Auditing · professional practice · Technical definition
§5.2 ISO/IEC 17021-1.
Also known as Clause 5.2 · §5.2 · Auditor–implementer separation
Definition
Clause of ISO/IEC 17021-1 relating to impartiality and conflicts of interest in management systems certification bodies. The separation between consultancy, implementation and certification auditing must be strictly managed, including time restrictions where applicable.
Nature
Normative definition
Correct use
Cite it as an impartiality requirement applicable to bodies that audit and certify management systems, not as an isolated phrase that resolves every possible conflict.
Not to be confused with
It does not replace a full analysis of conflicts of interest, commercial structure, the audit team's prior relationship and the accreditation body's rules.
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