ISO 14001:2015 Internal Auditor (EMS) – CQI and IRCA Certified

Build audit expertise to drive impactful environmental performance

Organisations across all sectors face increasing responsibility to proactively manage their environmental impact. Internal audits play a pivotal role in identifying non-conformities and driving continuous improvement. The implementation of an EMS is increasingly viewed as a requirement for maintaining supplier status and satisfying stakeholder expectations. With growing scrutiny from customers, regulators and investors, organisations that demonstrate robust environmental governance gain competitive advantage, improve transparency and reduce operational risks.  This certified course equips learners with the practical knowledge and hands-on skills to conduct effective internal audits of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in alignment with ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 19011.  Delivered in association with CQI and IRCA Approved Training Partner Antaris, the course is aligned with international best practices and provides a pathway to globally recognised auditing credentials.  It blends theoretical concepts with real-world application, enabling learners to confidently plan, execute, report and follow up on EMS audits. Whether transitioning to ISO 14001 or enhancing audit performance, this course lays a strong foundation in environmental auditing. 

Delivery Mode

  • Public
    Programmes

    Dates
    14 - 15 Apr 2026
    09 - 10 Jun 2026
    15 - 16 Sep 2026
    08 - 09 Dec 2026
  • Virtual
    Training
    Programmes

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  • Customised
    In-Company
    Programmes

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SnapshotSnapshot

Course Code
EE014

What's covered?

This two-day course uses a mix of interactive learning, practical exercises and group work to build audit capability. 

Topics include:

Day One: 

  • EMS auditing principles and ISO 19011 
  • Structure and requirements of ISO 14001:2015 
  • Responsibilities and skills of internal auditors 
  • Process-based auditing and PDCA methodology 
  • Conducting document reviews and preparing audit plans 
  • Practical audit activities and exercises 

Day Two: 

  • Interviewing techniques and gathering evidence 
  • Preparing and conducting audits of top management 
  • Evaluating audit findings, writing nonconformities and generating an audit report 
  • Opening and closing meetings 
  • Post-audit follow-up and reporting 
  • End-of-course quiz and final case study 
  • Learners participate in practical exercises and case studies throughout, with In-Company delivery offering tailored scenarios and on-site audits. 

Who should participate?

This programme is designed for anyone involved in the auditing, management, or implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) that conforms to ISO 14001:2015. It is equally valuable for those who are new to auditing and for experienced auditors who wish to strengthen their skills.  

It will benefit individuals who:  

  • Conduct, plan, or support internal audits of an EMS  
  • Manage, maintain, or implement ISO 14001:2015 quality systems  
  • Need to identify and address gaps in system effectiveness to support compliance  
  • Carry out supplier or external audits on behalf of their organisation  

Typical participants include Environmental Auditors and Managers, Engineers, Technicians, Department Managers, Supervisors and Laboratory staff.  

English Language Competency
A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme.

What will I learn?

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Plan, conduct, report and follow up internal EMS audits in accordance with ISO 19011 
  • Evaluate environmental performance and identify nonconformities 
  • Apply the process-based approach and PDCA cycle to auditing 
  • Describe the auditor’s responsibilities within an EMS 
  • Use effective techniques for interviewing and gathering objective audit evidence 
  • Write clear, actionable nonconformity reports 

This training focuses on practical audit performance to support measurable environmental improvement. 

Who are the tutors?

Elizabeth Walker

Elizabeth has extensive industry experience planning, establishing, implementing and maintaining management systems. These systems include Quality, Food Safety, Energy, Environmental and Health and Safety. Elizabeth holds a BSc Degree in Industrial Biology, Diploma in Food Technology and is a competent Integrated Management System Auditor.

Elizabeth has considerable experience in the implementation of & transition to ISO 9001:2015. Auditing experience includes carrying out internal audits and supporting third party audits (Customer/Regulatory & Certification) of clients Quality Management System. Elizabeth also delivers training programmes in ISO 9001:2015 implementation and internal auditing and lead auditor training programmes.


Finbarr Stapleton

Finbarr Stapleton, Antaris, has a B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry and a Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and is a member of IOSH. He has over thirty years experience, initially as Laboratory Manager in an Analytical Laboratory, a number of years experience as an EHS Manager in the Food Industry and subsequently in technical consultancy.

He has successfully implemented OHSAS 18001/45001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 in a large number of industries. He has extensive experience of quality management and environmental and health and safety management systems, energy management, waste management as well as environmental and health and safety legislation. He is a qualified Auditor of ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 management systems. Finbarr has also extensive experience of energy management systems such as ISO 50001. He has carried out a number of projects on behalf of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
He regularly carries out audits and risk assessments for client companies. He has also qualified as a dangerous goods safety adviser.

Finbarr has assisted a number of companies in making successful applications to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for an IPPC (Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control) licence and has also carried out Environmental Impact Assessments for a number of companies.

