Auditing Methodology

HAC conducts its audit and certification activities based on international practices and guidance in line with ISO 19011 - Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems.

1. Types of Audits conducted by HAC are as below:
   • Certification audits
   • Surveillance audit
   • Recertification audit
   • Special audits

   Most of the post-certification or surveillance audits are done on an unannounced visit basis.

2. Principles of Auditing
   The principles of auditing adopted by HAC during its audits are as follows:
   1. Integrity: the foundation of professionalism
   2. Fair presentation: the obligation to report truthfully and accurately
   3. Due professional care: the application of diligence and judgement in auditing
   4. Confidentiality: security of information
   5. Independence: the basis for the impartiality of the audit and objectivity of the audit conclusions
   6. Evidence-based approach: the rational method for reaching reliable and reproducible audit conclusions in a systematic audit process

   The above principles shall be reflected in the behaviour of HAC Auditors during their auditing activities as elaborated under 4. Personal behaviours of HAC auditors.

3. Competency (Knowledge and Skills)
   

   Auditors and others involved in the certification process shall have the required competency (knowledge and skills) to perform their expected tasks and responsibilities. The competencies shall include the following:

   1. Audit principles, procedures and techniques: to enable the auditor to apply those appropriate to different audits and to ensure that audits are conducted in a consistent and systematic manner. An Auditor shall be able to:
      • apply audit principles, procedures and techniques,
      • plan and organize the work effectively,
      • conduct the audit within the agreed time schedule,
      • prioritize and focus on matters of significance,
      • collect information through effective interviewing, listening, observing and reviewing documents,
      • keep records and data,
      • understand the appropriateness and consequences of using sampling techniques for auditing,
      • verify the accuracy of collected information,
      • confirm the sufficiency and appropriateness of audit evidence to support audit findings and conclusions,
      • assess those factors that can affect the reliability of the audit findings and conclusions,
      • use work documents to record audit activities,
      • prepare audit reports,
      • maintain the confidentiality and security of information, and
      • communicate effectively, orally and in writing (either through personally or through an interpreter)
      • understand the types of risks associated with auditing
   2. Reference Halal Standards: product/service certification and/or management system and other, to enable the auditor to comprehend the scope of the audit and apply audit criteria.
      
   3. Organizational situations: to enable the technical auditor to comprehend the organization's operational context.
      
   4. Applicable laws, regulations, and other legal and Halal requirements relevant to the discipline.
   5. HAC's certification process and procedures
4. Personal behaviors of HAC Auditors
   

   The personal behaviour that are important for personnel involved in certification activities including auditors are described as follows:

   1. ethical, i.e. fair, truthful, sincere, honest and discreet;
   2. open-minded, i.e. willing to consider alternative ideas or points of view;
   3. diplomatic, i.e. tactful in dealing with people;
   4. collaborative, i.e. effectively interacting with others;
   5. observant, i.e. actively aware of physical surroundings and activities;
   6. perceptive, i.e. instinctively aware of and able to understand situations;
   7. versatile, i.e. adjusts readily to different situations;
   8. tenacious, i.e. persistent and focused on achieving objectives;
   9. decisive, i.e. reaches timely conclusions based on logical reasoning and analysis;
   10. self-reliant, i.e. acts and functions independently;
   11. professional, i.e. exhibiting a courteous, conscientious and generally business-like demeanor in the workplace;
   12. morally courageous, i.e. willing to act responsibly and ethically even though these actions may not always be popular and may sometimes result in disagreement or confrontation;
   13. organized, i.e. exhibiting effective time management, prioritization, planning, and efficiency.