Skip to main content

Summary

Recent Quality Assurance Reviews have identified opportunities to further strengthen clarity, consistency and alignment in audit documentation. Here are key focus areas to support auditors in meeting Energy Safety Canada (ESC) COR Quality Assurance expectations while maintaining high professional standards in audit reporting.

Why this matters Clear, well documented auditor notes support audit defensibility, reduce review delays and help ensure consistent application of COR standards across all audits.

Key focus areas for auditors

1
 

Clearly support scores with auditor notes

Audit scores must always be backed by clear, meaningful notes that explain how conclusions were reached.

Best Practices
  • Clearly state the number of criteria met (e.g., "7 of 8 criteria met")
  • Briefly explain why each relevant criterion was or was not met
  • Include concise examples where they help clarify the decision
     
✓ Do

"7 of 8 criteria met; training supervisor responsibilities not included in policy."

✗ Avoid

"Policy reviewed and meets requirements."

Avoid restating the audit question or copying policy language without analysis.
2
 

Align auditor notes with assigned scores

Consistency between your notes and your scoring is critical.

Tips for Alignment
  • Review notes after assigning scores to confirm they fully support the conclusion
  • Ensure wording does not imply gaps when full points are awarded
  • Address all identified gaps when awarding partial scores
Strong alignment builds reviewer confidence and reduces follow-up questions during quality assurance reviews.
3
 

Apply audit instructions clearly and consistently

Audit instructions must be clearly reflected in both scoring decisions and supporting documentation.

Recommended Approach
  • Demonstrate how instructions were applied to reach each score
  • Clearly explain the rationale behind partial scores
  • Document how "Not Applicable (NA)" determinations were validated
Visibility of instruction application supports consistency across audits and transparency in decision-making.
4
 

Maintain professional, objective documentation

Professionalism and objectivity are core expectations under the Auditor Code of Ethics.

Best Practices
  • Use clear, factual and neutral language
  • Avoid unnecessary duplication of criteria or policy content
  • Focus on conclusions that are directly supported by evidence
Well-documented audits strengthen credibility and improve efficiency in review processes.

Related Resources

Auditor Resources

Share: