SMS Evaluation Tool - v2 April2019
SMS Evaluation Tool - v2 April2019
SMS Evaluation Tool - v2 April2019
(SMS)
Evaluation Tool
Version 2
April 2019
SMS Evaluation Tool Guidance
Introduction
The International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) Annex 19 promotes a common approach to Safety
Management across aviation domains; both for States and for organisations. The Safety Management
International Collaboration Group (SM ICG) has developed the SMS Evaluation Tool in direct support to this
common approach and accordingly, the following guidance explains the background, purpose, and
methodology relevant to the use of the tool.
This tool evaluates the overall effectiveness of the SMS; as a function of both compliance and performance,
through a series of indicators1 based on ICAO Annex 192 and ICAO Safety Management Manual (doc 9859)3
and is organised by the ICAO SMS Framework. Each indicator should be reviewed to determine whether it is
Present, Suitable, Operating, or Effective, using the definitions and guidance set out below.
This concept of evaluating SMS effectiveness supports the move from traditional, compliance-based
oversight to performance-based oversight that focuses on how the SMS is performing. It provides a common
baseline for SMS effectiveness evaluation that creates a sound basis for mutual acceptance of SMS.
Initial certification/implementation
Before issuing an approval or certificate, the Regulatory Authority should make sure that all processes are
Present and Suitable, so that all the required enablers of a functioning SMS are implemented by the
organisation. In this initial certification phase, a large part of the SMS evaluation could be carried out by a
desktop review of relevant SMS documentation. However, carrying this out at the organisation provides an
opportunity for the inspector to advise and guide the organisation on its SMS implementation and support
standardised implementation.
Surveillance
After initial implementation, the organisation should start using the SMS as part of its operations. The
Regulatory Authority should allow enough time for the organisation’s SMS to mature before it carries out
ongoing surveillance that evaluates whether the processes are Present, Suitable, or Operating. An
organisation may eventually have Effective SMS processes. In order to check that SMS processes remain
Operating and/or Effective, the SMS should be re-evaluated on a regular basis to evaluate how well it is
performing. The review should evaluate all of the items in the evaluation tool which can be done by a
combination of organisational visits, meetings, and desktop reviews.
As an organisation’s SMS processes mature and moves to Operating and Effective, the Suitable criteria may
also need to be revisited. Changes to an organisation’s approval may also require a reconsideration of the
Suitable designation of the SMS processes. When significant changes take place, the Regulatory Authority
may determine the need to review the existing evaluation to ensure it is still appropriate.
1
The use of the term indicator in this tool should not be confused with the term “Safety Performance Indicator” used
in Annex 19.
2
ICAO Annex-19, Second Edition, July 2016, incorporating amendment 1.
3
ICAO Doc-9859 Safety Management Manual, Fourth Edition, 2018.
1
SMS Evaluation Tool Guidance
Yet, it may be the case that different teams of inspectors oversee the same SMS with regard to different
certificates, and a single evaluation may be impracticable. In such case, the different evaluations should be
shared with the various teams of inspectors and a common message from the Regulatory Authority, or
Authorities, should be provided to the organisation.
However, users of the tool may choose to customise the order of the components to align it with the order
of Annex 19. During the evaluation, the user may choose to start with any of the components due to the
availability of personnel or resources, or to focus on a specific concern.
The layout of the tool is shown below, with an accompanying legend defining the purpose of each box.
4
ICAO Annex 19, Second Edition, July 2016, Appendix 2, note 2.
2
SMS Evaluation Tool Guidance
Present (P): 4 There is evidence that the relevant indicator is documented within the organisation’s
SMS documentation.
Suitable (S): 4 7c The relevant indicator is suitable based on the size, nature, and complexity of the
organisation and the inherent risk in its activity.
Operating (O): 4 7d There is evidence that the relevant indicator is in use and an output is being
produced.
Effective (E): 4 7e There is evidence that the relevant indicator is achieving the desired outcome and
has a positive safety impact.
