Services for your organisation

Audits

Internal and external audits

During and after the project, we can perform the required periodic internal audits. An internal audit is an investigation conducted using a systematic and disciplined approach to assess the proper and reliable functioning of the internal organisation. In addition to carrying out these internal audits, Protify can also support certification audits when your organisation is being audited by a Certification Body (CB).

The word ‘audit’ comes from the Latin ‘audire’, meaning ‘to listen’. A good auditor asks the right questions and listens attentively to the answers, while the interviewee responds clearly and in detail. We believe an internal audit is more than just a control tool. It is an opportunity to improve processes, manage risks, and support strategic objectives. Our internal audits focus on evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, compliance with laws and regulations, and the improvement of operational processes.

Jasper Witteveen

Jr. Consultant

Conducting internal audits

What exactly is an internal audit? And why would you perform one? An internal audit is a review of how the organisation functions. Usually, people within the organisation are appointed to conduct this review — the internal auditors. However, it is also possible to outsource internal audits to another company, allowing for a more objective view of your organisation.

Part of Managed Services

Almost all of our clients choose to have their internal audits conducted by us as part of their Managed Services agreement. Protify has the required expertise to assess whether clients comply with the relevant laws and regulations. Through a systematic analysis, we ensure the entire organisation is thoroughly examined.

Objective and independent

We also provide a fresh and objective perspective by looking in from the outside. This leads to new insights, and often it becomes clear that processes can be improved. Additionally, as an external party, we have fewer vested interests in the outcome of an internal audit than someone from within the organisation.

With clear reports, we inform management about deviations and potential improvements. We always explain our findings personally to work together on the best plan of action.

Types of internal audits

There are different types of internal audits:

Thematic audits: these audits focus on one specific topic, such as customer satisfaction or privacy, across the entire organisation.
Compliance audits: a check to determine whether the organisation complies with relevant laws and regulations.
Process audits: a detailed review of processes, often with the aim of improving their design and efficiency.

Not all internal audits have the same goal. A compliance audit is about meeting legal or regulatory requirements, whereas a process audit focuses on improving processes. An organisation benefits from all these insights — ideally, an internal audit provides the most complete picture possible.

Support during external audits

In addition to conducting internal audits, Protify can act as support before and during an external audit. We start with thorough preparation: together, we assess all relevant documentation, processes, and requirements so that there are no surprises during the audit.

Our experienced consultants guide you step by step, clearly explain what to expect, and help your organisation face the audit with confidence.

During the audit, we are on hand to support the process, assist in answering questions, address points of attention immediately, and clarify any uncertainties. It is important to note that Protify is not (and may not be) a party in the audit itself, but we are committed to making the audit process run more smoothly for both the client and the auditor.

At Protify, we believe in an integrated approach. That’s why support during external audits is almost always included as part of the Managed Services agreement.

Need an internal audit or support during an external audit?

Would you like insight into how your organisation compares to the requirements of the standard, and do you need our support? Or would you like to have an internal audit carried out? Then get in touch with us!

Why choose to have audits carried out

Regular audits help detect risks, improvement opportunities or deviations sooner.

Audits help assess whether departments operate effectively, purposefully and compliantly — making it easier to achieve organisational objectives.

An internal audit provides objective insights into how well processes, controls and systems function. This strengthens internal and external trust in your organisation.

Audits highlight improvement opportunities and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

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