Setting Standards
We use standards as a reference point or bench mark, by which we can measure what we are doing to ensure it fully meets expectations.
Standards may exist related to EASA requirements for example Implementing Rules IR or Acceptable Means of Compliance AMC thus providing a basis for monitoring, inspection, evaluation. However it is also possible and indeed beneficial for standards to also be developed to meet internal objectives.
Standards sit hand in hand with process and procedure and enable more detailed assessment of compliance with the organisations business process objectives and expectations. As we know the role of QA is to independently assess the process procedures and product to determine that the organisation is fully in compliance.
We should understand that from a practical point of view, because quality standards are directly related to organisational policy, the standards need ownership.
Consider that whilst the standards exist within the Quality Assurance Department, they do in fact impact the business area owners in a significant way. Therefore standards related to compliance with the regulation must be taken as a “given” whereas standards related to organisation best practice must be agreed and accepted within the business area. Quality Assurance (QA) is essentially focused on the need to provide confidence that all quality requirements (QC related) are fulfilled.
Quality Assurance team members should have as well as strong knowledge related to specific subject matter a well-developed set of interpersonal skills which promote a strong sense of diplomacy with the ability to understand multiple challenges for the auditee which contribute to the “why” of the finding. (A fundamental pre-requisite to being able to identify deeper findings).
How to move forward with managing our standards
a) Establish a strong set of procedures to ensure that all external requirements related to mandatory obligations are met;
b) Establish a process to identify additional opportunities to develop “internal” standards but note that an essential attribute related to a particular stand must be Return on Investment (ROI) means that we MUST ensure that standards are working in a positive way for the organisation;
c) Ensure that the Stakeholders in the process have the authority and capacity to support the process.
To conclude
Additional standards are beneficial to the organisation and should be developed with the objective of adding value as well as facilitating a process of continuous improvement. In so doing we should be able to ensure that additional standards are accepted and worthwhile.
Sofema Aviation Services offers EASA Compliant Quality Assurance Training. For details please see here or email: office@sassofia.com