Generally, Present and Suitable are used for initial approval or certification. Operating and Effective are
expected to be found in a functioning SMS.
Due to the continuously changing and dynamic nature of aviation, during ongoing or subsequent evaluations
the Suitable designation should be re-evaluated considering any changes to the organisation and its activities.
An item cannot be considered Operating or Effective if it is not Present and it cannot be considered as Present
if it is not documented—documentation ensures consistent repeatable and systematic outcomes.
What to look for: 7a This section guides the evaluator when looking at each individual feature and is not
meant to be a checklist. The items listed are not specific to an individual Present, Suitable, Operating, or
Effective level, but remind the evaluator of areas they may want to consider. Some items in this column may
not be relevant depending on the size, type, or nature of the organisation.
3
SMS Evaluation Tool Guidance
Where a feature is found not to be Effective, the inspectors may consider issuing an observation to give rise
to suggested improvements. However, findings should not be issued if the process is Operating but not
Effective.
The completed evaluation tool with the Regulatory Authority, or at least a summary of the SMS evaluation,
should be provided to the organisation along with a report that captures any findings and observations.
Providing the organisation with detailed comments of the evaluation will assist in continuous improvement
of the SMS and supports a positive safety culture at State level.
The SM ICG does not recommend that the SMS be scored, but should the Regulatory Authority decide to
score the SMS evaluation across its industry, the following important considerations are needed:
• Scoring should not be linear but weighted or even exponential so that a higher score is achieved for
being Effective to encourage organisations to strive to achieve that level for their processes.
• Scoring should not be used as a pass/fail criterion but instead to help evaluate the maturity of the
SMS as a benchmark against other organisations and to aid continuous improvement.
• Regulatory Authorities should also be mindful; scoring may create the wrong behaviours in
organisations that could undermine a positive safety culture.
Training considerations
It is important that staff are competent to carry out the SMS evaluation and it is applied in a consistent way.
This is likely to involve additional training as the evaluation involves the inspectors making judgements that
may be subjective.
All inspectors and their managers should be trained and competent to use the tool. The training should
include practical case study examples based on real SMS documentation and actual industry events.
The tool should be used by staff with training and competency in:
4
SMS Evaluation Tool Guidance
It is recommended that as well as being trained to use the tool in the classroom environment, staff are
provided additional training during a live evaluation to familiarise themselves with the tool and its practical
use.
Standardisation
It is important that the SMS evaluation tool is used in a consistent manner. This can be achieved by having
the SMS evaluation being carried out by a team. The regulator should also develop a programme for
standardisation of how the evaluation tool is being used by its inspectors. This will help identify
inconsistencies in the approach and where additional training may be required. This should involve a
combination of desktop reviews to assess the completed evaluation tool, and any follow up actions and on-
the-job observations to assess how well the SMS evaluation is carried out.
Evaluation summary
The tool has been designed to evaluate the maturity and effectiveness of the SMS in a standardized manner.
In order to give the organisation an overall picture of its SMS performance, it is recommended to issue an
evaluation summary that is concise and reflects the level of progress achieved by the organisation.
5
Appendix 1 – Example of an evaluation summary
Initiating Present and Suitable Operating Effective Excellence
The SMS as a The SMS is at the All main elements of the The systems and processes The SMS is working in an The organisation is an industry leader
Whole implementation stage. SMS are in place. of the SMS are operating. effective way and is striving for and embraces and shares its best
continuous improvement. practices.
Safety Risk The safety risk A safety reporting system is The hazard and risk The organisation is continuously Key personnel throughout the
Management management processes in place and there is a registers are being built up identifying hazards and organisation are aware and understand
are not fully developed. process for how risks are and risks are starting to be understands its biggest risks and the risks relative to their responsibilities
assessed and managed. managed in proactive is actively managing them; this and are continuously searching out new
manner. can be seen in their safety hazards and risks and re-evaluating
performance. Safety Risk existing risks.
Management is proactive.
