Your Friendly Logistics Audit Unit
Image above: L-R: FLTLT Glen Somerville; Mr Bruce Thorby; W/O Sheryl Millar; F/S Rob Blackmore.
By FLTLT Glen Somerville
What is the Logistics Audit Unit (LAU) and just what does it do? It is likely that your unit has been visited by LAU recently, and if not, more likely in the future. LAU has undergone a name change recently and was previously known as the Logistics Evaluation Unit. I can already hear the discontent among some sceptics out there, but hopefully by the end of this article I will dispel any myths or stigmas associated with our core business of auditing.
LAU Structure
Leading the LAU unit is SQNLDR Graham Headey, an ex Royal Air Force Engineering Officer with over 34 years of military engineering experience. His team consists of one staff officer, four technical auditors and two supply auditors. This team brings a wealth of experience into LAU, which greatly enhances the capability of the unit.
Role of LAU
The responsibility for addressing the principles and factors affecting airworthiness is divided across the RNZAF. The role of LAU is to act as an independent organisation that guides and assesses RNZAF units and external agencies to ensure that the principles and factors that directly affect technical airworthiness are being addressed the intention of these audits is two fold. Firstly, they provide CLG (F) with the necessary confidence that current RNZAF Engineering and Supply processes conform to existing policy. Secondly, they provide a means of identifying and resolving problems that may exist in a cooperative and consultative manner. In order to achieve these objectives, regular audits are scheduled by LAU on a repetitive basis, for all Logistic functions within the RNZAF. LAU can also, at times, be tasked by CLG or DLP to carry out individual investigations into issues that may be of concern.
What is an Audit?
An audit is a ‘systematic and independent examination to determine whether all activities, processes, products and services, comply with planned arrangements and manuals, and whether these arrangements are implemented effectively’.
There are two parts to each audit:
- Ensuring adherence to mandatory publications.
- An independent survey of unit activities, procedures, processes and facilities.
The first part involves ensuring that regulations are being adhered to. A database of questions has been developed from the NZAP 6000 series of publications. These questions are developed from regulation and procedural instructions.
The scope of the second part of the audit is flexible. For example, a selected process can be followed through, so the auditor can get a ‘snapshot’ of how the unit normally operates. In its simplest form, an audit consists of nothing more than gathering information that is later used to demonstrate that compliance has (or has not) been achieved.
Auditing is not designed to be a finger pointing exercise. The LAU’s objective is to identify areas of concern, thereby allowing the unit concerned to take the appropriate remedial action. Ultimately this ensures that all Logistics units have the resources and support needed to operate safely and professionally while carrying out their core duties.
What can you do?
Technical airworthiness is everyone’s responsibility. Accountability for ensuring that proper standards of supervision and workmanship are sustained is essential in maintaining an effective and professional organisation. To ensure these standards are maintained, it is important that regular random checks are carried out by management. These checks can be used to maintain a correct balance between the requirement of work production and work quality, while ensuring the tradespersons are competent in carrying out the work they have been directed to do.
I hope you all have a better understanding of LAU and, more particularly, the audit process. Please, if anyone wishes to discuss in more depth the role of LAU feel free to contact FLTLT Glen Somerville, LAU Staff Officer.
Congratulations:
The LAU team wishes to congratulate F/S Rob Blackmore who has been awarded the CAF commendation for his outstanding commitment and work in the field of auditing.