Welcome to the educationAL Course Catalogue

In this episode of the ASI podcast series, host Rhiannon Prescott, ASI educationAL Manager, is joined by Cameron Jones, Director of Assurance and Risk at the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), to explore one of the most critical — and often underestimated — parts of the audit process: preparation. Drawing on both oversight insights and first-hand auditing experience, Cam explains why doing your homework before an audit is almost as important as the audit itself. The discussion highlights the value of thoroughly reviewing the entity self-assessment, paying close attention to disclosure requirements, and engaging with the site early to clarify questions before arriving on site. Rhiannon and Cam also discuss how auditors can use freely available external resources — covering governance, water, biodiversity, human rights, and modern slavery risks — to better understand site-specific contexts in advance. The episode concludes with a memorable real-world example showing how simple tools like satellite imagery can uncover major issues before an on-site visit even begins. A practical, experience-based discussion for auditors and ASI members alike, this episode offers clear takeaways on how better preparation leads to stronger, more efficient audits. Subscribe for the next episode, where the focus shifts to best practices once auditors arrive on site.

In Episode 2 of the ASI podcast, Rhiannon Prescott, ASI educationAL Manager, continues the conversation with Cameron Jones, ASI Director of Assurance and Risk picking up where the first episode left off — moving from preparation to what happens once auditors arrive on site. With the pre-audit homework done, this episode focuses on the early moments of an on-site audit and how auditors can use their “sixth sense” to read a site beyond formal meetings and checklists. Cam shares practical insights on why the audit effectively begins at the gatehouse, how security processes, inductions, and PPE access can reveal early signals about communication and systems, and why auditors should pay attention not just to the site itself, but also to what’s happening over the fence. The discussion also explores the value of site walkovers, informal “spot chats” with employees and contractors, and the importance of triangulating what’s observed on the shop floor with what’s said in formal interviews. Cam highlights how intuition, housekeeping, notice boards, and the overall feel of a facility can all contribute to a deeper, more nuanced audit — one that goes well beyond box-ticking. A practical follow-on to Episode 1, this conversation offers experienced-based guidance for auditors and useful insights for ASI members on what strong, credible audits look like once they move on site. Subscribe for future episodes in the series, where new topics will continue to unpack good audit practice across the aluminium value chain.