After 40 years’ of working in chemical processing, working over 50 hours per week, and being made redundant, Neil Cowan was looking for a second career. He wanted to work reduced and flexible hours, travel, and experience new cultures. A role with the Performance Review Institute (PRI) as a Nadcap Auditor provided the answer.

Neil lives in the UK and joined PRI as an Auditor in 2006, progressing to become a Lead Nadcap Auditor, working approximately 100 days a year. “PRI pay me to travel the world and watch people work,” he says.

Qualified for the task

Neil has a BA in Chemical Engineering and started his career in analytical chemistry before moving into chemical processing. Over four decades, his experience has covered all aspects of the audit requirements relating to the Nadcap Chemical Processing Task Group.

He is also an instructor for PRI Training^SM which offers a range of quality-related technical courses including Nadcap audit preparation and critical processes. Neil teaches general audit related topics and chemical processing to help businesses improve their internal processes. Neils says, “It’s a good way to earn a living and see the world.”

Typical audit day

On a typical audit day Neil wakes up, “in a hotel somewhere in the world.” He can choose his own accommodation, so he usually asks the auditee to recommend somewhere or checks on a travel comparison website. Neil takes a taxi or drives to the auditee’s site to meet the team, then watches jobs being processed, reads procedures and specifications, and checks records.

Neil looks for compliance with the audit criteria and aerospace customer requirements, and writes up non-conformances where these are not met. In the evenings he works in the hotel for an hour or so, preparing for the next day, then looks for somewhere to eat. Subsequent days follow a similar pattern. He adds, “I input a report for PRI staff and the Task Group to follow up with the company so they can make the necessary improvements.”

Neil’s advice for auditees

“Initially, it can be quite a steep learning curve for the auditee but it’s important that they spend time preparing for the audit and try to get as much benefit as they can from the process,” says Neil. “The Nadcap program requires procedures to be in place and records to be kept that increase ‘right first time, every time’ for the auditee. My advice is to read the whole Nadcap document carefully and take steps to find the answers and evidence in your system. Never assume they are there.”

What do potential auditors need to know?

“Being an auditor gives you freedom to travel and set your own schedule,” says Neil. “It suits a certain type of person who doesn’t mind being away from home for periods and is comfortable with solo-working. It’s good to know there is always help available from PRI and from other auditors if you need it.” He adds, “Auditees often ask about becoming auditors themselves and I tell them it’s rewarding. I feel I’m good at what I do and the people I deal with at PRI appreciate my skills.”