[Conducting an ISO/IEC 42001 Audit] Can the work assignments of audit team members be changed during the audit?

The audit team leader is responsible for managing the audit to ensure its objectives are met. During the audit, new information may emerge, or certain areas may require more or less attention than initially planned. To adapt to these circumstances and maintain the effectiveness of the audit, the audit team leader has the authority to reassign tasks among team members. This flexibility is crucial for achieving the audit objectives efficiently.

B: This is too rigid. Audits are dynamic processes that must adapt to findings and circumstances as they unfold to remain effective.

C: The auditee does not manage the audit team's internal work assignments. This responsibility lies solely with the audit team leader.

ISO 19011:2018, Guidelines for auditing management systems, Clause 6.4.1 General: "The audit team leader, in consultation with the audit team, should assign to each team member responsibility for auditing specific processes, activities, functions or locations... Work assignments may be changed as the audit progresses to ensure the achievement of the audit objectives."