Environmental Auditing and Reporting Diploma NCFE Level 4
 
A Distance Learning Course of 6 Lessons
 
Course Description 
The first session introduces you to the different types of environmental audit, what they aim to achieve, and how they differ from similar activities such as reviews and inspections. It goes on to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of auditing in more detail.

Session Two explores the preparation work that must be carried out by you as a manager responsible for initiating audits (that is, the client). Client responsibilities and activities are listed in paragraph 4.2.4 of ISO 14011. The session begins by discussing the selection of auditors, including making a decision on whether to use members of staff or external auditors. It then considers the importance of reaching agreement with the auditor about the objectives and scope of the audit.

Session Three discusses the activities that the lead auditor must undertake in preparation for the audit. They include the collection of relevant documents, the compilation of checklists of questions, and the drawing up of an audit specification. Depending on the size of your organisation, you may be required to take on the role of lead auditor. Even if this is not the case, as an environmental manager you will need to know what is involved in planning an audit so that you can give the necessary support and assistance to the lead auditor.

Session Four offers guidance on carrying out the audit, including the opening meeting and the methods you, in the role of auditor, should employ when interviewing, making observations and note-taking.

Session Five explores methods available to evaluate the audit findings and present them to the management of the organisation. It discusses both oral reporting, as in the closing meeting, and written reporting, as in the audit report.

Organisations are finding that communicating with their stakeholders about environmental performance is becoming increasingly important as more people and organisations become interested in the environment. This sixth session looks at the different types of environmental reports available, the reasoning behind publishing them, what they should contain and how they should be compiled to suit different audiences.
 
Course Syllabus
Introduction to Environmental Auditing
1.1 What is environmental auditing?
1.2 Types of audit
1.3 Environmental management system audits

Pre-audit Activities for the Manager
2.1 Selecting the audit team
2.2 Planning the audit

Pre-audit Activities for the Auditor
3.1 Drawing up the audit specification
3.2 Obtaining information before the audit
3.3 Checklists

Conducting the Audit
4.1 The opening meeting
4.2 Evaluation of the EMS
4.3 Interviewing
4.4 Site tour and observations

Evaluating the Audit Results
5.1 Evaluation of the audit results
5.2 The closing meeting
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 The audit report

Environmental Reporting
6.1 Purpose of producing an environmental report
6.2 Writing the report
6.3 Independent validation
 
Qualifications
Qualification 1: Environmental Auditing and Reporting Diploma
Environmental Auditing and Reporting Diploma issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, entitling you to use the letters SAC Dip after your name.

Qualification 2: Level 4 Environmental Auditing and Reporting Award
This Course leads to a NCFE Level 4 Award Certificate for successful learners. This means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (in which case GCSE's are at levels 1 and 2 and A Levels are at level 3). In accrediting the programme at level 4, NCFE attests that its learning outcomes are at an equivalent level to a level 4 national qualification.

This award has been designed by Stonebridge Associated Colleges to meet specific learners' or employers' requirements. Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that this learning programme has been scrutinised and approved by an independent panel of experienced educational professionals and is quality audited biannually by NCFE.
 
Tutor Support 
With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.
You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!
 
Requirements for Entry 
There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.
 
Study Hours
This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.
The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 120 hrs.

Additional Information

Available in paper or online versions. Please select at bottom of the page.

Assessment Method
After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

What's Included
All study materials
Study Guide
Full Tutor and Admin support