Introduction to Functional Safety for Management

This training targets managers, senior managers and executives in organisations developing and marketing products with a safety relevance. It is for the decision-makers, contract negotiators, marketing, financial, compliance and legal entities within the organization.

Note that this course covers generic Functional Safety topics, and is suitable for organizations working in all industries where functional safety applies. Delegates requiring a more technical understanding of function safety should attend one of the other courses offered by the TÜV SÜD Academy.

• Introduction to Functional Safety
• The family of Functional Safety standards and their application to different industries
• Overview of key terminology and concepts used by Functional Safety practitioners
• The Functional Safety Product Lifecycle
• The need for compliance and the cost of non-compliance
• Brief overview of cybersecurity requirements and the evolving legal landscape in the European Union
• Contractual obligations between customers and suppliers, including the requirement to ensure compliance across the entire supply chain
• Benefits of product and process certification (audits and assessments)
• Building a culture of safety and security across the organisation
• Resourcing required at the organisational level to achieve functional safety
• Resourcing required at the product/engineering level (development, testing, manufacturing etc.)
• Transitioning an organisation to achieve full Functional Safety compliance
  

Functional safety plays a critical role in the development, manufacture, and operation of safety‑relevant products across all industries. As organizations face increasing regulatory expectations and heightened customer focus on safety, management teams must be equipped with a solid understanding of how functional safety impacts business strategy, processes, and risk exposure. This course provides leaders with a comprehensive, non‑technical introduction to functional safety principles, enabling them to support organizational decision‑making with clarity and confidence.

Throughout the training, participants explore the structure and purpose of functional safety standards, the key terminology used by practitioners, and how safety considerations influence the entire product lifecycle—from concept and development to manufacturing, operation, and maintenance. The course emphasizes the importance of compliance, illustrating both the benefits of robust safety processes and the potential consequences associated with non‑compliance, including financial, legal, and reputational risks.

The program also examines the role of management in establishing and sustaining a culture of safety. Attendees gain insight into resourcing requirements at both the organizational and engineering levels, as well as how to ensure that safety obligations are met across the entire supply chain. Additional topics include emerging cybersecurity expectations, evolving legal frameworks (such as developments in the European Union), and the business value of audits, assessments, and product or process certifications. These components help leaders understand how functional safety aligns with corporate governance and operational excellence.

Delivered as a live virtual classroom, the course uses instructor‑led lectures, discussions, case studies, and group exercises to ensure an engaging learning experience. Participants benefit from direct interaction with TÜV SÜD safety experts, allowing them to ask questions, work through real‑world scenarios, and deepen their understanding of safety requirements. No prior technical knowledge is needed, making this program accessible to executives, senior managers, and non‑technical stakeholders across compliance, legal, marketing, finance, procurement, and contract negotiation roles.

Upon completion, attendees will have a well-rounded appreciation for functional safety and its strategic importance. They will be better positioned to support engineering teams, guide compliance activities, and drive initiatives that ensure safe, reliable, and legally compliant products. All participants receive a TÜV SÜD Certificate of Attendance, validating their foundational understanding of functional safety and its role in organizational success.

Upon completion of this training, you will gain a solid understanding of Functional Safety and its impact on the entire organization. This knowledge will equip you to support the decision-making process effectively.

Instructor-led training in a virtual classroom. This means the course is Live Online. Participants will learn through online teaching. Lectures, case studies, group exercises, discussions, problem solving, examples with explanation, assignments and/or quizzes happen in the virtual classroom training. Explanations of the necessary work products and appropriate treatment of the safety plan are naturally an integral part of this training course. Participants need to connect to the class from any internet accessible location. Each module is delivered live using webinar technology, creating a virtual classroom learning environment. Live sessions provide you with direct access to the trainer so you can ask questions, understand complex concepts and share ideas with peers. Webcam and microphone are REQUIRED to interact with the instructor and/or other participants.

The course content and structure are designed by the domain experts from TÜV SÜD. With immense experience and knowledge in the relevant standards, our team of product specialists and technical experts at TÜV SÜD, developed the course content based on current business landscape and market requirements.

There is no examination as part of this training course. Successful participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance by the TÜV SÜD Academy.

No prior knowledge of any of the topics covered in this course is assumed.

TÜV SÜD is a leading company in ISO 26262 standard functional safety training and certification. The training provided is well-recognised in the US and worldwide. The safety training experts from TÜV SÜD Academy have complete knowledge and the technical know-how of the subject, and they aim at providing practical knowledge in the functional safety training courses. Persons entrusted with functional safety have a major role to play, as their competence matters for the efficient overall functioning of the plant.