This course is ideal for those responsible for auditing or maintaining an EMS or contributing to its implementation. It also suits those in supervisory or technical roles aiming to expand their capabilities in environmental compliance.

This includes:

• Internal environmental auditors and auditors transitioning from quality or health & safety
• Departmental managers and supervisors (e.g. facilities, manufacturing, engineering)
• Engineers, technicians, and laboratory staff

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Plan, conduct, report, and follow up internal EMS audits in accordance with ISO 19011
• Evaluate environmental performance and identify nonconformities
• Apply the process-based approach and PDCA cycle to auditing
• Describe the auditor’s responsibilities within an EMS
• Use effective techniques for interviewing and gathering objective audit evidence
• Write clear, actionable nonconformity reports

This training focuses on practical audit performance to support measurable environmental improvement.

This two-day course uses a mix of interactive learning, practical exercises and group work to build audit capability.

Topics include:

Day 1

• EMS auditing principles and ISO 19011
• Structure and requirements of ISO 14001:2015
• Responsibilities and skills of internal auditors
• Process-based auditing and PDCA methodology
• Conducting document reviews and preparing audit plans
• Practical audit activities and exercises

Day 2

• Interviewing techniques and gathering evidence
• Preparing and conducting audits of top management
• Evaluating audit findings, writing nonconformities and generating an audit report
• Opening and closing meetings
• Post-audit follow-up and reporting
• End-of-course quiz and final case study

Learners participate in practical exercises and case studies throughout, with in-company delivery offering tailored scenarios and on-site audits.

Learners should have prior knowledge of:

• Management systems (Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, objectives, and processes for implementation, monitoring, and continual improvement, emphasising the relationship between leadership, planning, operations, and review)
• Environmental management concepts (including the interrelationship between improved environmental performance, fulfilling compliance obligations, and achieving environmental objectives)
• ISO 14001 structure and terminology

This prior knowledge may be acquired by attending an ISO 14001:2015 Overview (EMS) course or equivalent.

English Language Competency

A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme. While formal certification (e.g. IELTS) is not required, learners whose first language is not English should have a self-assessed proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0 or CEFR level B2.
This level of competence will support learners in understanding course materials, contributing to discussions, and completing assessments where applicable.

This course is delivered by experienced tutors with deep industry knowledge and auditing expertise. Each tutor brings real-world auditing experience, sector-specific insights, and a passion for practical training. Their focus is on building learner confidence through engaging, hands-on exercises and personalised support.

• Finbarr Stapleton
• Elizabeth Walker 
• Gerry Higgins 
• Peter Fleming 

Learners benefit from personalised support, practical experience, and up-to-date knowledge in environmental management.

Learners are assessed continuously throughout the course via interactive exercises and engagement in Q&A
sessions:

• Role-playing audit scenarios
• Involvement in case study exercises
• Active participation in course discussions
• Tutor-led evaluation of individual contributions

Full attendance and participation are required for successful completion.

Our training approach is practical, highly interactive, and discussion-based, with flexibility to meet organisational needs:

• Pre-training consultation to align with your EMS system (for in-company courses)
• Where appropriate, exercises incorporate the organisation’s own EMS documentation, offering learners the opportunity to practise audit techniques in a relevant and realistic setting. This hands-on approach culminates in a tutor-supervised internal audit, reinforcing practical application and embedding core learning outcomes.
• Flexible delivery options to suit different needs:
• onsite and live virtual training for your team
• scheduled virtual public courses for individuals to join independently
• Real-time support from expert tutors

Class sizes are generally limited to 10 – 12 to support personalised learning and individual support.

This course is CQI IRCA certified (Antaris Certificate No. 1744), meeting rigorous international standards for auditor training.

Certification ensures global recognition and demonstrates validated competence in internal environmental auditing.

This course enables learners to advance toward:

• ISEP Lead Environmental Auditor (ISO 14001:2015)
• Internal Auditing – Integrated Management Systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001)

Learners gain a solid foundation for further professional development in environmental auditing.

Further progression supports deeper auditing capability and cross-standard expertise.