Elements and Performance Criteria
- Develop a communication plan to support audit processes
- Roles and responsibilities of the auditee are defined and agreed by both parties to address the audit scope
- Roles and responsibilities of all personnel involved in the audit process are defined, communicated and agreed
- Appropriate communication methods and protocols are determined and specific arrangements, including reporting requirements, are agreed
- A communication plan is developed to identify the communication requirements and responsibilities of personnel involved in the audit process
- Select and use appropriate communication methods to conduct an audit
- Appropriate communication methods are used to establish and maintain effective client relationships, collect audit evidence, provide and present information, facilitate meeting processes, facilitate issue management and conflict resolution and communicate audit findings
- Communication methods are selected to take account of system owner and food business requirements, workplace culture and individual differences
- Information provided by the auditee is interpreted in the context of the industry sector, language and culture of the business
- Negotiate to achieve agreement on audit outcomes
- Areas of disagreement over audit outcomes are identified and clarified with the auditee
- Understanding is sought on actions to be followed to resolve outstanding issues
- Communication techniques are applied to encourage all relevant parties to participate and express their views fully
- Auditee views are treated with respect
- Options for resolving differences are explored to reach agreement and meet audit timeline and resource parameters
- Appropriate issue resolution strategies are explored to increase the likelihood of agreement on steps required to conclude the audit
- The negotiation process is managed to maintain constructive client relationships
- Any areas of continuing non-compliance that result from unresolved differences are reported to system owners and appropriate authorities as required