (or equivalent international legislation).
Auditor obligations:
- Auditors must ensure they comply with employment and tax laws, including accurate record-keeping.
- They must report any concerns related to unfair employment practices, tax evasion, or modern slavery.
Handling Complaints and Disputes
Business obligations:
- Our ISO Auditor has clear procedures for handling complaints and disputes.
- We cooperate fully with certification bodies, accreditation bodies, and regulators in resolving any concerns.
Auditor obligations:
- Auditors must respond professionally to any complaints or concerns.
- Any breaches of this Code or ethical concerns must be reported immediately.
Proper Use of Resources and Intellectual Property
Business obligations:
- Our ISO Auditor ensures that resources are used responsibly and that intellectual property is respected.
Auditor obligations:
- Auditors must not misuse company resources.
- They must respect the intellectual property of certification bodies, accreditation bodies, and auditees.
Avoidance of Bribery and Corruption
Business obligations:
- Our ISO Auditor has a zero-tolerance policy for bribery and corruption.
Auditor obligations:
- Auditors must not engage in, or facilitate, bribery, corruption, or fraudulent activity.
- Any attempt to influence audit outcomes through improper means must be reported immediately.
Enforcement and Reporting
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including removal from auditing assignments, termination of contracts, or legal action where applicable.
Concerns regarding breaches of this Code should be reported to compliance@ourisoauditor.com. Reports will be handled confidentially and investigated appropriately.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Our ISO Auditor is committed to continuous improvement in professional conduct and auditing standards. This Code will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in industry regulations and best practices.
By adhering to this Code, Our ISO Auditor and its personnel ensure the integrity and credibility of their auditing services, maintaining the trust of certification bodies, auditees, and regulatory authorities.