Internal Audits in Kent

Internal Audit Services for ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and BRCGS in Kent

Prepare for certification and build a culture of improvement

At Next Step Compliance we help small businesses across Kent maintain their ISO certifications and unlock operational efficiency. Our independent internal audit services cover ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) and BRCGS (Food Safety Management System).

I am based in Aylesford and serve companies in Canterbury, Maidstone, Medway, Ashford, Dartford, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and throughout Kent. Our audits uncover hidden risks, highlight cost savings and prepare you for a stress‑free external audit.

Why internal audits matter

Internal audits are more than a box‑ticking exercise, they are a powerful tool for growth and compliance. Conducting regular audits helps your small business: –

Meet ISO requirements – ISO certification requires documented internal audit and management review activities.
Build customer and stakeholder confidence – Verified processes and documented improvements show clients that you take quality, environmental, safety and food safety responsibilities seriously.
Reduce costs and waste – Audits identify inefficiencies, non‑conformities and waste so you can streamline processes and cut unnecessary expenses.
Manage risks and compliance – Risk‑based audits focus on high‑hazard areas and environmental impacts to prevent incidents and regulatory breaches.
Engage your team – Involving staff in cross‑functional audits improves communication and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Gain market opportunities –Certification and robust internal auditing can open doors to new contracts and supply chains.

Internal auditing in Maidstone, medway, tonbridge and tunbridge wells

About Next Step Compliance

I say this is a consultancy…..

….and it is. A one women consultancy. I am Jeanette Wessen BSc (Hons), PGCE, the person behind Next Step Consultancy.

I moved on from being a Head of Design and Technology in Medway after 13 years in 2022. I used to teach Food Technology, Hospitality and Catering, Engineering, Graphic Design and Resistant Materials. This has meant that I have a variety of experience in different settings. Kitchens, wood and metal workshops, working with CAD/CAM equipment. Creating and maintaining Health and Safety and Food Safety systems.

I now have 3 years of experience working with ISO standards, HACCP and Health and Safety. I have continued to study with my NEBOSH qualification in Health and Safety and my Lead Auditors qualifications for ISO standards. I support businesses in and around Kent in their compliance needs.

Jeanette Wessen - ISO consultant in kent

The benefits of working with me include direct, consistent access to a consultant who understands your business in depth. When you call or email, you are dealing with someone who knows your organisation.

My systems are deliberately simple, practical, and effective. I do not use bespoke or proprietary software specific to Next Step Compliance, by design. This approach allows me to remain accessible, flexible and cost effective for small and medium sized businesses, while still delivering robust and compliant management systems.

Our internal audit process

Internal audits for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and BRCGS are essential as part of the system. I can give you a full internal audit service that includes planning out your internal audits all the way to supporting you through your potential corrective actions.

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Planning and scope

I work with you to understand your operations, identify risks and plan audits around the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or ISO 45001 requirements. I confirm the scope and schedule in a way that minimises disruption to your business.

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Risk‑based auditing

I assess processes based on their significance. For ISO 45001 I focus on high‑hazard areas and recent incidents. For ISO 14001 I assess environmental aspects, compliance obligations and operational controls. For BRCGS we complete a full risk assessment for the internal audit schedule to comply with issue 9 of the standard.

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Document review and interviews

I review policies, procedures and records. Interviews and observations help verify that documented processes are followed and effective

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Objective reporting

You receive a clear report highlighting conformity, non‑conformities and improvement opportunities. My reports prioritise findings and include root‑cause analysis suggestions.

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Corrective actions and support

I will assist you in developing corrective actions and monitor their implementation. My goal is to prepare you for a successful external audit and long‑term improvement.

Areas I serve for Internal Audits in Kent

I do and can work remotely but I do feel strongly about being about to be accessible to the businesses I work with. I provide the kind of service as a small business where you can continuity of consultant and that you can call and talk to me but also be able to be on site for internal audits. It is key to get to know your business well.

We provide ISO audit services across Kent, including but not limited to: –

Canterbury, Maidstone, Medway, Ashford, Dartford, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and all surrounding towns. If you’re a Kent business seeking an internal ISO auditor, contact us to see how I can help.

FAQ's

What is an internal ISO audit?

An internal audit is a systematic, independent evaluation of your management system against the relevant ISO standard. It checks that processes meet planned arrangements, identifies improvements and prepares you for external certification.

How often should we conduct internal audits?

Audits should be scheduled regularly based on risk and complexity. Many small businesses perform a biannual audit of the full system and increase if they feel the need due to corrective actions and/or risk.

Do small businesses really need an internal audit?

Yes. ISO certification requires evidence of internal audits and continual improvement. Audits also reveal cost savings, regulatory compliance gaps and opportunities to improve quality, environmental performance and safety.

How long does an internal audit take?

The duration depends on the size of your organisation and the scope of the standard. A typical small‑business audit can expect around 4 days/year on internal audits that have been outsourced to an ISO consultant.

How much does it cost?

Small independant ISO consultants charge far less than consultants from a large consultancy. This price will vary depending on the size of your business and location. Get in touch and I will provide a transparent quote with no tie ins (no 10 year contract).

Do I need to sign up to a special software?

With my internal audits, I use the softare you already have which mean the work I do is yours forever. No need for any subscriptions or lock ins.

Get in contact with Next Step Compliance

Fill in the contact form for a quote or use the button on the right hand side to contact us using Whatsapp.

We can also support you with your ISO 14001, 45001 and Food Safety needs.