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Safety Critical Systems Club
For Everyone Working in System Safety

Safer Complex Systems Working Group (SCSWG)

The SCSC Safer Complex Systems WG builds on the IET/RAE work already done in this area. 

Mission Statement

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

Guidance Document

Complex Systems Guidance v2.0 was issued at SSS'26.

Statement of the Problem

  • It is acknowledged that complex engineered 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

WG Operation

We meet every 4-6 weeks via Zoom. New members are always welcome.

Upcoming Meetings

The 25th meeting of the SCSC Safer Complex Systems WG will be held 24th March 2026 from 16:00 - 17:30 via Zoom:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83120466007?pwd=UByM4USWsDlXbnU4CbLBc4qz5b9TaZ.1

Please contact mike.parsons@scsc.uk if you would like to attend.

Meeting link: https://calendar.app.google/6RXDomzYJmMws5rR7 

Past Meetings

25th Meeting, 24th March 2026, SCSWG#25 Slides, SCSWG#25 Minutes, SCSWG Guidance V2.1 (blue text)

24th Meeting, 29th January 2026, SCSWG#24 Slides, SCSWG#24 Minutes, SCSWG Guidance Draft 29/01

23rd Meeting, 10th December 2025, SCSWG#23 Slides, SCSWG#23 Minutes, Guidance No Blue Text, Guidance Blue Text, Complexity Explained Book

22nd Meeting, 28th October 2025, SCSWG#22 Slides, SCSWG#22 Minutes, DS Paper: Delta Connection Flight 4819, Latest Guidance Draft, SCSWG Paper on Surprises

21st Meeting, 17th September 2025, SCSWG#21 Slides, SCSWG#21 Minutes, Current Guidance Draft

20th Meeting, 22nd July 2025, Slides, SCSWG#20 Minutes, Guidance Document

19th Meeting, 12th June 2025: Slides, SCSWG#19 Minutes, Guidance Document

Background Materials

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