Once the audit request has been received by the audit company, the audit scheduler must assign an audit team to the audit. This is an online process via MySIZA. The auditor and the reviewer cannot be the same individual, and an auditor cannot audit the same facility more than twice. The allocation of the audit team should be based on a variety of factors related to competency, availability, and adequacy. Under no circumstances can auditees request a particular audit team (or auditor) to conduct audits as this not only puts the credibility of the audit report at risk, but the reputation of SIZA, the audit company, the auditor, as well as the entire industry.
SIZA Audit Oversight actively monitors all audits and audit reports to make sure all requirements meet the Audit Process and Methodology (APM). Historical audit reports remain intact on MySIZA through which SIZA monitors which auditor visited the facility during previous audits. SIZA will not accept any audits which were arranged unethically, and which will impact the credibility of the audit outputs. In any event where SIZA becomes aware of any coercion or collusion between audit personnel and independent consultants in arranging for specific auditors to visit sites outside the boundaries allowed, SIZA will implement the necessary penalties which could lead to suspension of the auditor and/or audit company.
Consultants may confer with the supplier regarding the audit. The consultant may also advise and guide the supplier before and after the audit. When all the findings have been reported and documented on MySIZA, the consultant can assist the supplier in understanding and interpreting the findings. Suppliers should employ consultants at their own cost and not as part of an audit. The consulting process is therefore an external process between the supplier and the consulting firm/consultant. Neither the auditor nor the audit company can take on the role of both consultant and auditor for the same audit process or on the same farm. The role of the auditor and consultant should be clearly defined prior to an audit. If an Audit company decides to act as an assessor/consultancy service, this must be managed separately from the audit department and the auditors who act on behalf of SIZA.
