No, that is not correct. An auditor can only be the Lead Auditor for two 3-year cycles. We have had the same Lead Auditor for the last 5 years. This year will be his 6th and last year as our Lead Auditor. For our next 3-year cycle, we will be assigned a new Lead Auditor.
Can You Reject an Auditor?
- Thread starter Robert Stanley
- Start date
Randy
Super Moderator
I mis-spoke or did a typo thing, everything is scheme dependent, for general stuff (9-14-45) it's recommended no more than 6 years (2 audit cycles).
For ISO 9001 (not industry schemes like AS 9100D or IATF) there are no such "rules". The back story is that the CB has to a) use auditors who have some competency in the industry their clients are in, and b) remain competitive, so they have to keep travel and associated costs down. Add to that, the majority (in the USA) of CB auditors are contracted. Hence, a CB cannot be tied to arbitrary timeframes which require changing up auditor assignments and also meet these cost/competency requirements. You could change out your auditor every visit - if you chose to.
Quality Specialist
Involved In Discussions
Ok, thank both Randy and AuditFan for the clarification. That might give the powers that be here more incentive to make a change if he comes off like he did last time; rude, lack of timely communication, condescending, and overall bad attitude.
Appreciate all the info guys!!! You're the best!
Appreciate all the info guys!!! You're the best!
Randy
Super Moderator
That's enough to say "Pack your krap & leave now"
Keep in mind a few things:Ok, thank both Randy and AuditFan for the clarification. That might give the powers that be here more incentive to make a change if he comes off like he did last time; rude, lack of timely communication, condescending, and overall bad attitude.
Appreciate all the info guys!!! You're the best!
1. If you ask your CB to change auditors, according to the IAQG Rules, you will have to provide justification for the request.
2. Some CB’s have very few auditors contracted, and if you decide to stick with the current registrar it is possible that a new auditor could come from 3 time zones away, making the travel expenses potentially higher than the audit fees. Your management likely would not appreciate that.
3. If you decide to change CB’s, do realize that most auditors contract with a few of them, so, it is possible that you could have this same auditor assigned to you with another CB unless you tell them this individual is persona non grata in your organization.
Good luck.
Quality Specialist
Involved In Discussions
Sidney, thanks for the above information.
1. Is being rude, poor communications and condescending acceptable justification for changing?
2. Never thought about the fact that this auditor could contract with other CB's!
only your CB can determine that. The point is: be aware of all possible ramifications of your decisions. There is a reason why your organization decided to engage with the current CB. You might not be aware why, but someone made that decision.
Good luck.
Yes. The fact that their management don't know they have engaged with such a person is, itself, reason to change. CBs don't like to manage their auditors - it costs them money.
In some geographies and industry sectors (auto, aero) or specialisms (software etc) there are few auditors. The industry has a LOT of "grey hair" and there aren't enough (effective) auditors to go around.
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Randy
Super Moderator
Mostly silver now actually