So you just received a notice that your business continuity program is going to be audited and now your stomach is in knots. It doesn’t have to be this way. In today’s blog, I share 12 tips and strategies that can help you navigate an audit successfully and maybe even turn it into an opportunity for growth.
When the Audit Notice Arrives
Ben Franklin said nothing is certain but death and taxes. He could have added, “And BC program audits,” if he had been addressing an audience of business continuity practitioners.
Chances are, at some point, someone is going to announce their intention to audit your continuity program. It could be a government agency that regulates your industry, an important customer, or an internal department. Whoever they are, they have decided they need to know the current capabilities of your BC program. They want to know how resilient your organization is.
Some BC offices take the news of an upcoming audit in stride. They’re confident in themselves and their program and know exactly how to lay their hands on the necessary documentation.
Others experience an anxiety akin to what most people feel when going in for a root canal. They might have good cause for concern. Perhaps they are aware of serious gaps in their readiness, suspect they have gaps, don’t know where to find the needed documentation, or have other issues with their program. Often they fear the results of the audit might be unflattering, with negative repercussions for the company and themselves.
In my experience, more BC offices fall in the second category than the first one.
What I’ve Learned From Both Sides of the Audit Table
I’ve experienced the audit process from both sides.
As the CEO of MHA Consulting, I’ve spent much of the past 25 years doing assessments of companies’ business continuity programs.
At the same time, my company BCMMetrics has been audited many times by organizations that use our BC management platform and want to make sure they can rely on us to help them protect their business.
This experience has taught me a lot about BC audits. Read on for my advice on how to get through the audit process with a minimum of stress.
The BC Audit Survival Guide: 12 Tips to Help You Prepare
Here are my top 12 tips and strategies to help BC teams navigate internal and external audits.
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Don’t Panic
Getting an audit notice can be unsettling but stay calm. An audit is not a disaster—it’s a chance to demonstrate your capabilities and strengthen your program. A clear head is your best asset.
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Read What They’re Asking For
Before you do anything, read the audit request carefully—every word. Make sure you understand what’s being asked. If you’re unclear about something, ask for clarification. Showing up with the wrong documentation wastes everyone’s time and undermines your credibility.
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Organize Your Team
You don’t have to go it alone. Identify who in your organization needs to be involved, brief them on the request, and assign responsibilities. A coordinated team response is far more effective than one person scrambling solo.
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Only Give Them What They Ask For
Don’t overshare. Respond precisely to the auditor’s request—no more, no less. Supplying too much information can invite unnecessary scrutiny and raise questions you didn’t need to answer in the first place.
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Don’t Try to BS Them
Auditors can spot filler from a mile away. Resist the urge to copy policies from the internet or exaggerate your program’s maturity. Be honest, accurate, and transparent—integrity builds trust and credibility.
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Don’t Try to Build a Program at the Last Minute
If your BC program has gaps, you won’t be able to fill them overnight. Usually you’ll have 30 to 60 days. Use the time before the audit to prepare what exists—not to invent new content under pressure. Focus on readiness, not rushed creation.
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Organize Your Material
Make your documentation easy to follow. Group related materials, label them clearly, and present them logically. A tidy, well-structured package makes a good impression and helps auditors focus on substance rather than chasing down files.
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Be Positive and Proactive
Auditors respond better to people who are informed, cooperative, and realistic. Own your program—strengths and weaknesses alike—and show that you’re taking active steps to improve. A constructive attitude can go a long way.
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Assess the Assessors
Not all auditors are BC experts. Some may misunderstand your program or offer misguided feedback. Stay professional, assess their level of knowledge, and be prepared to clarify, educate, or diplomatically challenge poor recommendations.
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Line Up an Ally in Senior Management
A supportive executive can be a powerful advocate—especially if you run into an overreaching or misinformed auditor. Having someone higher up in your corner gives you leverage when it’s needed.
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Be Prepared to Negotiate
Audit findings are not always black and white. If you disagree on recovery time objectives or other expectations, try to find reasonable middle ground. Negotiation is part of the process—don’t assume everything is set in stone.
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Consider Working with a Consultant or Using an Assessment Tool
Third-party experts and tools can help you prepare and show auditors you take compliance seriously. Whether through a consulting assessment or a platform like BCMMetrics’ Compliance Confidence (C2), these resources add credibility and support informed discussions.
By following these tips, you can approach your next audit with confidence and control—and put your team in a strong position to navigate the process successfully.
How Audits Help You Raise Your Game
So far we’ve been talking about audits as a difficulty to be endured. But there’s a lot to be said for looking at them as an invigorating challenge and positive opportunity.
Here again I speak from experience.
Early in my career, I hated being audited. My focus was on other things, and I wasn’t a hundred percent confident in in how we would do across all the areas that were likely to be covered.
Over the years, however, we as a company raised our resilience game, identifying and closing our gaps and improving our documentation. It was a lot of work but the results have been well worth it in peace of mind, company confidence, and audit performance.
These days we take audit requests in stride and are proud to share the details of our program with potential consulting clients or software customers.
We turned a stressful obligation into a powerful driver of improvement. By approaching the audit process with focus and determination, you can do the same.
Own the Process, Control the Outcome
Whether the audit comes from a regulator, customer, or internal department, it’s a moment that demands attention—and one you can handle with the right mindset and preparation. By following the guidance above, you’ll be well positioned to represent your program effectively and avoid common pitfalls.
In the end, audits are part of the landscape for BC professionals. The more confident and structured your approach, the better the outcome—for your team, your program, and your organization as a whole.
Further Reading
- Tools of the Trade: Finding the Right Software to Manage Your BCM Program
- Ensuring Compliance Using Compliance Confidence
- Making the Grade: Navigating Compliance Challenges in Business Continuity Management
- BCM Audits Gone Rogue: What Can Go Wrong, How to Put Things Right
- The 6 Toughest Challenges in BC (and How Software Can Help Tame Them)
