Behind the Clipboard: My Experience as an External ISO Auditor

Before launching AlineX, I spent years on the other side of the table—as an external auditor for ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 9001. That experience shaped how I support businesses today. It gave me a solid understanding of what auditors are really looking for—and, more importantly, the real-world challenges organisations face when trying to build and maintain compliant systems.

Walking Into the Unknown

One of the most interesting things about external auditing is that no two days are the same. One week I’d be walking through a food packaging plant, the next I’d be reviewing safety procedures on a civil engineering site. You never quite know what you’re walking into—and that keeps you sharp.

Over time, you develop a sixth sense for spotting gaps in documentation, weak operational controls, or cultural issues that can undermine compliance. But more than anything, you learn to listen. Some of the best insights come from conversations on the shop floor—not just in the boardroom.

What I Really Looked For

Yes, ISO standards involve procedures, policies, and evidence—but as an auditor, I was always more interested in how well those systems actually worked. Anyone can produce a polished manual (which, honestly, I often found to be outdated and unnecessary). What really matters is whether people understand the system, follow it, and use it to improve how they work.

For ISO 14001, I looked for whether environmental risks were not just identified but actively managed—not hidden away in a folder just to tick a box. For ISO 45001, I focused on how seriously organisations took worker safety and how engaged frontline staff were in risk assessments. For ISO 9001, I wanted to see that quality wasn’t just the responsibility of a department—it was part of the company’s culture.

The Good, the Bad, and the Avoidable

Some organisations stood out. They saw audits as opportunities to learn and improve. A few were truly ahead of the curve, with impressive systems, forward-thinking practices, and smart use of technology.

But I also saw the other side—businesses scrambling to get their system into an auditable state. There was always a telltale sign: internal audits were the first thing to be dropped when a system was neglected.

Far too many companies view audits as pass/fail tests. In reality, they should be seen as checkpoints in a much bigger journey of improvement. That mindset shift is something I bring to every AlineX client.

And let’s talk about nonconformities—those dreaded words that filled people with fear. In truth, they’re a good thing. A nonconformity means something can be fixed and improved. But I lost count of the companies proudly declaring “Zero Nonconformities for 2025” as a target. In my view, that approach does more harm than good. It encourages people to hide mistakes, especially when targets are linked to bonuses.

How It Shaped AlineX

My time as an external auditor gave me a practical, real-world lens. I know what good looks like—and I know what’s just paperwork that looks impressive but delivers nothing.

At AlineX, I focus on keeping ISO simple, useful, and tailored to how your business actually operates. No jargon. No copy-and-paste systems. Just practical solutions that work on the ground, not just on paper.

Final Thoughts

If you’re preparing for an audit, don’t panic. Think of it as a chance to showcase what you do well—and to improve what isn’t working. And if you need help making ISO feel less like a burden and more like a tool for progress, I’m here to help.