Safety Safety assurance Initial SPIs linked to the The organisation has The organisation assures itself The organisation is continuously
Assurance activities, including safety safety objectives have been established SPIs that it is that is has an effective SMS and is assessing its approach to safety
performance indicators identified and there is a monitoring and is auditing managing its risk through audit, management and is continuously
(SPIs) are not fully change management and assessing its SMS and assessment, and monitoring of its improving its safety performance and
developed. process in place. its outputs. safety performance. seeking out and embracing best
practices.
Safety Policy Policies, processes, and There are policies, There is a safety policy in Senior management are clearly The organisation is an industry leader
and Objectives procedures are not fully processes, and procedures place and senior involved in the SMS and the and embraces best practices.
developed. in place that detail how the management are safety policy sets out the
SMS will operate. committed to making the organisation’s intent to manage
SMS work and is providing safety. This is clearly evident in
appropriate resources to day to day operations.
safety management.
Safety Safety promotion There is a training The organisation has The organisation puts In addition, the organisation provides
Promotion activities are not fully programme and the means trained its people and has considerable resources and effort training and safety promotion to its
developed. to communicate safety several mediums for into training its people and contracted service providers and
information is in place. safety promotion that it publicising its safety culture and assesses the effectiveness of its safety
uses for passing on safety other safety information and promotion.
information. monitors the effectiveness of its
safety promotion.
Human Factors Human Factors are Human Factors policies and Human Factors are being Human Factors are integrated Human Factors are embedded into the
Management considered but not processes have been managed across the into the SMS and the operations day to day activities of the organisation
formally captured by the defined and documented organisation and are of the organisation. All staff and fully integrated into the SMS. This is
organisation. where required by starting to be integrated including management are aware evident throughout the organisation
regulation. into the organisation’s of Human Factors and apply it in from senior management to front line
SMS. the way they work. staff.
Note 1: In addition to Present, Suitable, Operating, and Effective, this example uses two additional maturity levels: Initiating and Excellence.
Note 2: A specific line for Human Factors has also been added in this example to highlight the importance of considering Human Factors as part of the SMS.
6
SMS Evaluation Tool
Organisation: Approval/Certificate Reference(s):
Table of contents
1. SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT (Annex 19 component 2) ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (Annex 19 element 2.1) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION (Annex 19 element 2.2) ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
2. SAFETY ASSURANCE (Annex 19 component 3) .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 SAFETY PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT (Annex 19 element 3.1) ................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 THE MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE (Annex 19 element 3.2) .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.3 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF THE SMS (Annex 19 element 3.3) ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
3. SAFETY POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES (Annex 19 component 1) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
3.1 MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT (Annex 19 element 1.1) ............................................................................................................................................................................ 12
3.2 SAFETY ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Annex 19 element 1.2)................................................................................................................................................ 16
3.3 APPOINTMENT OF KEY PERSONNEL (Annex 19 element 1.3) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
3.4 CO-ORDINATION OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING (Annex 19 element 1.4) .................................................................................................................................... 20
3.5 SMS DOCUMENTATION (Annex 19 element 1.5) ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
4. SAFETY PROMOTION (Annex 19 component 4) ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
4.1 TRAINING AND EDUCATION (Annex 19 element 4.1).................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
4.2 SAFETY COMMUNICATION (Annex 19 element 4.2) ................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
5. INTERFACE MANAGEMENT (Annex 19 note 2) ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Page 1 of 25
1. SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT (Annex 19 component 2)
1.1 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (Annex 19 element 2.1)
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
1.1.1 There is a confidential reporting system to capture errors,
hazards, and near misses that is simple to use and accessible
Evaluation
to all staff.
1.1.2 There is a confidential reporting system that provides
appropriate feedback to the reporter and, where
appropriate, to the rest of the organisation.
1.1.3 Personnel express confidence and trust in the organisation’s
reporting policy.
What to look for
- Review the reporting system for access and ease of use.
