We asked Achilles Global Head of Audit, Will Nelson to share what a good supply chain HSE audit really looks like, and why an audit is often the entry point to stronger health and safety assurance across global supply chains.
What is a Supply Chain HSE Audit?
An Achilles supply chain HSE audit is a structured assessment of a supplier’s health, safety and environmental management systems and how effectively they are implemented in practice. It evaluates policies, procedures, training, controls and operational evidence to determine whether risks are being properly managed and provide supplier health and safety assurance.
What is the purpose of an Achilles supplier HSE audit?
The purpose of an Achilles supplier HSE audit is to provide buyers with independent, evidence-based assurance that suppliers meet required health and safety standards across global operations. The most important point of an Achilles HSE audit is that they enable “boots on the ground”. Using highly qualified audit professionals interrogating the management systems and most importantly the implementation of those systems enables us to provide really high levels of assurance for all our customers, both suppliers and buyers.
The goal is not paperwork, it’s supplier health and safety assurance and confidence. Achilles audits aim to provide clearer visibility of risk, stronger supplier performance, and safer supply chains.
Is an Achilles HSE audit the same as an ISO certification audit?
No. ISO certification audits are aligned and specific to ISO standards. Our supplier audits are more focussed on the specific industry and regional risks. Each audit programme Achilles delivers is specific to the buying organisations commissioning the programme. They are a mechanism for leading organisations to communicate their expectations and gain real evidence-based insights into the strengths and weaknesses of their suppliers.
Does Achilles replace a client’s internal HSEQ team?
No. Clients always retain ultimate responsibility for safety-critical, technical and industry-specific HSE compliance within their supply chain.
Achilles supports client teams by providing scalable, high-level assessment of supplier corporate HSE policies, procedures and implementation, helping communicate expectations and enabling organisations to extend assurance across global supplier networks.
What does Achilles typically audit?
Achilles audits focus on corporate HSE foundations, such as:
- Health and safety policies and procedures
- Training and competence management
- Safety communication processes
- Records, controls and evidence of implementation
- Management system maturity
The audit scope may also include site inspection where appropriate.
How does Achilles ensure audits reflect local requirements?
HSE legislation and standards vary across countries and industries.
That’s why Achilles works with a global network of locally appointed auditors who understand national legislative frameworks and relevant industry standards.
This ensures audits are locally informed while remaining globally consistent.
Who conducts Achilles supplier audits?
Audits are delivered by competent, qualified auditors, either Achilles employees or trusted third-party specialists. All auditors are qualified lead auditors and must demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of local HSE legislation and standards
- Appropriate HSE and audit qualifications
- Experience in supplier and operational environments
What evidence do auditors look for?
Audits go beyond policy statements and focus on real-world implementation. The value of a good audit delivered by a trained competent auditor is that you move beyond the quantitative evaluation (do they have?) into a more qualitative assessment (is it fit for purpose?)
Auditors may review evidence such as:
- Training records and refresher tracking
- Toolbox talks and safety briefings
- Site induction processes
- Completed safety e-learning
- Operational documentation and controls
The focus is always on whether systems are active, relevant and effective.
What does the client receive after the audit?
Clients receive a clear audit report that outlines:
- Areas of compliance and good practice
- Identified gaps or improvement needs
- Evidence reviewed during the audit
- Recommended follow-up actions where appropriate
This enables prioritisation, supplier engagement and ongoing improvement.
How is audit scope agreed?
Audit scope and delivery method are agreed with the client or community based on risk, supplier profile and programme goals.
This may include:
- Management system evaluation
- Management system evaluation plus site inspection
Achilles provides best practice guidance to ensure audits are proportionate and outcomes-driven.
How does Achilles maintain quality and consistency?
Achilles oversees the audit process end-to-end, aligning delivery with recognised international standards including:
- ISO 19011, Guidelines for auditing management systems
- ISO 17021, Conformity assessment for management system certification bodies
This ensures audits are robust, repeatable and credible across global supply chains.
Is audit the end of the supplier assurance journey?
No, audit is often the entry point.
The real value comes from what audit enables next:
- Better visibility of supplier risk
- Constructive supplier engagement
- Targeted corrective actions
- Stronger long-term supplier performance
Supply chain HSE audits provide more than a snapshot of compliance. They offer structured, evidence-based insight into how health and safety systems operate in practice, across diverse regions and risk environments. When delivered consistently and proportionately, audit creates clarity, strengthens supplier dialogue, and supports continuous improvement. For organisations seeking greater visibility and assurance across global supply chains, audit is not simply a checkpoint. It is a practical foundation for safer performance and more resilient supplier relationships over time.
