What is a pre-audit (gap analysis)?
A pre-audit (gap analysis) shows you how ready you are before a formal, scored audit. Our experts review how effectively your management systems are being implemented, following the same areas as a formal audit – but instead of a score, you get a clear red, amber and green rating that tells you exactly where to focus.
Prerequisites
None
Delivered
On site
Results
Red, amber, green (RAG) rating
Scope
Selected areas or your full OHSMS
It’s a gap analysis of your existing health, safety and/or environmental management system and associated arrangements, to help you prepare for an audit. We compare what you have in place against legislation, recognised standards and best practice, then guide you on how to improve performance and reach higher standards.
Who is it for?
Organisations of any size, in any sector. It’s particularly useful if you:
- are preparing for a Five Star Audit
- are working towards ISO 45001 or ISO 14001 certification
- need an assessment of where your OHSMS stands today
- want a structured route towards best practice
Choose your approach
Pick the type of pre-audit that matches the audit or standard you’re working towards.
Option 1
Best practice review
A review against the relevant areas of our Five Star best practice specification – ideal if a Five Star Audit is your next step.
Option 2
Bespoke gap analysis
A tailored gap analysis against legislation, ISO 45001 and/or your organisation’s own OHSMS.
Clear priorities, not just a score
Your results use a red, amber and green (RAG) rating, so you can see at a glance what needs attention first and what you’re already doing well.
Red
Your top priorities to address before the formal audit.
Amber
Areas to develop as you work towards higher standards.
Green
Strengths you can build on.
Why a pre-audit is right for your organisation
Go into your formal audit prepared, confident and with no surprises.
01
Expert advice
Guidance from our specialists on how to achieve the highest standards.
02
Know your strengths
See clearly what you already do well, as well as where the gaps are.
03
Fix issues early
Address specific issues before your formal audit takes place.
04
Target your resources
Put time and budget where they’ll make the biggest difference.
05
Experience the audit process
Your team gets first-hand exposure to how an audit works, as part of full preparation for a Five Star or certification audit.
06
Show your commitment
Demonstrate to stakeholders and regulators that you take health and safety seriously.
Above all, a pre-audit gives you a structured route towards continual improvement.
How does it work?
1
Agree the scope
We agree the scope with you, so the review fits your business needs.
2
Documentation review
Our expert reviews your relevant documentation on site.
3
Stakeholder interviews
We hold interviews and discussions with the relevant people in your organisation.
4
Operational sampling
We sample day-to-day operations to see how your procedures work in practice.
What you’ll receive
- A summary report
- Detailed recommendations and action planning
The pre-audit at a glance
- Review of selected areas of our best practice specification, legislation and/or current standards
- Can be bespoke, or cover all areas of your OHSMS
Why choose British Safety Council?
Our audit and consultancy services are internationally recognised. They’re the best way to make sure your health, safety and environmental management systems suit your business, promote continual improvement and are effectively implemented. As part of our own quality control, we make sure that:
Our audit and consultancy products are regularly reviewed to meet customer needs, expectations and sector best practice.
Consistently high standards of service are achieved through robust quality assurance, including auditor standardisation, training and performance monitoring.
Our technical specialists serve on strategic committees for occupational health, safety and environmental standards.
We have a unique, internationally recognised best practice (Five Star) audit process.
Our work is recognised across the industry through awards such as the prestigious Sword and Globe of Honour.
Go into your audit with confidence
Talk to our team about a pre-audit scoped around your business and your next audit.
Request more informationOr call us on +44 (0)203 510 8355
Frequently asked questions
How is a pre-audit different from a formal audit?
A pre-audit follows the same areas as a formal audit, but it isn’t scored. Instead, your results are given a red, amber or green (RAG) rating so you can see your priorities and address them before the formal audit takes place.
Do we need anything in place first?
No. There are no prerequisites for a pre-audit.
What can the pre-audit be measured against?
You can choose a best practice review against relevant areas of our Five Star specification, or a bespoke gap analysis against legislation, ISO 45001 and/or your own OHSMS.
Can it be tailored to our business?
Yes. We agree the scope with you, and the pre-audit can focus on selected areas or cover your whole OHSMS.
What audits does British Safety Council offer?
Our best practice Five Star audits include the Five Star Occupational Health and Safety Audit, Five Star Environmental Audit and Five Star Wellbeing Audit. We also offer certification audits to ISO 45001 and ISO 14001, and a bespoke, sector-specific systems review.
What consultancy services do you offer?
Our health, safety and environmental consultancy is built around your needs. One of our experts supports improvements in performance in general or in specific areas – for example risk assessments, training needs analysis, legionella surveys, asbestos management, permit-to-work processes, strategic planning and culture surveys. Find out more about our consultancy services.
What are the Sword and Globe of Honour?
They’re award schemes for organisations that achieve a five-star rating in our Five Star Occupational Health and Safety Audit (Sword of Honour) or Five Star Environmental Audit (Globe of Honour). Submissions are independently adjudicated, and only those meeting defined criteria receive the award – a true recognition of excellence. Find out more about the Honour Awards.