- Check staff’s trust of and familiarity with the reporting system, and whether they know what should be reported.
- Review how data protection and confidentiality is achieved.
- Evidence of feedback to reporter, the organisation, and third parties.
- Assess volume and quality of reports, including whether personnel are reporting their own errors and mistakes.
- Review report closure rates.
- Check whether contracted organizations and customers are able to make reports.
- Review how reports in the system are analysed.
- Confirm that responsibilities with regards to occurrence analysis, storage, and follow-up are clearly defined.
- Check that relevant staff are aware of which occurrences should be mandatory.
- Assess how senior management engage with the outputs of the reporting system.
Guidance
Page 2 of 25
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
1.1.4 There is a process that defines how hazards are identified
from multiple sources through reactive and proactive
methods (internal and external).
1.1.5 The hazard identification process identifies human
Evaluation
Page 3 of 25
1.2 SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION (Annex 19 element 2.2)
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
1.2.1 There is a process for the management of risk that includes
the analysis and assessment of risk associated with
Evaluation
Page 4 of 25
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
Evaluation
1.2.3 The organisation has a process in place to make decisions
and apply appropriate and effective risk controls.
1.2.4 Senior management have visibility of medium and high risk
hazards and their mitigation and controls.
What to look for
- Risk controls consider human and organisational factors.
- Evidence of risk controls being actioned and follow up.
- Aggregate risk is being considered.
- Check whether the risk controls have reduced the residual risk.
- Risk controls are clearly identified.
- Review the use of risk controls that rely solely on human intervention.
Guidance
Page 5 of 25
2. SAFETY ASSURANCE (Annex 19 component 3)
2.1 SAFETY PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT (Annex 19 element 3.1)
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
Evaluation
There is a process in place to measure SPIs are focused on what is important The safety performance of the SPIs are demonstrating the safety
the safety performance of the rather than what is easy to measure. organisation is being measured and performance of the organisation and
organisation including SPIs and targets Reliability of data sources is meaningful SPIs are being continuously the effectiveness of risk controls based
linked to the organisation’s safety considered in the design of SPIs. monitored and analysed for trends. on reliable data.
objectives and to measure the SPIs are linked to the identified risks SPIs are reviewed and regularly
effectiveness of safety risk controls. and safety objectives. updated to ensure they remain
Frequency and responsibility for the relevant.
trend monitoring of SPIs are Where the SPIs indicate that a risk
appropriate. control is ineffective, appropriate
Realistic targets have been set. action is taken.
State SPIs are considered, as
applicable.
Page 6 of 25
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
Evaluation
2.1.2 Risk mitigations and controls are being verified/audited to
confirm they are working and effective.
2.1.3 Safety assurance takes into account activities carried out by
all directly contracted organisations.
What to look for
- Evidence of risk controls being assessed for effectiveness (e.g., audits, surveys, reviews, SPIs and safety performance targets [SPTs], reporting systems).
- Evidence of risk controls applied by contracted organisations being assessed and overseen (e.g., quality check, reviews, and regular meetings).
- Information from safety assurance and compliance monitoring activities feeds back into the safety risk management process.
Guidance
- Review where risk controls have been changed as a result of the assessment.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
There is a process in place to assess Responsibilities, methods, and Risk controls are being verified to Risk controls are assessed and actions
whether the risk controls are applied timelines for assessing risk controls are assess whether they are applied and taken to ensure they are effective and
and effective. defined. effective. delivering a safe service.
Contracted organisations are included
in the safety assurance process.
Page 7 of 25
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
2.1.4 Responsibilities and accountability for ensuring compliance
with safety regulations are defined and applicable
requirements are clearly identified in organisation manuals
and procedures.
Evaluation
Page 8 of 25
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
Evalu
ation
2.1.7 After an audit, there is appropriate analysis of causal factors
and corrective/preventive actions are taken.
What to look for
- Review the methods used for causal analysis
- Check that the method is used consistently.
- Review any repeat findings and check for actions have not been implemented or are overdue.
