Internal audits, inspections and mock audits: what you need to know
Internal audits vs GMP inspections (BRCGS 3.4.4), audit scopes, gap and mock audits, making findings lead to real improvement.
Good internal auditing is the best risk mitigation a business has. Our lead auditors answered the questions they hear most on the Internal Auditor and Auditing & Inspection courses.
Q: Do our hygiene and fabrication inspections need to record evidence of conformity?
No. BRCGS Food clause 3.4.4 starts "In addition to the internal audit programme, there shall be a separate programme of documented inspections…". Because inspections are "in addition to" and "separate", the internal audit requirements earlier in section 3.4 don't apply to them. Recording non-conformities only is fine.
Q: What NC do auditors raise most often on internal audits?
One our trainers raise often: no scope recorded for each internal audit (clause 3.4.1 in Food Safety Issue 9; each BRCGS Standard has an equivalent internal audit clause). An audit title is not a scope. Internal audit scope and frequency are a recurring theme in BRCGS non-conformity data. Our BRCGS Internal Auditor course covers how to scope each audit.
Q: How do we make internal audits effective?
- Involve the team early and train auditors so everyone understands the requirements.
- After each audit, meet the departments involved and agree concrete actions, then follow them up.
- Allow enough time. Course attendees always name time as the biggest barrier. Audits and corrective actions can't be done well as a quick add-on to the day job. Remember the cost of quality: prevention is far cheaper than dealing with a disaster.
Q: How do we make sense of audit data?
Group findings into categories (hygiene, documentation, training), look for repeat problems (they point to system weakness), keep asking "why" (5 Whys), compare sites, departments or shifts, and write reports anyone can understand. Some sites use audit software or dashboards to track NCs across audits, complaints and reviews.
Q: Gap analysis or internal audit before a certification audit?
Both are valuable. If your internal auditors lack the experience or time for in-depth audits, bring in an experienced consultant for a gap or mock audit (the same thing). It can sit inside or alongside your internal audit programme. Once you've closed the gaps, your business is stronger.
▶ Watch: Gap and mock audits (STC & QTC Explains)
Q: What are the common challenges when preparing for BRCGS audits?
Understanding the standard, keeping documentation organised, engaging staff, older equipment and building culture. Training, regular procedure reviews, clear communication, maintenance and a solid corrective action system help. BRCGS's annual report lists the most common non-conformities for each Standard, a useful checklist when preparing.
▶ Watch: Managing unannounced audits (STC & QTC Explains)
More short videos on our STC & QTC Explains channel: https://youtube.com/@stcandqtc
Reviewed by Cathy Gladwin, Director & BRCGS ATP Trainer, STC · November 2026
These Q&As share general best practice from our trainers and auditors. They aren't consultancy advice for your site. For support specific to your site and systems, we can refer you to our sister company QTC.
Learn more: BRCGS Internal Auditor, Level 3 Auditing and Inspection and the course calendar. QTC lead auditors carry out mock audits for all BRCGS standards.