What is one of the first actionable items after establishing a compliance program?

After establishing a compliance program, performing a baseline audit serves as one of the foundational steps that enables an organization to assess its current state of compliance. This audit provides a comprehensive overview of existing practices, identifies risks, and determines the effectiveness of current compliance measures.

Conducting a baseline audit is essential because it allows the organization to gather data on areas of non-compliance, understand regulatory requirements, and align its operations with those expectations. This initial assessment helps to inform the direction of the compliance program and prioritize areas that need immediate attention or improvement.

Moreover, results from the baseline audit can guide the development of training programs, budget allocations, and the need for additional personnel, ensuring that resources are directed effectively towards enhancing the compliance environment. In essence, the baseline audit creates a benchmark that the organization can reference as it continues to develop and implement its compliance initiatives.