What should be included in a nonconformity report?

A nonconformity report is a critical document used during the auditing process to formally document instances where the auditee does not comply with the established standards, policies, or regulations. The correct answer focuses on the importance of audit criteria within a nonconformity report.

Including audit criteria in a nonconformity report is essential because it provides the benchmark against which the auditee's performance is assessed. This element clarifies the specific standards or policies that were violated, ensuring that the issues identified are tied directly to measurable requirements. By doing so, the report strengthens the foundation for understanding the nonconformities and aids in assessing the extent of each deviation.

Corrective actions, while important, are part of the follow-up process after a nonconformity has been identified and recorded. Future audit references and auditor backgrounds, although they may provide context, do not directly pertain to the current nonconformity and are not essential components of the report itself. Thus, the inclusion of audit criteria is what makes a nonconformity report effective and actionable.