As the THE NIMROD REVIEW conducted by Haddon-Cave found, contracting-out of services in safety-critical areas presents particular challenges, which must be recognised and addressed through appropriate structures and arrangements. The Investigation believes that whilst contracting out of aviation support services (including auditing) is a matter for the Department of Transport, it is imperative that the Department has sufficient in-house expertise to allow it to remain an ‘intelligent-customer’. The Minister outlined several measures that have been taken since the accident (Section 1.17.8.2 and Appendix U), including the planned appointment of a full time Aviation Manager.
My ongoing concern with contracting out.