Audit
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Glossary of procurement terms, defines an audit as: ‘A systematic inspection of a process or procedure to assess compliance with requirements or regulations.’ It defines and audit trail as: ‘A record, history or series of documents that provide evidence of a sequence of processes that led to an outcome.’
Functional Standards Common Glossary, published by the Cabinet Office, defines internal auditing as: ‘An independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organisation’s operations. It helps an organisation accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.’
In the construction industry, audits might include:
- Access audit
- Design audit
- Eco-Management and Audit Scheme
- Eco-audit
- Energy audit
- Facilities management audit
- Geomorphological audit
- Inclusive design audit.
- Internal audit
- Marketing audit
- Pre-demolition audit
- Safety audit
- First-party audit.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?