Your checklist items should measure what actually matters, not just convenient proxies.
An indicator is something that correlates with quality but doesn't define it. A criterion of merit is a property that actually constitutes quality.
For example, "Employees have graduate degrees" is an indicator. "Employees solve customer problems effectively" is a criterion of merit.
Indicators are tempting because they're often easier to measure. But they can be gamed, and they often measure the wrong thing.
Ask yourself: "What properties are part of the meaning of 'good' for this thing?" Those are your criteria of merit.
Build your checklist from criteria, not indicators. When you must use indicators, understand their limitations and validate them against the real criteria.
References
Scriven, M. (2000). The logic and methodology of checklists.