Referencing ISO Clauses in QMS documentation ?

Do you know why? It's because CBs can define their own competency requirements and that may not include being on a Lead Auditor course! That way they save money. Plus, you're not going to get a job with a CB until you've been on a Lead Auditor course - at someone else's expense. You just have to follow the money. CBs don't invest in auditors - particularly contractors - unless they have to. Contractors, similarly, don't want to invest their time (often when they also consult) in spending time traveling to a CB audit staff event if they aren't compensated - which the CB won't do.

Trust me, I've been around CB management for long enough to know the truth.

 

Point taken. I say "seems" because I cannot speak for the practices of others with whom I am not directly associated.

 

That is the common refrain, but the formula in DQS incorporates a minimum for full timers plus a bonus for days beyond that. I do earn more than the full time auditors do, but am not clear how it would work out based on that formula.

 

You have not been inside enough CBs to know all the truth. My CB paid full costs for both my TS 16949 (in 2013) and RC 14001 (in 2013) courses and continues to sponsor upkeep costs for Responsible Care required industry-related certification.

I, as well as my peers are contractors. We are all required to attend the CB's annual training or equivalent as per accreditation rules. They pay a stipend for travel and they pay for our hotel costs.

 

That's nice. One famous CB has a Christmas "gathering" (read into that what you may) for its auditors (I'm guessing some may not attend due to their cultural/religious beliefs or location)...