What must be done before beginning the program review?

Before commencing a program review, it is essential that the audit plan and objectives are supported by documentation, agreed upon, and signed off. This formalization process ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on the scope and expectations of the audit. By documenting and securing approval for the plan and objectives, the auditing team establishes a clear framework for the review, ensuring that everyone involved has a mutual understanding of the goals and methodology. This agreement also serves to legitimize the audit process and facilitates smoother cooperation from participants.

Having documented support reduces the risk of misunderstandings during the review process and helps to establish accountability among team members. When the objectives are defined and agreed upon, the audit can proceed efficiently, focusing on the areas deemed necessary for evaluation. This preliminary step sets a strong foundation not only for the review itself but also for any findings or recommendations that may arise afterwards.