Côte d’Ivoire – SODIPEX SA strengthens its internal audit capacity: an example of COLEAD post-training support

 ‘Thanks to your contribution, the coaching took place under optimal conditions, promoting learning and exchange between participants,‘ says the SODIPEX team.

As part of the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, COLEAD continues to provide post-training support to ensure that the acquired skills are firmly established. In Côte d’Ivoire, SODIPEX SA received bespoke support following a group session on the principles of internal auditing. This is just one example of the operational support provided to horticultural enterprises.

Coaching in real-life situations

The support aimed to guide SODIPEX’s internal auditors in conducting an audit in accordance with the GLOBALG.A.P. standard, strengthening their autonomy and preparing them for the next certification campaign. This coaching enabled us to:

• review the audit plan and the auditors’ preparation;
• assist with interviews with process managers;
• formulate findings and concrete recommendations for continuous improvement.

The team was committed to skills development.

The group of internal auditors, which included a Rainforest Alliance administrator and a social standards manager (GRASP, BSCI), demonstrated a high level of dedication. The coaching laid a solid foundation for the development of an operational internal audit system.

Towards a robust audit system:

Recommendations were therefore made to support the gradual structuring of the system.

• organise internal audits under observation (without evaluation);
• schedule an evaluation during the next recertification audit;
• extend audit skills to other standards.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.