ISO Audit and Gap Analysis
Achieve ISO Certification and Continuous Improvement
ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 audits and gap analysis for UK businesses to help businesses identify areas for improvement and prepare for certification or re-certification to international standards.
ISO Standards Specialists
Our consultants support organisations seeking to align with or maintain the following ISO standards
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
Our consultants review your current systems, processes, and documentation to identify any gaps in compliance. We then provide clear, actionable recommendations to help you meet certification standards and maintain continual improvement.
Whether you’re preparing for your first certification or enhancing your existing management systems, our audits help ensure efficiency, compliance, and continual improvement.
Our Audit Approach:
Comprehensive on-site review
Objective, independent analysis
Practical, achievable improvement plans
Support before, during, and after certification
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001?
ISO 9001 – Focuses on Quality Management Systems (QMS). It ensures consistent product/service quality and continuous improvement.
ISO 14001 – Focuses on Environmental Management Systems (EMS), helping organisations reduce their environmental impact and comply with sustainability regulations.
ISO 45001 – Focuses on Occupational Health & Safety (OHSMS), ensuring safe working environments and reducing workplace risks.
What is an ISO audit?
An ISO audit is an independent evaluation of your management system to ensure it meets the requirements of the relevant ISO standard.
It helps identify strengths, nonconformities, and opportunities for improvement before external certification or surveillance audits.
What is a gap analysis?
A gap analysis compares your current management system against ISO standard requirements. It highlights what is already compliant and what needs improvement to meet certification standards. Our gap analysis reports include a detailed action plan to guide you toward full compliance.
Why should my business implement ISO standards?
Implementing ISO standards helps you:
- Improve efficiency and consistency
- Demonstrate commitment to quality, environment, and safety
- Win tenders and contracts that require certification
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Build customer trust and brand reputation
Who needs ISO certification?
Any business — regardless of size or sector — can benefit from ISO standards.
They’re especially valuable for companies seeking to improve operational control, meet client or tender requirements, or demonstrate compliance with industry best practices.
How often should ISO audits be conducted?
Internal audits – At least once per year, or more frequently depending on system complexity and risk.
External certification audits – Conducted annually (surveillance) and every three years (re-certification).
Regular internal auditing ensures continuous improvement and readiness.
What does an ISO audit or gap analysis involve?
Our audits typically include:
- Review of documentation and policies
- Interviews with staff and management
- Site inspections and process observation
- Evaluation of records and evidence
- Identification of nonconformities and opportunities for improvement
- Delivery of a detailed audit or gap analysis report
How long does an ISO audit take?
Audit duration depends on your business size, number of sites, and system complexity.
For example:
- Small single-site audits may take 1–2 days
- Larger, multi-site operations may take 3–5 days
We’ll confirm the timescale after an initial consultation.
What documentation do I need for an ISO audit?
Typical documentation includes:
- Quality / Environmental / Health & Safety policies
- Procedures and work instructions
- Internal audit and management review records
- Risk assessments and objectives
- Training and competence records
- Incident or nonconformance reports
Our consultants can review your documentation before the audit to ensure readiness.
What are the benefits of a gap analysis before certification?
A gap analysis helps you:
- Identify missing or weak processes early
- Save time and cost during certification
- Avoid nonconformities and re-audits
- Prioritise key improvements with a clear roadmap
- Gain confidence before applying for certification
What is a ‘Gap Analysis’?
A Gap Analysis is a preparatory audit where an expert reviews your current business systems, processes, and documentation against the requirements of the chosen ISO standard (e.g., ISO 9001). It identifies where you are currently compliant and what ‘gaps’ you need to fill before a formal certification audit.
What happens after the audit or gap analysis?
You’ll receive a comprehensive audit report summarising:
- Findings and evidence
- Nonconformities (if any)
- Corrective action recommendations
- Opportunities for improvement
- We can also support you with implementation and follow-up audits to close any identified gaps
Is ISO Certification a legal requirement in the UK?
No, ISO standards (like 9001, 14001, 45001) are voluntary. However, many large clients, government contracts, and tender processes will mandate that suppliers hold specific ISO certifications (especially ISO 9001) as a condition of working with them.
What is the difference between an Internal Audit and a Certification Audit?
An Internal Audit (which we provide) is done by someone impartial to the process being audited (often a consultant) to ensure the system is working effectively before the external auditor arrives. A Certification Audit is the formal, independent audit carried out by a UKAS-accredited certification body that results in the issuance of the certificate.
Does implementing ISO 45001 replace the need for normal H&S risk assessments?
No. ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety) provides a management framework for controlling H&S risks, but you still need to conduct and record specific, practical risk assessments (like fire, manual handling, DSE, etc.) as required by UK law.
How can Grey Knight Solutions help my organisation?
We offer a full range of ISO compliance services:
- Internal and supplier audits
- Gap analysis and compliance assessments
- Implementation support and training
- Pre-certification readiness audits
- Continuous improvement and management review support
Our goal is to make the audit process clear, collaborative, and cost-effective.
Contact us
Book your audit consultation today and take the next step towards compliance and efficiency.