- Check for timely implementation of actions.
- Review senior management awareness of the status of significant findings and related corrective/preventive actions.
- Check that appropriate personnel participate in the determination of causes and contributing factors.
- Look for consistency between internal audit results and external audit results.
Guidance
Page 9 of 25
2.2 THE MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE (Annex 19 element 3.2)
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
2.2.1 The organisation has a process to identify whether changes
have an impact on safety and to manage any identified risks
in accordance with existing safety risk management
Evaluation
processes.
2.2.2 Human Factor (HF) issues have been considered as part of
the change management process and, where appropriate,
the organisation has applied the appropriate HF/human-
centred design standards to the equipment and physical
environment design.
What to look for
- Key stakeholders are involved in the process.
- Review what triggers the process.
- Review recent changes that have been through the risk assessment process.
- Check that change is signed off by an appropriately authorised person.
- Transitional risks are being identified and managed.
- Review follow up actions such as whether any assumptions made have been validated.
- Review whether there is an impact on previous risk assessments and existing hazards.
- Review whether consideration is given to the accumulative effect of multiple changes.
- Review that business-related changes have considered safety risks (organisational restructuring, upsizing or downsizing, IT projects, etc.).
- Evidence of HF issues being addressed during changes.
- Review impact of change on training and competencies.
- Review previous changes to confirm they remain under control.
Guidance
- Consider how the changes are communicated to those people impacted by the change.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
The organisation has established a Triggers for the change management The change management process is The change management process is
change management process to process are defined. being used and includes hazard used for all changes that may impact
identify whether changes have an The process also considers business identification and risk assessments safety, including HF issues, and
impact on safety and to manage any related changes and interfaces with with appropriate risk controls being considers the accumulation of multiple
identified risks in accordance with other organisations/departments. put in place before a decision to make changes. It is initiated in a planned,
existing safety risk management The process is integrated with the risk the change is taken. timely, and consistent manner and
processes. management and safety assurance HF issues have been considered and includes follow up action that ensures
processes. been addressed as part of the change the change was implemented safely.
Responsibilities and timelines are management process. The change is communicated to those
defined. affected.
Risk control and mitigation strategies
associated with changes are achieving
the planned effect.
Page 10 of 25
2.3 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF THE SMS (Annex 19 element 3.3)
Evaluation Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
2.3.1 The organisation is continuously monitoring and assessing its
SMS processes to maintain or continuously improve the
overall effectiveness of the SMS.
Page 11 of 25
3. SAFETY POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES (Annex 19 component 1)
3.1 MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT (Annex 19 element 1.1)
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
3.1.1 There is a safety policy, signed by the Accountable Manager,
which includes a commitment to continuous improvement;
observes all applicable legal requirements and standards;
Evaluation
- Check how a positive safety culture is encouraged and impacts the overall effectiveness.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
There is a safety policy, signed by the The safety policy is easy to read. The safety policy is reviewed The Accountable Executive is familiar
Accountable Manager, which includes The content is customised to the periodically to ensure it remains with the contents of the safety policy
a commitment to continuous organisation. relevant to the organisation. and endorses it.
improvement; observes all applicable There is a process for assessing The organisation is assessing the The organisation is reviewing and
legal requirements and standards; and resources and addressing any resources being provided to deliver a taking action to address any forecasted
considers best practices. The safety shortfalls. safe service and taking action to shortfalls in resources.
policy includes a statement to provide address any shortfalls.
appropriate resources.
Page 12 of 25
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
3.1.4 There is a means in place for the communication of the
Evaluation safety policy.
3.1.5 The Accountable Executive and the senior management
team promote a positive safety/just culture and
demonstrate their commitment to the safety policy through
active and visible participation in the safety management
system.
What to look for
- Review how the safety policy is communicated.
- Safety policy is clearly visible to all staff including relevant contracted staff and third-party organisations.
- Question managers and staff regarding knowledge of the safety policy.
