About this course
About this course
Clause 3.4 of the BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety requires every certified site to run an internal audit programme that covers every area of the Standard and every production shift. This two-day virtual programme qualifies delegates to deliver that programme, turning the internal audit from a paperwork exercise into a genuine driver of improvement.
Who should attend
The programme is suitable for quality managers, technical managers, production team leaders, engineers and any staff member earmarked to join an internal audit team. No prior auditing experience is required, although familiarity with the BRCGS Standard at site level is strongly recommended. The course is equally relevant to staff at food manufacturing, packaging and storage or distribution operations, with examples drawn from all three environments. Delegates preparing to progress towards third-party audit work also find this programme a useful stepping-stone.
What the programme covers
Content is structured around the full audit cycle. Day one introduces audit planning, evidence gathering, sampling techniques, questioning styles and how to write objective, auditable non-conformities. Day two moves into reporting, corrective action tracking and the integration of internal audit outputs into the wider management review. Practical role-play exercises give delegates the chance to conduct short audits of simulated site areas and receive structured feedback on technique, note-taking and report quality. The programme also covers the competence requirements for internal auditors named on the audit schedule, including impartiality, training records and how to handle conflicts of interest when auditing departments close to the auditor’s own.
Assessment and certification
Delegates complete a written exam at the end of day two. A pass earns the official BRCGS Certificate of Achievement, which is the recognised qualification for internal auditors named on site audit schedules during third-party certification. The certificate is recognised internationally by retailers and certification bodies.
Course format and delivery
The programme runs over two consecutive days in a live virtual format with a BRCGS Approved trainer. Delivery blends methodology teaching with practical audit exercises, structured peer feedback and case study discussion. Delegates receive audit templates, checklist examples and non-conformity writing guidance for use after the course.
Why this matters
A well-run internal audit programme is one of the single strongest predictors of audit grade. Sites that invest in qualified internal auditors typically raise fewer repeat non-conformities, upgrade faster and reduce the corrective action burden on technical managers. This programme pairs naturally with the Food Safety Issue 9 Sites Training for clause interpretation and with the Food Safety Auditor Training for delegates moving towards third-party audit work. For advanced audit technique beyond BRCGS, the STC Effective Auditing and Inspection Level 3 programme is a natural complement.
View the complete BRCGS courses and training range or see all food safety training programmes on offer across the catalogue.
