Login Introduction
For many UK businesses, Remote ISO Audits provide a flexible and efficient alternative to MS Teams/on-site audits, allowing ISO certification assessments to take place without the auditor being physically present. Using digital document review, auditors can evaluate your management system just as rigorously as they would during a traditional on-site audit.
This approach gained widespread adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be popular with organisations looking to reduce disruption, and scheduling challenges. For businesses operating across multiple sites or with hybrid teams, Remote Audits offer a practical way to maintain certification without interrupting day-to-day operations.
Like any ISO audit, the goal remains the same: to confirm that your management system is implemented, maintained, and continually improved.
Remote Audits at a glance
- Definition: Remote Audit carried out via email
- Standards covered: ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, Integrated Management Systems
- Benefits: Flexible, cost-effective, safe
- How it works: Evidence submitted electronically and reviewed by an auditor
What is a Remote Audit?
A Remote Audit is an alternative to an on-site or MS Teams audit with one of our auditors. Instead of meeting you in person or online, we review your ISO management system using evidence you submit via our evidence portal. The level of scrutiny is exactly the same – only the way evidence is shared and assessed is different.
Who is eligible for a Remote Audit?
Remote Audits are available for organisations certified to:
To maintain audit effectiveness, Remote Audits are offered no more than 3 years in a row.
Organisations that received a Grade 1 or Grade 2 audit outcome in the previous year are generally suitable candidates.
How the Remote Audit process works
The process is designed to be straightforward and structured.
Step 1 – Audit agreement
The Remote Audit is arranged with the Citation ISO Certification Diary Management team, provided your organisation meets the qualifying criteria.
Step 2 – Evidence request
You’ll receive an email with a link to the submission portal where you will see the clauses being assessed along with examples of the types of evidence you could send. When you’re ready, you’ll simply need to upload your evidence to the portal against each clause.
Note: Not all the examples will apply to your business; they are there as a guide only. If you’re unsure what to send, refer to your own manual and processes to decide what is most appropriate.
Step 3 – Evidence submission
Your organisation gathers the required documentation and submits it to the Remote Services team via the submission portal within 14 days.
Step 4 – Auditor review
Once the evidence is received, one of our experienced auditors reviews the documentation and completes the audit assessment.
Step 5 – Audit report
After the audit is completed, the report is published within Atlas ISO, where you can review the findings and any required actions.
Note:
If the requested evidence isn’t submitted within the set timeframe, meaning the audit cannot be conducted, the audit will be graded as a fail and your ISO certification will be at risk of probation and the IRQAO register updated accordingly.
If the documentation provided doesn’t fully meet the ISO Standard requirements, our team will let you know and provide a rectification period so you can address any gaps.
If the requirements are still not met after this period, your ISO certification will be at risk of probation and the IRQAO register updated accordingly. This can affect how your certification is viewed by customers or during tender applications, so we always aim to support clients in resolving any issues as quickly as possible.
If you need any guidance while preparing your Remote Audit evidence or would like to speak with a member of the Remote Services team, please call 01603 273735 or email [email protected].
Preparing for Your Remote ISO Audit
Preparation is key to a smooth Remote Audit. Ensuring your documentation and technology are ready in advance helps auditors complete their review efficiently.
Document preparation
When preparing your evidence:
- Label each document clearly with the clause it relates to. This helps the auditor understand exactly what you are demonstrating
- Check that documents are current and, where possible, dated within the last 12 months. If you’re unsure whether older evidence is acceptable for a particular clause, check your manual or speak to our team before you submit it
- Encrypt or redact any documents that contain sensitive or confidential information, in line with your own data protection processes
Not sure what evidence to provide?
If you’re unsure what documentation is required, you can:
- Refer to the guidance on each clause within the submission portal
- Contact the Remote Services team directly for guidance by calling 01603 273735 or email [email protected]
Many examples of required documents can also be found in the Client Registers area within your Atlas ISO account, helping you prepare evidence quickly and consistently.
Ready to book your Remote ISO Audit?
Speak to our team today to arrange your remote audit or get expert guidance.
Common Questions
About ISO
A surveillance audit only, for organisations already certified to ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 or an integrated system. Initial certification and recertification are done onsite or over MS Teams. No more than 3 remote audits are allowed in a row and they are offered based on our eligibility criteria. To have a first and second remote audit, the previous grade must be a 1 or 2. To have at third remote audit, the previous grade must be a 1.
No. Same certification, same clauses, same grading, with the report published in Atlas ISO the same way. Citation ISO’s certification is accredited by ASCB, and the accreditation page explains how.
An MS Teams audit is live on a set date, with the auditor reviewing evidence and interviewing your team over video. A Remote Audit has no live session. Clients are sent a link and have 14 days to upload their remote audit evidence to our submission portal. Once all evidence is received, it gets allocated to an auditor who writes up their report. The report is then published on Atlas ISO.
No. Remote Audits cover 9001, 14001, 45001 and integrated systems; 27001 surveillance is done onsite or over MS Teams. ISO 27001 is a larger Standard and it’s often easier for clients to demonstrate their information security controls through discussion/screenshare. The structure of a MS Teams/onsite audit is better for this.