Finbarr also holds an NUI Certificate in Training and Continuing Education. He is the lead tutor for the Nebosh International Certificate and Diploma courses.


Gerry Higgins

With extensive experience of implementing quality, environmental, health and safety, asset, energy and information security management systems and advising companies on how to integrate them, Gerry adopts a very practical approach to designing, implementing and maintaining management systems and brings this expertise to any training course, which he delivers.

Gerry has carried out first-, second- and third-party audits in a number of jurisdictions and across a range of organisations involved in manufacturing and service industries in both the public and private sector. He has also assisted many companies to demonstrate compliance with their statutory and regulatory requirements.

He has consulted with companies on developing appropriate sustainability, decarbonisation and energy transition strategies and on enhancing their circular value chains.

He has a degree in engineering and an MBA from the University of Limerick and is a chartered engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland. He is also a Fellow and chartered environmentalist through IEMA and holds a Certificate in Circular Economy & Sustainable Strategies from the University of Cambridge

Gerry founded Antaris in 1994 and now works as a consultant to the company. Antaris is at the forefront of climate action in Ireland and is a signatory to the science-based target initiative (SBTi), which commits us to reducing our absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year, and to measure and reduce our scope 3 emissions. Antaris is also a member of 1% for the Planet, committing us to donating 1% of our annual gross revenue (sales, not profit) to grassroots environmental organisations dedicated to protecting our planet.


Peter Fleming

Peter Fleming is an accomplished EHSQ professional with credible technical insight coupled with best-in-class interpersonal and communication skills. In the last 14 years, he has specialized in the areas of HAZOP, risk assessment, process safety, fire safety and industrial loss prevention. Peter Has worked with over 300 organizations in Europe, China, Middle East, America, Central America primarily focusing on HAZOP studies and Risk Assessment.

Currently, he has been coordinating a number of HAZOP and SIL studies in Jubail and Saudi Arabia. He has also worked as a safety expert responsible for assessing the safety of Ma’aden operations and processes and preparing a safety risk register for Ma’aden Phosphate Company. His work encompassed beneficiation, ammonia, 3 sulfuric acid, 3 phosphoric acid and 4 diammonium phosphate plants. He has also completed a number of HAZOP studies in Saudi Arabia and Qatar for a number of clients.


What are the entry requirements?

Entry Requirements 

Learners should have prior knowledge of: 

  • Management systems (Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, objectives and processes for implementation, monitoring and continual improvement, emphasising the relationship between leadership, planning, operations and review) 
  • Environmental management concepts (including the interrelationship between improved environmental performance, fulfilling compliance obligations and achieving environmental objectives) 
  • ISO 14001 structure and terminology 

This prior knowledge may be acquired by attending an ISO 14001:2015 Overview (EMS) course or equivalent. 

How will I be assessed?

Learners are assessed continuously throughout the course via interactive exercises and engagement in Q&A sessions: 

  • Role-playing audit scenarios 
  • Involvement in case study exercises 
  • Active participation in course discussions 
  • Tutor-led evaluation of individual contributions 

Full attendance and participation are required for successful completion. 

How do we train and support you?

Our training approach is practical, highly interactive and discussion-based, with flexibility to meet organisational needs: 

  • Pre-training consultation to align with your EMS system (for In-Company courses) 
  • Where appropriate, exercises incorporate the organisation’s own EMS documentation, offering learners the opportunity to practise audit techniques in a relevant and realistic setting. This hands-on approach culminates in a tutor-supervised internal audit, reinforcing practical application and embedding core learning outcomes. 
  • Flexible delivery options to suit different needs: 
  • onsite and live virtual training for your team 
  • scheduled virtual public courses for individuals to join independently 
  • Real-time support from expert tutors 

Class sizes are generally limited to 10 - 12 to support personalised learning and individual support. 

Programme accreditation

This course has been certified by CQI IRCA, course certificate number 1744. The International Register of Certificated Auditors (CQI IRCA) is the world's original and largest international certification body for auditors of management systems.

Further information regarding accreditation is available here.

Peter Fleming

Duration: 2 days **
Hide
  • 14 - 15 Apr 2026
    Location: Virtual Book Date
  • 09 - 10 Jun 2026
    Location: Virtual Book Date
  • 15 - 16 Sep 2026
    Location: Virtual Book Date
  • 08 - 09 Dec 2026
    Location: Virtual Book Date

ISO 14001:2015 Internal Auditor (EMS) – CQI and IRCA Certified

Duration: 2 days
Virtual Training: €525
+ €35 (certification fees)
Hide
  • 14 - 15 Apr 2026
    Delivery: Virtual Training
    Location: Virtual
    Book Date
  • 09 - 10 Jun 2026
    Delivery: Virtual Training
    Location: Virtual
    Book Date
  • 15 - 16 Sep 2026
    Delivery: Virtual Training
    Location: Virtual
    Book Date
  • 08 - 09 Dec 2026
    Delivery: Virtual Training
    Location: Virtual
    Book Date

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