60 Seconds with Mike Byron

What standards do you audit?

ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environment Management).

I have also previously been involved in auditing several very interesting bespoke second party schemes e.g. NHS Clinical governance procedures, COREC protocols and procedures (central office for research ethics committees) and several more.

Most memorable auditing moment?

Several from all around the world! For example, a Mental Health Hospital in Europe had less than a hundred patients. I was met at the reception by a gentleman, who I thought was a staff member. He lead me down some empty dark corridors, which I thought was slightly strange. It turns out that that person was actually a patient! Eventually, he took me to a large desolate empty room and then suddenly broke out into uncontrollable laughter.

I have also had the chance to stay in a remote haunted hotel in Romania (Transylvania), which was exciting and scary at the same time.

Greatest client benefit gained from ISO certification?

If implemented correctly, improved processes, satisfied customers and engaged employees.

Top tip?

Build the system for your company and your customers, keeping it as simple as possible and aim to add value. 

Most common non-conformance?

Missing and/or incomplete information and records from just about anywhere in the system e.g. Internal audit, Management Review, Training, Process Control, Calibration etc.