The seven principles of auditing are:

  1. Integrity: the foundation of professionalism.

Auditors and those managing audit programmes should perform their work ethically, honestly and responsibly. They should only undertake activities if competent to do so. They should work in an impartial manner and be on the look out for influences that may affect their judgement.

  1. Fair presentation: the obligation to report truthfully and accurately.

The findings of an audit should truthfully and accurately represent what was witnessed during the audit. When a bad example was witnessed, was that in contrast to 10 good examples or 100? Significant obstacles and diverging opinions between the audit team and the entity being audited should be reported.

  1. Due professional care: the application of diligence and judgement in auditing.

Auditors need to make sound judgements in all circumstances when carrying out their audit and keep any personal biases in check.

  1. Confidentiality: security of information.

Information gathered during the audit process must be kept securely and should not used in an improper manner (e.g. for personal gain).

  1. Independence: the basis for the impartiality of the audit and objectivity of the audit conclusions.

Auditors should be independent of the activity audited as much as possible and in all cases must act in a manner that is free from bias or conflict of interest. Auditors should be objective throughout the process and ensure findings are based only on evidence.

  1. Evidence-based approach: the rational method for reaching reliable and reproducible audit conclusions in a systematic audit process.

The approach taken to come to conclusions must be evidence-based. Since audits are conducted during a finite period of time with finite resources an appropriate use of sampling should be applied. Evidence should be as verifiable as possible.

  1. Risk-based approach: an audit approach that considers risks and opportunities.

The approach taken to conducting audits must be risk-based. What is important to the audit programme outcomes? Try to focus on the most significant aspects. Put things in place from the start (e.g. clear documented communication) to reduce risk to the auditing process.