Audit Report Form

An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.

What an audit report form is

An audit report form is the structured write-up of an audit. It records the scope and criteria, what was examined and how, the findings (conformities, nonconformities and observations), an overall conclusion and recommendations. It is the document that communicates the audit result and triggers the response.

This is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template and not jurisdiction-specific — the report communicates findings; it does not make a workplace compliant.

Purpose

• Communicate the result of an audit clearly.
• Set out scope, method, findings and conclusion.
• Make recommendations for action.
• Provide the basis for the action plan and follow-up.

Who completes it

• The auditor who carried out the audit, appointed by the employer.
• Reviewed with the area owner and, where relevant, management.
• Issued within the organisation’s process.
• It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure findings are acted on.

When it is used

• After an audit is completed, to record and communicate the result.
• When handing findings to the area for action.
• As an input to the action plan and management review.
• When evidencing the audit to an external party.

Typical fields

• Audit reference, scope, criteria and date.
• Auditor, areas examined and method.
• Findings: conformities, nonconformities, observations.
• Overall conclusion and any rating.
• Recommendations and distribution.
• Example fields only — adapt them to the audit and your process.

Common mistakes

• Vague findings that the reader cannot act on.
• Conclusions not supported by the evidence recorded.
• No clear recommendations or owners for follow-up.
• Reports that sit unread instead of driving action.

Document workflow

An audit report form is completed after a safety, compliance or internal audit, drawing on the audit working papers and any nonconformity reports. It feeds directly into the audit action plan and the audit findings log, and its conclusions are reported at management review.

See the related documents below for what is commonly required before and completed after an audit report.

Retention (high level)

Audit reports are typically retained for as long as they are relevant and for a period afterwards, in line with the employer’s obligations and data-protection duties. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.

Completing and sharing as a PDF

Audit reports are commonly issued and shared as PDFs so the result can be distributed and stored as a record. Exporting to PDF supports documentation; it does not make the report official or guarantee compliance.

Employer checklist

• Make sure findings are specific and evidence-based.
• Ensure conclusions follow from the evidence.
• Give clear, actionable recommendations.
• Route the report into the action plan and review.

Worker notes

• Read the report findings that affect your area.
• Clarify anything that does not match your experience.
• Support the actions that follow from the report.

Country considerations

Audit reporting expectations vary by country, sector and any standard adopted, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.

Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.

Who is responsible

The employer is responsible for acting on audit reports and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; a report does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.