Planet WGSW-24010 User Manual page 102

7.3.3 Level 2 Audit Pr otocol: moder ate specification, best pr actice
The aim of this protocol is to improve the quality of the results by improving the quality of the
surveyor; with a 'safety net' to rectify gross mistakes. This provides a lower specification of
quality assurance than the Level 1 protocol, incorporating: an indication of consistency; quality
targets; and measures to both minimise identified errors being repeated in future surveys and to
correct gross errors in previous surveys. It is most suitable in circumstances where maximum
quality of results are preferred but resources and time do not allow Level 1 protocol; and/or where
the purpose of the survey does not demand Level 1 protocol. All efforts should be made to
comply with this level of QA protocol.
The procedure to follow is given in Box 9. The option to inform the primary surveyor prior to
the audit survey means that if necessary the surveys can take place on the same day ('double-
surveys'), which eliminates errors arising out of changes occurring in the time lapse between
surveys. If survey length relocation is to be included as an element to be audited, then the
primary surveyor and auditor must not confer about demarcation of the survey length limits; if
not included, then conferring is allowed, thus eliminating a further source of error. Under no
circumstances, however, is conferring or discussion allowed on any other element of the survey.
7.3.4 The auditor
The site must be relocated accurately. It is, therefore, essential that the auditor has a copy of the
sketch map pointing out distinguishing features.
The auditor must be able to go out at short notice. Surveying is weather dependant, so although
basic timing of the surveys is planned the actual timing may differ.
The auditor must be experienced both in identification skills and the method. The auditor must
have attended an approved training course in the standard methodology.
More than one person will probably be needed to audit a site, depending on its physical nature.
Audit surveys may be undertaken by either an internal or an external auditor
Inter nal quality sur veyor
This is an experienced member(s) of staff from within the same organisation. The advantage of
internal quality surveyors is that they will have been trained to use the method in the same way
as the primary surveyors and so this should lead to more consistency in the resulting audit; thus
reducing the possibility that any differences recorded are due to different interpretations of the
method. The disadvantages arise from conflicts of interest between the audits and other biology
work. It is preferable if some of the audits are done by surveyors from other teams, to improve
national consistency.
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