Introduction, Overview & Background

Creating a world where environmental sustainability and social justice are the normal conditions of business

www.isealalliance.org

2009ISEAL Auditor Training Project:Framework for Developing An Effective Auditor Training Program

© Social Accountability International



Introduction, Overview & Background


© SAI 2009 - draft for review


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Introduction

This framework is designed to take you step by step through the process of developing an auditor training program. It outlines all the content, delivery and assessment factors you should consider, as well as how to incorporate adult learning strategies and methods.

This framework contains links to a Toolbox, which has forms and templates for you to use at each step of the process.




Overview of Designing a Training Program

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Monitor

Define Training Needs

Provide for Training

Design and Plan Training

Evaluate Training Outcomes




Overview of this Course

5

Define Training Needs

Provide for Training

MonitorDesign and Plan

TrainingEvaluate Training

Outcomes

Define training needs• Background Knowledge for Designing an

Auditor Training Course

• Defining Auditor Learning Objectives: What an Auditor Needs to Know

Design and plan training

Course Design Overview: The Big Picture

• Integrating Learning Objectives into Course Design: Teaching by Objectives

• Integrating Learning Styles into Course Design: Teaching Based on Student Learning Styles

• Integrating Learning Motivations into Course Design: Being Aware of Student Motivations

Course Design: Putting It All Together

Provide for training

• Trainer Qualification & Calibration

• Planning “In-Person” Training

• Considerations for Taking the Program “Online”

Evaluate training outcomes

• Evaluating Student Performance

• Evaluating Training Program Effectiveness

Monitor• Managing a Social & Environmental

Auditor Training Program• Continual improvement




Background

> What makes for a good auditor?

> What makes for a good audit?

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Background: Influences on Auditor Performance

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Auditor

Internal (Skills, Knowledge,

Attributes)

External (Certification Body)

Internal (CB Management)

External (Scheme Requirements)

Governance (mission-driven)

Global Scope

Focus of an Auditor Training Program




Background: Common Auditing Challenges

> Lack of consistent results in assessing risk

> Lack of clear evidence of performance

> Timeliness of information provided by auditors

> Trust in auditors - integrity

> Wording of non-compliances

> Variation in time allocation

> Communication of process to all parties

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Background: Underlying Problems with Auditor Competencies> Knowledge

– Misunderstanding application of law vs. standard– Weak knowledge of specifics steps in audit process– Understanding which documents will provide greatest insight

– Poor interviewing techniques– Inadequate information from external stakeholders– Lack of time management– Poorly written non-conformances and audit reports

> Skills

> Attitude– Bias toward either management or workers– Cultural bias toward discrimination– Unwillingness to investigate below the surface




Improving Auditor Competencies

Skills

Knowledge

Attitude

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Background: Understanding the Auditor as Adult Learner

Student

CharacteristicsLearning

Motivation

LearningStyles

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Background: Adult Learning Basics

> Adult learner characteristics

– Self-directed– Draw on life experiences– Interested in application of knowledge

> Adult learner motivation

– Goal-oriented - means to an end– Activity-oriented - social interaction– Learning-oriented - knowledge for knowledge’s sake

> Adult learning styles

– Visual– Auditory– Kinesthetic

Technology

Introduction, Overview & Background