Overview
This lead auditor course equips environmental professionals to evaluate ISO 14001:2015 management systems end-to-end. Blending ISO 19011 methodology with Highwave Training sustainability case studies, it strengthens your ability to assess environmental aspects, legal obligations, and lifecycle thinking while delivering credible audit reports.
Learning Outcomes
- Interpret ISO 14001:2015 requirements and evaluate compliance obligations and risks.
- Design audit programmes, plans, and sampling strategies based on environmental significance.
- Gather objective evidence, analyse environmental performance data, and determine effectiveness.
- Report findings, facilitate root-cause analysis, and verify corrective actions that protect the environment.
Target Audience
EMS managers, environmental specialists, consultants, and auditors working toward CQI/IRCA or Exemplar Global lead auditor credentials.
Course Details
Modules & Syllabus +
Module 1 – ISO 14001 Framework & Environmental Risk
- Context, leadership, and commitment to environmental protection.
- Lifecycle perspective, risk and opportunity management, and compliance obligations.
- Environmental objectives, monitoring, measurement, and continual improvement.
Module 2 – Audit Programme & Planning
- ISO 19011 principles, auditor competence, impartiality, and ethics.
- Scoping audits, prioritising processes, and selecting sampling based on aspects/impacts.
- Preparing audit plans, environmental checklists, and stakeholder communication strategies.
Module 3 – Conducting the Audit
- Interviewing, evidence gathering, and triangulating data with environmental records.
- Evaluating operational controls, emergency preparedness, and contractor management.
- Assessing emissions, waste, resource efficiency, and compliance obligations.
Module 4 – Audit Reporting & Follow-up
- Drafting clear nonconformities tied to clause references and evidence.
- Root-cause analysis exercises addressing environmental incidents.
- Corrective action verification, audit reporting, and management review input.
Module 5 – Certification & Sustainability Integration
- CQI/IRCA and Exemplar Global pathways, logbook guidance, and witness audit preparation.
- Embedding ESG metrics, carbon accounting, and supply chain assessments into audits.
- Mock exam, scenario debriefs, and individual development planning.
Duration & Assessment +
Five-day classroom or blended delivery (40 contact hours) supported by pre-reading. Assessment comprises:
- Continuous tutor evaluation during workshops and environmental simulations.
- Practical audit exercise with report submission and feedback.
- Final written examination covering ISO 14001 and ISO 19011 requirements.
Certification +
- Meets formal training requirements for CQI/IRCA EMS Lead Auditor (PR315) and Exemplar Global AU/TL/EM competencies.
- Delegates receive a competency statement with recommendations for experience logging.
- Optional mentoring, witness audits, and environmental compliance clinics available post-course.