The SCSC Safer Complex Systems WG builds on the IET/INCOSE/RAE work already done in this area. It is recognised that the RAE work is ongoing and collaboration is encouraged.

Mission Statement

To produce practical guidance on developing, managing and assuring safety of complex systems throughout their lifecycle

Statement of the Problem

• It is acknowledged that complex systems are becoming more prevalent with more opportunities to cause harm
• There are also new complex systems arising from using combinations of existing systems and services which are then used for safety purposes 
• Complex systems are not sufficiently addressed in current safety management practices and standards
• In particular, complex interactions and emergent behaviours are not currently assessed and managed sufficiently
• There could be benefit in developing new analysis, tools and techniques to manage complex system risks
• There are clear business and societal benefits, in terms of reduced harm, reduced liabilities and improved business efficiencies, in improved management of complex systems risk

Draft Guidance Document

The WG members are developing a guidance document "Guidance on Through-Life Assurance of Complex Systems" and the first draft will be issued at SSS'25. Chris Hobbs is the editor and updates and new content can be submitted through him. Also there is a Google Sheet where comments can be raised and actioned:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vtaDb45gUKviITwzQ1Udw_YZ2kv7gTy8pgFV2sYZrmo/edit

When you first access the sheet you will have to request permission to edit it. The sheet operation should be self-explanatory: please only edit the cells in columns A-E.

Any problems please contact mike.parsons@scsc.uk

WG Operation

We meet approximately every 6 weeks online via Zoom. We already have quite a few existing members, some draft documents and lots of interest. We will build on this.

Upcoming Meetings

The 13th meeting of the SCSC Safer Complex Systems WG via Zoom is on October 16th 15:30-17:00: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88093817659?pwd=j19qZPH1eojNWanSc4veCgMI80otYW.1 

Agenda includes: 

• Progress on the guidance document 
• SSS'25 paper on Characteristics of Complex Systems
• The two presentations for SSS'25

See you on the call,

Mike.

Please contact Mike Parsons mike.parsons@scsc.uk if you want to attend.

Past Meetings

12th Meeting 17th September 2024 - Slides, Minutes, Guidance Document Draft

11th Meeting 17th July 2024 - Slides, Minutes, Guidance Document Draft

10th Meeting 11th June 2024 - Slides, Minutes, Guidance Document Draft

9th Meeting 30th April 2024 - Slides, Minutes

8th Meeting 14th March 2024 - Slides, Minutes

7th Meeting 17th January 2024 - Slides, Minutes

6th Meeting 28th November 2023 - Slides, Minutes and Presentation by James Inge

5th Meeting 19th October 2023 - Slides, Minutes

4th Meeting 14th September 2023 - Slides, Minutes and Presentation by Simon Whiteley

3rd Meeting 13th July 2023 - Slides, Minutes and Presentation by David Slater

2nd Meeting 25th May 2023 - Slides, Minutes and Presentation by Simon Hutton

1st Meeting 26th April 2023 - Slides and Presentation by Simon Burton 

Kick-Off Meeting 29th March 2023 - Slides

Background Materials

INCOSE: A Complexity Primer for Systems Engineers

INCOSE: A Complexity Primer for Systems Engineers (slide set)

David H. Slater and Ben J. M. Ale: Safety and Complexiy

RAE: Safer Complex Systems: An Initial Framework

IET: Safely managing the emergent properties of complex systems

INCOSE: Appreciative Methods Applied to the Assessment of Complex Systems

Adam Johns: Complicated & Complex Systems in Safety Management

Peter Bernard Ladkin - Notes on Simon Whiteley's Überlingen Analysis

WORKING DRAFT Guidance from the IET initiative (under development)