- All managers are familiar with the key elements of the safety policy.
- Evidence of senior management participation in safety meetings, training, conferences, etc.
- Feedback from safety surveys that include specific just culture aspects.
- Relationship with regulator and other stakeholders.
Guidance
Page 13 of 25
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
Evaluation
3.1.6 The safety policy actively encourages safety reporting.
3.1.7 A just culture policy and principles have been defined that
clearly identifies acceptable and unacceptable behaviours to
promote a just culture.
What to look for
- Evidence of when the just culture principles have been applied following an event.
- Evidence of interventions from safety investigations addressing organisational issues rather than focusing only on the individual.
- Review how the organisation is monitoring reporting rates.
- Review the number of aviation safety reports appropriate to the activities.
- Safety reports include the reporter’s own errors and events they are involved in (events where no one was watching).
- Feedback on just culture from staff safety culture surveys.
- Interview staff representatives to confirm that they agree with just culture policy and principles.
Guidance
- Check that staff are aware of the just culture policy and principles.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
A just culture policy and principles The just culture policy clearly identifies There is evidence of the just culture The just culture policy is applied in a
have been defined. acceptable and unacceptable policy and supporting principles being fair and consistent manner and staff
behaviours. applied and promoted to staff. trust the policy.
The principles ensure that the policy There is evidence that the line
can be applied consistently across the between acceptable and unacceptable
whole organisation. behaviour has been determined in
The just culture policy and principles consultation with staff and staff
are understandable and clearly visible. representatives.
Page 14 of 25
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
3.1.8 Safety objectives have been established that are consistent
Evaluation with the safety policy and they are communicated
throughout the organisation.
3.1.9 The State Safety Programme (SSP) is being considered and
addressed as appropriate.
What to look for
- Assess whether the safety objectives are appropriate and relevant.
- Objectives are defined that will lead to an improvement in processes, outcomes, and the development of a positive safety culture.
- Assess how safety objectives are communicated throughout the organisation.
- Safety objectives are being measured to monitor achievement through SPIs and SPTs.
Guidance
- Assess if the safety objectives have considered the State safety objectives in the SSP.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
Safety objectives have been Safety objectives are relevant to the Safety objectives are being regularly Achievement of the safety objectives is
established that are consistent with organisation and its activities. reviewed and are communicated being monitored by senior
the safety policy and there is a means Safety objectives are understandable throughout the organisation. management and action taken to
to communicate them throughout the and clearly visible. ensure they are being met.
organisation. Safety objectives are aligned with the
SSP.
Page 15 of 25
3.2 SAFETY ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Annex 19 element 1.2)
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
Evaluation 3.2.1 An Accountable Executive has been appointed with full
responsibility and accountability to ensure the SMS is
properly implemented and performing effectively.
3.2.2 The Accountable Executive is fully aware of their SMS roles
and responsibilities in respect of the safety policy, safety
standards, and safety culture of the organisation.
What to look for
- Evidence that the Accountable Executive has the authority to provide sufficient resources for relevant safety improvements.
- Evidence of decision making on risk acceptability.
- Review SMS activities are being carried out in a timely manner and the SMS is sufficiently resourced.
- Evidence of activities being stopped due to unacceptable level of safety risk.
- Look for evidence that Accountable Executive actions are consistent with the active promotion of a positive safety culture in the organisation.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
An Accountable Executive has been The Accountable Executive has control The Accountable Executive ensures The Accountable Executive ensures
Guidance
appointed with full responsibility and of resources. that the SMS is properly resourced, that the performance of the SMS is
ultimate accountability for the SMS. implemented, and maintained, and has being monitored, reviewed, and
the authority to stop the operation if improved.
there is an unacceptable level of safety
risk.
The Accountable Executive is fully
aware of their SMS roles and
responsibilities.
The Accountable Executive is
accessible to the staff in the
organisation.
Page 16 of 25
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
Evaluation
3.2.3 Safety accountabilities, authorities, and responsibilities are
defined and documented throughout the organisation and
staff understand their own responsibilities.
