Environmental Auditing has traditionally focused on regulatory compliance. Sustainability programs are done to meet organizational goals, industry standards, or customer requirements – few of them regulatory requirements. Sustainability auditing often looks at a limited set of data, information, or claims. There are numerous training programs for auditors in a range of areas – regulatory compliance, safety, greenhouse gas emissions, social/ workplace equity, etc. – but almost nothing is done for the poor AUDITEE. This poses risk of considerable inefficiency – or worse. It’s also easily remedied.
Most folks would rank “getting audited” right up there with “getting a root canal.” However, a good audit can identify or confirm gaps. A good audit team and report can help raise awareness to company management, and get resources. Many AUDITEES don’t understand the audit process – and could try to cover up problems, rather than seek help.
Many companies are now audited by outside entities – customers, trade associations, non-governmental organizations, contractors, insurance companies, parties to transactions, etc. AUDITEES can cause problems if they disclose facts, information, or data that is outside the scope of the audit. AUDITEES can unwittingly disclose intellectual property, and give away valuable competitive advantages. AUDITEES may not even know the parameters of an audit, since the contract was probably arranged by someone at a Business Unit or Corporate office. Finally, getting audited is not the AUDITEE’S primary job – and it makes the AUDITEE nervous.
Realize what AUDITEES are up against. AUDITEES can – and should – present their part of your organization in a fair, positive light. They should ask for help when appropriate, limit answers to scope/ purpose of each audit, and recognize opportunities to showcase performance – and when to call for help. A short training workshop (including breakout exercises) can go a long way to achieving best results.
