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

Performing a baseline audit is often one of the first actionable items in a compliance program because it serves as the foundation for understanding the current state of compliance within an organization. This initial audit involves assessing existing policies, procedures, and practices against regulatory requirements and industry standards. By establishing where the organization currently stands, stakeholders can identify gaps in compliance, risks that may need addressing, and areas requiring improvement.

The insights gained from the baseline audit inform other aspects of the compliance program, such as setting priorities for training, developing budgets, and creating communication plans. Without this critical first step, it would be challenging to implement effective compliance measures, as there would be no clear understanding of the organization’s compliance posture. Thus, the baseline audit is essential for guiding the development of a robust and effective compliance program.