EASA Definition

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In the world of aviation, safety is of paramount importance. With the increasing globalisation of air transport, it is crucial that there’s an organisation to oversee and regulate aviation safety across multiple countries. That’s where the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) comes in.

What is EASA?

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was established in 2002, with the primary aim of ensuring aviation safety in Europe. EASA is a regulatory body that provides technical expertise and support to the European Commission and national aviation authorities to promote and maintain the highest level of safety standards in aviation.

The agency has a wide range of responsibilities, including developing safety regulations, conducting safety inspections, issuing safety directives, and providing safety-related advice to the EU and its member states.

Countries that are members of the European Union (EU) are mandated to comply with EASA regulations. However, EASA also has agreements with non-EU countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. These countries are part of the European Economic Area (EEA) and are therefore required to comply with EASA regulations as well.

Why is EASA important to whistleblowers?

In the aviation industry, whistleblowers play a critical role in identifying safety concerns and risks (exposing unsafe practices and poor maintenance standards) and their disclosures can help prevent accidents and save lives.

One of the essential functions of EASA is to protect whistleblowers in the aviation industry. 

EASA’s whistleblowing policy provides protection to individuals who report aviation safety concerns in good faith. This means that whistleblowers are protected from any adverse employment actions or retaliation, such as dismissal or demotion, as a result of their reporting. EASA also ensures that whistleblowers’ identities remain confidential, and their reports are handled in a secure and professional manner.

EASA and UK Business

The UK was a member of EASA until Brexit came into effect on 1st January 2021. Since then, UK businesses in the aviation industry are no longer regulated by EASA, and they must comply with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations instead. The CAA has adopted most of the EASA regulations into UK law, but there are some notable differences. This could lead to additional costs and administrative burdens for UK businesses operating in the aviation sector.

Under EASA regulations, whistleblowers are protected from retaliation by their employers, and they can report safety concerns to EASA or the national aviation authority. However, since the UK is no longer part of EASA, whistleblowers in the UK must rely on the CAA for protection, and there is no specific legal protection for aviation whistleblowers in the UK.

Therefore, it is crucial for UK businesses in the aviation industry to have robust whistleblowing policies and procedures in place to encourage and protect whistleblowers. This includes providing clear reporting channels, protecting whistleblowers’ anonymity, and ensuring that they are not subject to retaliation or victimisation. By doing so, businesses can help prevent accidents and promote a culture of safety and accountability.

How can we help?

Handling reports

Safecall, as an independent whistleblowing service provider, ensures employees have a secure avenue to report wrongdoing.

All our call handlers have more than 25 years’ experience and are skilled in speaking with and interviewing people, from all walks of life, often in difficult and emotional circumstances; giving people the time and space to relay important information in their own words.

Training for employees and managers

Training provided by a whistleblower hotline vendor gives staff at all levels a better understanding of the importance of whistleblowing, the reporting procedures, and the responsibility that firms have towards members of staff who speak up.

Ensuring managers, and other senior members of staff, are trained sufficiently to identify unacceptable behaviour, and support whistleblowers throughout the entirety of the complaints and investigation processes, is a crucial step towards creating a workplace where everyone is afforded dignity.

Independent Investigation

Utilising an independent investigator demonstrates your firm’s commitment to fair investigation and appropriate action. This will improve employee confidence in your whistleblowing policy.

Whether it be a review of existing policies, or taking control of an investigation, independent whistleblowing investigation support providers improve the integrity of your investigation.

Need to Talk to a Whistleblowing System Expert?

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