- The levels of management authorised to make decisions on risk acceptance are defined and applied.
- Check for any conflicts of interest and that they have been identified and managed.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
The safety accountability, authorities, Individuals have access to their safety Everyone in the organisation is aware The Accountable Executive and the
and responsibilities are clearly defined accountability, authorities, and of and fulfil their safety senior management team are aware of
and documented. responsibilities (for example, through responsibilities, authorities, and the risks faced by the organisation and
job descriptions or organisational accountabilities and are encouraged to SMS principles exist throughout the
charts). contribute to the SMS. organisation so that safety is part of
the everyday language.
Page 17 of 25
3.3 APPOINTMENT OF KEY PERSONNEL (Annex 19 element 1.3)
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
3.3.1 A competent safety manager who is responsible for the
implementation and maintenance of the SMS has been
Evaluation
Page 18 of 25
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
Evaluation
3.3.3 The organisation has established appropriate safety
committee(s) that discuss and address safety risks and
compliance issues and includes the Accountable Executive
and the heads of functional areas.
What to look for
- Review safety committee and meeting structure and Terms of Reference for each committee/meeting.
- Review meeting attendance levels.
- Review meeting records and actions.
- Check that outcomes are communicated to the rest of the organisation.
- Evidence of safety objectives, safety performance, and compliance are being reviewed and discussed at meetings.
- Participants challenge what is being presented when there is limited evidence.
- Senior management are aware of the most significant risks faced by the organisation and the overall safety performance of the organisation.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
Guidance
The organisation has established Safety committee(s)’ structure and There is evidence of meetings taking Safety committees include key
safety committee(s). frequency supports the SMS functions place detailing the attendance, stakeholders. The outcomes of the
across the organisation. discussions, and actions. meetings are documented and
The scope of the safety committee(s) The safety committee(s) monitor the communicated and any actions are
includes safety risks and compliance effectiveness of the SMS and agreed, taken, and followed up in a
issues. compliance monitoring function by timely manner. The safety
The attendance of the highest-level reviewing there are sufficient performance and safety objectives are
safety committee includes at least the resources. reviewed and actioned as appropriate.
Accountable Executive and the heads Actions are being monitored and
of functional areas. appropriate safety objectives and SPIs
have been established.
Page 19 of 25
3.4 CO-ORDINATION OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING (Annex 19 element 1.4)
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
Evaluation 3.4.1 An appropriate emergency response plan (ERP) has been
developed and distributed that defines the procedures,
roles, responsibilities, and actions of the various
organisations and key personnel.
3.4.2 The ERP is periodically tested for the adequacy of the plan
and the results reviewed to improve its effectiveness.
What to look for
- Review emergency response plan.
- Review how coordination with other organisations is planned.
- Review how ERP is distributed and where copies are held.
- Interview key personnel and check they have access to the ERP.
- Check that different types of foreseeable emergencies have been considered.
- Review when the plan was last reviewed and tested and actions taken.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
A coordinated ERP has been developed Key personnel have easy access to the The ERP is reviewed and tested to The results of the ERP review and
Guidance
and defined. relevant parts of the ERP at all times. make sure it remains up-to-date. There testing are assessed and actioned to
The ERP defines the procedures, roles, is evidence of coordination with other improve its effectiveness.
responsibilities, and actions of the organisations as appropriate.
various organisations and key
personnel.
The frequency and methods for testing
the ERP are defined.
The coordination with other
organisations (including non-aviation
organisations) is defined with
appropriate means.
Page 20 of 25
3.5 SMS DOCUMENTATION (Annex 19 element 1.5)
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
3.5.1 The SMS documentation includes the policies and processes
that describe the organisation’s safety management system
Evaluation
Page 21 of 25
4. SAFETY PROMOTION (Annex 19 component 4)
4.1 TRAINING AND EDUCATION (Annex 19 element 4.1)
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
4.1.1 There is a training programme for SMS in place that includes
initial and recurrent training. The training covers individual
safety duties (including roles, responsibilities, and
Evaluation
- Ask staff about their own understanding of their role in the organisation’s SMS and their safety duties.
