ISO 18788:2015 (SOMS) Lead Auditor Course

1. Introduction to ISO 18788:2015 and SOMS Scope, principles, and role of SOMS in security operations.

2. Security Operations Management System Requirements ISO 18788 clauses, mandatory documentation, and integration with ISO 9001/14001/45001.

3. Risk Assessment and Threat Analysis in Security Operations Identifying risks, evaluating threats, and applying risk‑based auditing.

4. Human Rights and Legal Compliance in Security Operations Ensuring compliance with international law, human rights, and contractual obligations.

5. Audit Principles and ISO 19011 Guidelines Audit types, principles, and auditor responsibilities.

6. Audit Planning and Preparation Developing audit programs, checklists, and resource allocation.

7. Conducting On‑Site Security Audits Opening meetings, evidence collection, interviews, and operational observations.

8. Audit Reporting and Documentation Writing audit reports, recording non‑conformities, and corrective actions.

9. Continual Improvement in SOMS Corrective/preventive actions, monitoring, and embedding improvement culture.

10. Certification Process and Lead Auditor Role Preparing organizations for ISO 18788 certification, managing audit teams, and leadership responsibilities.

• Builds competence in auditing ISO 18788:2015 Security Operations Management Systems

• Enhances compliance with ISO 18788 and ISO 19011 auditing standards

• Strengthens skills in risk assessment, human rights compliance, and operational auditing

• Provides tools for documentation, corrective actions, and continual improvement

• Offers recognized certification to support careers in security auditing, compliance, and consultancy

• Security operations managers and compliance officers

• Auditors and consultants specializing in security management systems

• Risk management and defense industry professionals

• Individuals progressing from ISO 18788:2015 Internal Auditor (SOIA‑515) or equivalent qualifications

• Assessment Type: Written exam + audit simulation + project

• Format: MCQs, essay‑style questions, applied audit scenarios, and project submission

• Total Questions: 100 theory + 1 audit simulation + 1 project submission

• Passing Score: 70%

• Duration: 6–7 days (45–50 hours total)

• Certification: ISO 18788:2015 (SOMS) Lead Auditor (SOLA)

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.