Our Training Programs
World-class professional certification courses in Food Safety, Quality, Science, Technology & Agriculture
About This Course
The Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) Internal Auditor Training Course is a comprehensive, competency-based programme designed to develop the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence required to plan, conduct, report, and follow up internal audits across Food Safety Management Systems. Aligned with ISO 19011 auditing guidelines and internationally recognized food safety standards, including ISO 22000, HACCP, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, SQF, IFS, and GFSI-benchmarked schemes, the programme equips participants with the ability to evaluate system effectiveness, identify risks, verify compliance, and drive continual improvement. Through audit simulations, case studies, interview techniques, evidence-based auditing, reporting workshops, and corrective action planning, participants gain the confidence to perform value-adding internal audits that strengthen food safety culture, regulatory compliance, certification readiness, operational excellence, and organizational performance.
What You’ll Learn
- Plan, conduct, report, and follow up risk-based internal audits in accordance with ISO 19011 auditing guidelines and internationally recognized Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS).
- Evaluate the effectiveness of Food Safety Management Systems against the requirements of ISO 22000, HACCP, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, SQF, IFS, and other GFSI-benchmarked standards.
- Apply advanced auditing techniques, including process-based auditing, evidence gathering, interviewing, objective evaluation, and audit reporting to identify compliance gaps and improvement opportunities.
- Perform effective root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action (CAPA) verification, and follow-up audits to strengthen continual improvement and organizational performance.
- Lead value-adding internal audit programmes that enhance food safety culture, regulatory compliance, certification readiness, operational excellence, and stakeholder confidence.
Course Curriculum
- Principles of Management System Auditing
- ISO 19011 Auditing Guidelines and Best Practices
- Types of Food Safety Audits and Audit Programmes
- Roles, Responsibilities and Competencies of Internal Auditors
- Ethics, Professional Conduct and Auditor Independence
- Overview of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS)
- Auditing ISO 22000, HACCP and GMP Requirements
- Auditing GFSI-Benchmarked Standards (FSSC 22000, BRCGS, SQF and IFS)
- Regulatory, Customer and Organizational Requirements
- Risk-Based Thinking in Food Safety Auditing
- Establishing an Internal Audit Programme
- Risk-Based Audit Planning and Scheduling
- Defining Audit Scope, Objectives and Criteria
- Audit Resources, Teams and Responsibilities
- Audit Documentation and Working Papers
- Preparing Audit Plans and Checklists
- Reviewing Documents and Previous Audit Findings
- Process Mapping and Risk Identification
- Sampling Strategies and Audit Trails
- Preparing for Opening Meetings
- Opening Meetings and Audit Communication
- Process-Based Auditing Techniques
- Interviewing Personnel Effectively
- Observation, Evidence Collection and Verification
- Identifying Conformities and Improvement Opportunities
- Classification of Non-Conformities
- Writing Clear and Objective Audit Findings
- Evidence-Based Decision Making
- Identifying Opportunities for Improvement
- Conducting Effective Closing Meetings
- Preparing Professional Audit Reports
- Presenting Audit Conclusions
- Communicating Findings to Management
- Confidentiality and Audit Records
- Audit Follow-Up Planning
- Root Cause Analysis Methodologies
- Developing Effective Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
- Verification of Corrective Actions
- Effectiveness Reviews and Follow-Up Audits
- Driving Continual Improvement
- Auditing Food Safety Risks and Operational Controls
- Auditing HACCP Plans and CCP Management
- Auditing PRPs, OPRPs and Preventive Controls
- Food Safety Culture and Organizational Performance
- Data Analysis, KPIs and Trend Evaluation
- Preparing Organizations for Certification Audits
- Auditor Expectations and Evidence Management
- Managing Difficult Audit Situations
- Regulatory, Customer and Third-Party Audit Readiness
- Building High-Performance Internal Audit Programmes
- Auditing Integrated Management Systems
- Remote and Hybrid Audit Techniques
- Digital Auditing Tools and Electronic Evidence
- Auditor Leadership, Professional Judgement and Decision-Making
- Emerging Trends in Food Safety Auditing
- Developing a Risk-Based Internal Audit Programme
- Planning and Conducting a Complete Internal Audit
- Preparing Audit Reports and Presenting Findings
- Developing CAPA and Audit Follow-Up Plans
- Final Competency Assessment and Professional Auditor Development
Who Should Attend
- Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Food Quality professionals responsible for maintaining and improving Food Safety Management Systems.
- Internal Auditors, HACCP Team Leaders, and Compliance professionals seeking to strengthen auditing competence and certification readiness.
- Production Managers, Operations Managers, Technical Managers, and Departmental Supervisors responsible for operational compliance and continual improvement.
- Professionals implementing or maintaining ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, SQF, IFS, HACCP, and other GFSI-benchmarked food safety systems.
- Food safety consultants, trainers, regulatory personnel, and individuals preparing for internal auditor or lead auditor career pathways.
Prerequisites
- This programme is suitable for both aspiring and experienced professionals seeking to develop practical competence in planning, conducting, reporting, and following up effective internal food safety audits.
- No prior auditing experience or formal auditor certification is required.
Key Benefits
- Build the competence to conduct professional, risk-based internal audits that strengthen Food Safety Management System performance and regulatory compliance.
- Improve audit effectiveness by applying internationally recognized auditing principles, evidence-based decision-making, and best practices aligned with ISO 19011.
- Identify, evaluate, and address system weaknesses through robust non-conformity management, root cause analysis, and continual improvement methodologies.
- Enhance organizational readiness for certification, surveillance, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits across GFSI-recognized food safety standards.
- Develop confident, competent internal auditors capable of driving food safety excellence, operational resilience, and a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Delivery Technique
- Expert-led facilitation integrating ISO 19011 auditing principles with internationally recognized food safety standards and best practices.
- Interactive audit simulations, process-based auditing exercises, and realistic food manufacturing case studies.
- Practical workshops on audit planning, interviewing, evidence collection, audit reporting, and CAPA verification.
- Collaborative group exercises, mock internal audits, and non-conformity evaluation using real-world scenarios.
- Personalized facilitator coaching, competency assessments, and implementation planning to support immediate workplace application.