As mentioned in the posts everyone has a responsibility to promote and report safety with the organisation no matter how big or complex.
The safety experts remarks are pointed at the Directors of Safety and Senior Safety Managers who should be properly qualified to hold a position like this.
As detailed an ICAO SMS is only effective with top level management input and direction. This cannot be achieved by people who don’t know what there doing and it puts everyone at risk as they are responsible for change management within the organisation and have overall responsibility for the SMS.
A standard certification will be introduced as it’s just a matter of time. EASA stated this fact directly, as in consultants are getting their pockets fed as Safety officials don’t know what to do within regulated organisations.
A reporting culture is part of creating a safety culture which is essential to a successful SMS and safe operation, if the guys at the top don’t direct this then there is no reporting and no culture leaving safety compromised.
Nesboy and Chris good luck with the exams they are a pain but worth it in the end!