Leading logistics company Whistl has successfully completed their first year of outsourced internal audits to five different ISO standards!

The company was already certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001 with UKAS accredited certification body LRQA when they sought to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their internal audit process.

Working together with ISO Consultants Assent Risk Management, we established a risk-based audit programme to the requirements of ISO 19011:2018 and the specific management system standards within the scope.

The Assent team worked hard to understand the unique needs of Whistl and established an audit team with the discipline, industry and personal skills required to provide a competent, impartial audit that also added value to the auditees and organisation as a whole. 

A key priority of the company was to improve the internal audit experience across the business.  We understand that internal audits cause disruption, and sometimes anxiety, to auditees so our audit team took time to engage with those working on site, explaining the process and working together to find objective-evidence of compliance.  The feedback after year one was positive!

Any change to an audit programme needs careful management.  Outsourcing internal audits for the first time had risks, however after a successful round of external audits we are confident that the new programme is effective.

The year-two programme has been planned and refined based on the results and feedback from year-one and we can’t wait to get started!

Client Comment

“Coming into 2024 we took the decision to outsource our internal audit programme to increase efficiency and reduce the audit ‘burden’ on staff across the group. There was some initial nervousness as our internal audit team was so well established, about how the new approach would be received, but seeing Assent’s approach in action and seeing how they kept their promises, the nerves quickly disappeared. As we grew into the year, we optimised the plan further and have used our experience to make the plan for 2025 and beyond even more streamlined. We have received feedback both from internal stakeholders and from our certifying body, LRQA, about the professionalism, knowledge, and pragmatism displayed by Assent, and we’re very happy to continue our partnership.”

Ben Moulds, Risk, Assurance & Compliance Manager, Whistl.

Programme Manager Comment

“We were honoured that Whistl put their trust in our team to deliver their internal audit programme.  It’s been a pleasure working with Ben, the compliance team and representatives at every location.  
Over the year we have built a great working relationship, driving improvements together. ”

Robert Clements, Programme Manager, Assent Risk Management.