ISQM quality management standards became effective in the UK in December 2022. Aimed at driving improved audit quality, ISQM 1 requires the application of root cause analysis (RCA), a technique for identifying the underlying key causes behind review findings. Understanding the causes means that audit firms can then take action to prevent recurrence of negative outcomes and to promote recurrence of positive ones.

RCA isn’t just a compliance exercise, it is a tool that drives continuous improvement and, if embraced, can bring many positive outcomes.

This course introduces the key concepts of root cause analysis, empowering attendees to support RCA activity in their organisation. It will provide attendees with a mix of both practical and theoretical root cause analysis knowledge and will help them gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to contribute to successful root cause analyses.

On completion of the training, they will be equipped to help solve tough and recurring problems.

Learning outcomes:

• Improve problem-solving skills.
• Define problems accurately.
• Develop and encourage critical thinking techniques.
• Benefit from collaborative problem-solving.
• Build scalable cause & effect charts.

Who should attend?

This course will be of particular benefit to those working in Audit, Quality, Risk, Compliance, Regulation and Change Management.

CPD hours

ICAEW's revised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Regulations bring in new CPD requirements. This includes a minimum number of hours and an ethics requirement. Attending this course could contribute up to 7 hours of verifiable CPD, providing you can demonstrate that the content is relevant to your role.

A copy of the course booking confirmation email is accepted as evidence of verifiable CPD. You will need to save the email as a JPEG or PDF before uploading it to your record. Click here to use ICAEW’s self-assessment tool to help you work out how much CPD you will need to fulfil each year.