Every operation and maintenance organisation striving to improve their business must understand how they are performing with regard to predetermined objectives, action plans and targets. They should also continually ask the question whether the operation and maintenance process meets the expectations of their customers. Audits enable organisations to check their processes, identify deviations from planned requirements and make necessary corrections. BSRIA has carried out a research project to evaluate the requirements for auditing the building services operation and maintenance process. This application guide is the product of that research: It provides guidance to facilities maintenance managers and auditors on the importance of auditing, different methods of auditing, and how to set up the audit process. The Tool Kit outlines the key functions that should be audited, and includes check lists of audit items.
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
What is an audit?
Level of audits
Types of audits
Purpose of audits
The audit plan
The audit process
The role of the auditor
2. MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO AUDITING
Justifying the audit process
Setting priorities
Planning
Terms of reference
Overlap of audit activities
Types of audit
First party audits in internal management
The role of second party audits
Third party audits
The audit plan
3. THE AUDIT FUNCTION
The stages of an audit
Planned arrangements
Performance indicators
Gathering information
Methods of data collection
Checklists and their use
Data analysis
Audit methodology
4. THE AUDITOR
General
Auditor training and experience
Selection of an auditor
5. REPORTING
Format and contents
Introductory section or preamble
Summary of non-conformities and recommendations
The audit summary