Safety Management and Safety Management Systems Working Group
The working group will meet every 6 to 8 weeks, primarily via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, to share knowledge, models, real-world safety stories, and examples of best practice across industries. A key objective is to foster peer learning and collaboration, with a long-term ambition to co-develop a ‘Handbook for Safety Managers’—a living document that evolves with continued input from the group.
To ensure a broad and balanced perspective, we welcome active participation from Safety Managers across sectors including Aviation, Nuclear, Transportation, Healthcare, Energy, and beyond. While most meetings will be virtual for accessibility, we will aim to convene in person at least once a year to strengthen connections and deepen collaboration.
Summary
This new working group, under the Safety-Critical Systems Club, is dedicated to supporting Safety Managers across all sectors. Our aim is to provide practical advice and peer-driven guidance on every aspect of the Safety Manager role—from interpreting job descriptions and Terms of Reference, to designing, implementing, and continuously improving Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Being an effective Safety Manager requires a balance of technical knowledge, regulatory understanding, soft skills, and leadership. Yet many are asked to lead safety without prior experience or clear support. This group will explore challenges such as overcoming organisational resistance, gaining senior buy-in, building trust across the workforce, and creating a positive safety culture where reporting is safe and encouraged.
We will also dive into regulatory frameworks, going beyond compliance to fully understand the intent behind the rules. Early sessions will be especially important, as they will define the group's Terms of Reference, set strategic direction, and prioritise future topics. If you want to shape how this group evolves and ensure it provides value to the Safety Manager community, your early input will be vital.
For further information contact Si Hays at: si.hays@scsc.uk