We have an SMS. Are we safe?
Pioneered in the early ’90s, Safety Management Systems became mandatory for parts of the aviation industry in 2006.
BALPA Flight Safety has gathered some experts in the field to discuss how and if these systems work to create safety.
This online conference aims to start a conversation on the value and effectiveness of SMS in aviation.
Devised in the early 1990s and mandated in 2006, do these systems live up to the expectations?
With the increasing complexity of airline operations, has SMS kept pace and is it the most appropriate way of managing safety?
WATCH THE RECORDING HERE
OUR PANEL
Tom Laursen
Tom is an Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) and has worked with three different Air Navigation Service Providers in Denmark, Bahrain, and Switzerland. During his career as an ATCO he held different positions, and has participated in different projects, building in-depth knowledge within safety and investigations. Tom has a Master’s Degree in Human Factors in Aviation from Linköping University, Sweden.
Neil Richardson
Neil has built up a wealth of global experience and expertise through various client engagements in complex safety-critical environments over the past 18 years. With a strong background in Civil and Military aviation and experience with other industries, Neil can provide his clients with the latest insight, enabling alternative thinking to support organisational change. This is further enhanced by Neil’s participation in industry working groups, hosting industry workshops and attendance at numerous safety conferences, including presenting multiple keynote speeches.
Strongly believing that safety is good for business but is also an ethical duty, Neil strives to achieve practicality and simplicity. With a passion towards contributing to sustainable safety performance, Neil is driven to make a positive and lasting impact that delivers real business value.
Neil’s breadth of knowledge and skills in the field of Safety Risk Management has been honed over the past 18 years, 15 of which were spent as a Principal Consultant for a World Leading consultancy in the field of Safety Management. Neil’s 32-year career has also included time as an ‘on wing’ Power-plant development officer holding Certificate of Maintenance Review signatory privileges, an authorised Certificate of Release to Service signatory holder and service in the Royal Air Force.
Verda Consulting Ltd
Simon Roberts
Simon is one of the world’s leading experts on safety management, with over 43 years of experience working in aviation and over 20 years for the UK CAA and involved in the development and continuous improvement of safety management globally. He developed and implemented the UK CAA’s approach to SMS oversight, which is now used by many other CAAs across the world. He has developed and delivered safety management training in the UK and throughout the world to both regulators and industry. He currently works as a human factors and safety management specialist for ICAO, EASA and the UK CAA, as well as supporting other CAAs and airlines from around the world.
Dr Anthony Smoker
Anthony was an Air Traffic Controller and safety manager in NATS. Today, he is a research scientist at Lund University as well as course manager of the MSc in Human Factors and System Safety. He represents IFATCA in the EASA Human Factors CAG as well as EASA RP4 S(K)PI working group, and was a member of the IFATCA, ECA and Eurocontrol group developing the JC Prosecutors courses.
