External audit duration and indicators

Answer:
Let us start by the external auditing. I believe you are speaking about “IAF Mandatory Document for Duration of QMS and EMS Audits”. When you look into an organization you ask how many persons effectively work there. The effective number of personnel is used as a basis for the calculation of audit duration. What does “effective person” means? According to the IAF document, “The effective number of personnel consists of all full-time personnel involved within the scope of certification including those working on each shift. Non- permanent (seasonal, temporary, sub-contractors and contracted personnel) and part time personnel who will be present at the time of the audit shall be included in this number.” That means if a hotel is audited during the high season will have more workers and so, the certification audit will take more time. Based on the number of effective persons working in the organization, table from Annex B of the IAF document relates Effective Number of Personnel, Complexity and Audit Duration. For example, an organization with 40 effective persons and medium complexity to audit will take 5.5 audit days. If you have 2 auditors that will take for example an auditor 3.5 days and another auditor 2 days.

About measurement and monitoring, consider indicators related with your environmental management system objectives, with your relevant interested parties perceptions, and your environmental performance.

The following material will provide you information about monitoring and measurent:

- ISO 14001- How to Use Good Environmental Objectives - https://advisera.com/14001academy/blog/2019/08/27/key-iso-14001-benefits-to-customers/nowledgebase/how-to-use-good-environmental-objectives/
- free online training ISO 14001:2015 Foundations Course - https://advisera.com/training/iso-14001-internal-auditor-course/
- book - THE ISO 14001:2015 COMPANION – A A Straightforward Guide to Implementing an EMS in a Small Business - https://advisera.com/books/the-iso-14001-2015-companion/