According to the PECB Candidate Handbook for ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor, the auditee should take the following actions in response to a nonconformity against clause 6.1.3.e of ISO/IEC 27001:20221:
* Implement the appropriate risk treatment for each of the applicable controls, as this is the main requirement of clause 6.1.3.e and the objective of the risk treatment process2.
* Revise the relevant content in the Statement of Applicability to justify their exclusion, as this is the expected output of the risk treatment process and the evidence of the risk-based decisions3.
* Revisit the risk assessment process relating to the three controls, as this is the input for the risk treatment process and the source of identifying the risks and the controls4.
The other options are not correct because:
* Allocating responsibility for producing evidence to prove to auditors that the controls are implemented is not a valid action, as the audit team already found that there was no evidence of the implementation of the three controls.
* Compiling plans for the periodic assessment of the risks associated with the controls is not a valid action, as this is part of the risk monitoring and review process, not the risk treatment process5.
* Incorporating written procedures for the controls into the organisation's Security Manual is not a valid action, as this is part of the documentation and operation of the ISMS, not the risk treatment process.
* Removing the three controls from the Statement of Applicability is not a valid action, as this is not a sufficient justification for their exclusion and does not reflect the risk treatment process.
* Undertaking a survey of customers to find out if the controls are needed by them is not a valid action, as this is not a relevant criterion for the risk assessment and treatment process, which should be based on the organisation's own context and objectives.
1: PECB Candidate Handbook for ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor, page 36, section 4.5.22: ISO/IEC 27001:
2022, clause 6.1.3.e3: ISO/IEC 27001:2022, clause 6.1.3.f4: ISO/IEC 27001:2022, clause 6.1.25: ISO/IEC
27001:2022, clause 6.2. : ISO/IEC 27001:2022, clause 7.5 and 8. : ISO/IEC 27001:2022, clause 6.1.3.d. : ISO
/IEC 27001:2022, clause 4.1 and 4.2.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:
* C. Correct Answer:
* ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 (Requirements for Certification Bodies) prohibits certification bodies from certifying organizations they have provided consultancy services to, unless a two-year separation period is maintained.
* This prevents conflicts of interest and ensures independent certification audits.
* A. Incorrect:
* There is a strict time constraint to prevent certification bias.
* B. Incorrect:
* Certification cannot happen immediately after consulting services end, as this would create an independence conflict.
Relevant Standard Reference:
* ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Clause 5.2.4 (Impartiality in Certification Activities)

The overall competence of the12:
* The audit scope and criteria: The audit scope defines the extent and boundaries of the audit, such as the locations, processes, functions, and time period to be audited. The audit criteria are the set of policies, procedures, standards, or requirements used as a reference against which the audit evidence is compared. The audit scope and criteria determine the complexity and extent of the audit, and thus influence the number and expertise of the auditors needed to cover all the relevant aspects of the audit.
* The overall competence of the audit team needed to achieve audit objectives: The audit team should have the appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience to conduct the audit effectively and efficiently, and to provide credible and reliable audit results. The audit team competence should include the following elements12:
* Generic competence: The ability to apply the principles and methods of auditing, such as planning, conducting, reporting, and following up the audit, as well as the personal behaviour and attributes of the auditors, such as ethical conduct, fair presentation, professional care, independence, and impartiality.
* Discipline and sector-specific competence: The ability to understand and apply the audit criteria and the relevant technical or industry aspects of the audited organization, such as the information security management system (ISMS) requirements, the information security risks and controls, the legal and regulatory obligations, the organizational context and culture, the processes and activities, the products and services, etc.
* Audit team leader competence: The ability to manage the audit team and the audit process, such as coordinating the audit activities, communicating with the audit programme manager and the auditee, resolving any audit-related problems, ensuring the quality and consistency of the audit work and the audit report, etc.
The person responsible for managing the audit programme should not consider the following factors when deciding the size and composition of the audit team for a specific audit, as they are either irrelevant or inappropriate for the audit process12:
* Customer relationships: The audit team should not be influenced by any personal or professional relationships with the auditee or other interested parties, as this may compromise the objectivity and impartiality of the audit. The audit team should avoid any conflicts of interest or self-interest that may affect the audit results or the audit decisions.
* Seniority of the audit team leader: The audit team leader should be selected based on their competence and experience, not on their seniority or rank within the organization or the audit programme. The audit team leader should have the authority and responsibility to manage the audit team and the audit process, regardless of their seniority or position.
* The cost of the audit: The cost of the audit should not be the primary factor for determining the size and composition of the audit team, as this may compromise the quality and effectiveness of the audit. The audit team should have sufficient resources and time to conduct the audit in accordance with the audit objectives, scope, and criteria, and to provide accurate and reliable audit results and recommendations.
* The duration preferred by the auditee: The duration of the audit should be based on the audit objectives, scope, and criteria, and the availability and cooperation of the auditee, not on the preference or convenience of the auditee. The audit team should have enough time to conduct the audit in a thorough and systematic manner, and to collect and evaluate sufficient and relevant audit evidence.
References:
ISO 19011:2018 - Guidelines for auditing management systems
PECB Candidate Handbook ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, pages 19-20

Yes, outsourcing the internal audit function can positively impact the internal audit process by increasing its independence and impartiality. This helps ensure that the internal audits are conducted without any bias or influence from the company's internal management.