There is a problem of perception with Quality and OHS Third Party Auditors that this thread demonstrates. It seems people just don't expect them to be any good. This raises a number of questions, particularly;

- is this acceptable?
- is there anything we can do about it?

The answer to the first question should really be "no" and, for most of us, the answer to the second question may well be "not much". But if you happen to be an IRCA registered  Training Organisation the answer to the second question should be an emphatic "YES!"

There is a related thread on the IRCA forum that suggests the traditional competency route that an auditor is required to follow is flawed, but also that there is a better way (see "Checkmate's" contribution)

The idea that people can attend a 5 day training course, cram for a relatively easy open book exam, achieve the required 70% and then be deemed competent as soon as they've managed to get a few audit days signed off (irrespective of their quality) is a bit of a nonsense. But it's a nonsense that we're currently putting up with for want of a better alternative

Readers will note from Checkmate's contribution that there is an alternative to the traditional 5 day format and that early trials have met with very positive results. The alternative approach typically involves a number of distance learning modules, spread out over a number of weeks during which feedback and support to participants is given, consolidated by a 3 day classroom surgery and exam. It would appear that the wider time frame for the learning process allows for greater understanding and consolidation, and better learning. It will also be less disruptive to the day job as this format no longer presents the very challenging "5 days away from the desk" problem

Capable People has decided to follow Checkmate's lead. We actually care about the competence of the people we let loose on the world, and we care about our results. Consequently we aim to establish blended learning formats for our QMS Lead Auditor and our OHS Lead Auditor Courses and make them available early in 2008

If anybody is interested in learning more about our intentions, please contact us using our contact form. We'd be very grateful for any feedback, suggestions or observations. We need to get this right and, for us at least, the customer is always king

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