SeMS Gap Analysis

SeMS Gap Analysis Concept

The concept of Security Management Systems is based on safety management systems, so will be familiar to those in the aviation sector. The idea is that:

security risks should be managed at the right level, overseen by company boards;
activities should be measured to provide management information on security performance;
there should be people in the organisation who are accountable for maintaining rigorous security standards, using the management information; and
there should be a culture that promotes high security standards throughout the company.

A SeMS achieves this by providing an organised, systematic approach to managing security which embeds security management into the day-to-day activities of the organisation and its people.

The SeMS Gap Analysis Framework

In developing a SeMS in line with the CAA Framework entities will gain an effective security quality management system which will meet the quality control requirements of articles 12, 13 and 14 of EC 300/2008 and allow them to manage risks more effectively and efficiently.

In addition to an organisation’s own security assurance, SeMS implemented consistently across industry will bring each organisation further benefits. It will provide assurance of the security performance of those suppliers and partners who have a SeMS, and it will facilitate meaningful benchmarking and trend analysis, enabling an organisation to understand how well its own performance compares to the performance in its sector generally.

Consistency with the Framework will also enable the CAA to understand an organisation’s security performance. Without this the CAA will have no option but to maintain its current compliance regime.

Implementing the SeMS Gap Analysis

The practical implementation of SeMS is fairly straightforward and the CAA have produced a SeMS entity self-assessment questionnaire (SeMS Gap Analysis) to assist entities in documenting where they are in relation to prepare for a Phase One Assessment. Whilst it is straight forward to complete, it can be daunting, especially if you have never completed a gap analysis before and it can also be quite time consuming.

This is where Redline can assist you. We have extensive experience and have a wealth of knowledge in this area through conducting Aviation Security gap analysis’s on behalf of international & national Aviation clients. If you would like to discuss how we may be able to assist you or for more information please do not hesitate to contact us.