The regulations used explicitly to require ODHs to have had experience as a DDH. That seems to have gone from the latest versions, with only a hint in MAA 03 Annex G that it used to be a requirement (where it indicates evidence of Station / DDH experience is to be provided for ODH nominees). There is not, and never has been a similar requirement for the SDH.
I think this is a good thing: the nature of risk management at each level is different.
I also think it is a good thing because arbitrary setting of essential experience criteria for senior roles was the vehicle by which various 'mafias' of years gone by stitched up appointments for their mates. It left the appointing agencies with few or no options, and I'm glad that era is more or less over.
Last edited by Easy Street; 10th Sep 2022 at 14:47.