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Baines Simmons Consulting Safety Management Pathway to achieving an ‘Operating’ SMS ready for your next audit

Pathway to achieving an ‘Operating’ SMS ready for your next audit

Whether you're required to implement an Safety Management System (SMS) under UK Part-21 and Part-145 approvals, or you're looking to enhance safety performance across your organisation, at Baines Simmons we provide expert support to help you move from compliance to capability. 

Supporting Your Journey to an Operating SMS

Our services are designed to guide organisations through the UK CAA’s SMS implementation requirements, including the 1 July 2026 deadline to have systems Present and Suitable, after this date you will be expected to have reached an “Operating” standard at your next regulator audit. We also support broader industry players who want to strengthen their safety culture and maturity.

We help you interpret regulatory guidance, assess your current SMS maturity, and develop a clear, actionable roadmap to reach “Operating” levels, using tools like SRG 1776, SMARRT MAP and industry best practices.

Why This Matters

Reaching “Operating” maturity isn’t straightforward. Organisations often face challenges such as:

  • Closing non-compliances identified in Phase 1 SMS evaluations.
  • Embedding new processes for hazard identification, risk management, and safety assurance.
  • Planning the transition from “Suitable” to “Operating” using the UK CAA’s SRG 1776 tool for Phase 2 evaluations and ongoing oversight.
  • Preparing for on-site verification, which the regulator will normally conduct within two years of approving your organisation’s safety documentation or exposition. These visits require clear evidence that SMS processes are not only defined but also embedded in everyday operations.

Without expert insight, these challenges can delay approvals, undermine confidence, and expose your organisation to unnecessary risk.

How We Can Help

Pathway to ‘Operating’ Assessment
A comprehensive review conducted remotely and on-site that validates your SRG 1776 evaluation through evidence sampling and staff interviews. We assess how well safety processes are implemented and provide a tailored roadmap to reach “Operating” and “Effective” maturity. This assessment is scalable to suit organisational complexity.


Safety Management System (Safety Element) Maturity Workshop
A one-day facilitated and interactive workshop with management and key personnel to interpret SRG 1776 results, self-assess current maturity, explore best practices, and develop a high-level action plan. Ideal for smaller organisations or as a first step in your pathway to Operating.

Flexible, Scalable Support

Our services are tailored to your organisation’s size, scope, and ambitions. Whether you need a light-touch review or a detailed Performance Assessment, we provide a structured pathway to “Operating” and beyond. Our goal is to give you confidence that your SMS is not only compliant, but also a driver of safety and business performance. 

Don’t let non-compliance put your approvals at risk. Contact us to discuss how to start your pathway to Operating today. 

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