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With ISQM 1 now firmly embedded in practice, the focus has shifted from initial implementation to making the system of quality management work effectively year on year. For many firms, the annual monitoring and evaluation process is where good intentions meet practical reality, and it is not always a comfortable encounter. Gaps in monitoring procedures, recurring deficiencies, and the pressure to demonstrate genuine remediation are challenges that quality control leads are navigating right now. This session is designed to cut through the complexity and offer a clear, practical framework for completing your annual ISQM 1 health check with confidence. Attending will help you strengthen your firm's quality management system, satisfy regulatory expectations, and build a culture of continuous improvement that adds real value to your practice and your clients.

In this session Lungi Sepotokele will cover the following topics: 

• The requirements and purpose of the annual monitoring and evaluation process under ISQM 1
• Designing and executing effective monitoring activities that are proportionate to your firm's size and risk profile
• How to identify and respond to deficiencies
• Performing root cause analysis 
• Documenting your conclusions 

By attending this session, you will be able to: 

• Plan and carry out a structured annual monitoring and evaluation process that meets the requirements of ISQM 1
• Identify deficiencies in your system of quality management and apply a consistent framework for assessing their severity
• Conduct root cause analysis that uncovers the underlying reasons for deficiencies, rather than simply addressing the symptoms
• Design remediation actions that are targeted, trackable, and demonstrably effective
• Produce clear and complete documentation that supports your firm's annual evaluation conclusions

This session will be of most interest to those with direct responsibility for quality management within their firm, including ISQM 1 leads, quality control partners, compliance officers, and those who manage or contribute to the annual monitoring process. It will also be relevant to audit partners and managers who play a role in implementing remediation actions or who are subject to monitoring activities within their firm.

Course level: Need to Know - This is essential knowledge for any individual responsible for ISQM 1 compliance within their firm. Regardless of firm size or prior experience with the standard, the annual monitoring and evaluation requirements apply to all firms conducting audits and understanding how to meet them effectively is not optional.