- Check that all staff are briefed on compliance.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
There is an SMS training programme in The training covers individual safety The SMS training programme is SMS training is evaluated for all
place that includes initial and recurrent duties (including roles, responsibilities, delivering appropriate training to the aspects (learning objectives, content,
training. and accountabilities) and how the different staff in the organisation and teaching methods and styles, tests,
organisation’s SMS operates. is being delivered by competent etc.) and is linked to the competency
Training material and methodology are personnel. assessment.
adapted to the audience and include Training is routinely reviewed to take
human factors. feedback from different sources into
All staff requiring training are consideration.
identified.
Page 22 of 25
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
4.1.4 There is a process that evaluates the individual’s
Evaluation competence and takes appropriate remedial action when
necessary.
4.1.5 The competence of trainers is defined and assessed and
appropriate remedial action taken when necessary.
What to look for
- Review how competence assessment is carried out on initial recruitment and recurrently.
- Check it includes safety duties and responsibilities, as well as compliance management.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
Guidance
A competency framework is defined There is a process in place to There is evidence of the process being The competence assessment
for all personnel, including trainers. periodically assess the actual used and being recorded. programme and process is routinely
competency of personnel against the reviewed and improved.
framework. The competence assessment takes
appropriate remedial action when
necessary and feeds into the training
programme.
Page 23 of 25
4.2 SAFETY COMMUNICATION (Annex 19 element 4.2)
Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
Evaluation 4.2.1 There is a process to determine what safety critical
information needs to be communicated and how it is
communicated throughout the organisation to all personnel,
as relevant. This includes contracted organisations and
personnel where appropriate.
What to look for
- Review the sources of information used for safety communication.
- Review the methods used to communicate safety information (e.g., meetings, presentations, emails, website access, newsletters, bulletins, posters, etc.).
- Assess whether the means of communication is appropriate.
- The means for safety communication is reviewed for effectiveness and material used to update relevant training.
- Significant events, changes, and investigation outcomes are being communicated.
- Check accessibility to safety information.
- Ask staff about any recent safety communication.
- Review whether information from occurrences are timely communicated to all relevant personnel (internal and external) and has been appropriately
Guidance
disidentified.
Present Suitable Operating Effective
There is a process to communicate The process determined what, when, Safety critical information is being The organization analyses and
safety critical information. and how safety information needs to identified and communicated communicates safety critical
be communicated. throughout the organisation to all information effectively through a
The process includes contracted personnel, as relevant, including variety of methods as appropriate to
organisations and personnel where contracted organisations and maximise it being understood.
appropriate. personnel where appropriate. Safety communication is assessed to
The means of communication are determine how it is being used and
adapted to the audience and the understood and to improve it where
significance of what is being appropriate.
communicated.
Page 24 of 25
5. INTERFACE MANAGEMENT (Annex 19 Appendix 2 note 2)
Evaluation Indicators of compliance and performance P S O E How it is achieved Comments
5.1.1 The organisation has identified and documented the
relevant internal and external interfaces and the critical
nature of such interfaces.
- Check the identified interfaces (e.g., interfaces with aerodromes, airlines, Air Traffic Control [ATC], training organisations, contracted organisations, and the
State).
Present Suitable Operating Effective
The organisation has identified and All relevant interfaces are addressed. The organisation is managing the The organisation has a good
documented the relevant internal and The way the interfaces are managed is interfaces through hazard understanding of interface
external interfaces and the critical appropriate to the criticality in terms identification and risk management. management and there is evidence
nature of such interfaces. of safety. There is an assurance activity to assess that interface risks are being identified
The means for communicating safety risk mitigations being delivered by and acted upon.
information is defined. external organisations. Interfacing organisations are sharing
safety information and take actions
when needed.
Page 25 of 25