Written by Pete Hibbert, Senior Consultant and STEP Lead at Baines Simmons
A Longstanding Partnership in UK Military Aviation
Baines Simmons is proud to be the key delivery partner in the UK Military Aviation Authority's (MAA) Safety Training for Error Prevention (STEP) Programme, a cornerstone initiative designed to elevate safety knowledge, regulatory understanding, and professional competence across all elements of UK Armed Forces Aviation.
We have been involved with UK military aviation since the company's inception, and in 2009, we were asked by the Royal Air Force (RAF) to conduct a diagnostic survey of their approach to Error Management and Safety Culture within their maintenance activities. The results of this study were used to build the RAF Maintenance Error Management System (M)EMS, 'M' being in parentheses in acknowledgement that the principles of the system were wholly transferable to any environment, be that aircrew, support functions or air traffic. RAF (M)EMS was a great success and generated a reporting culture that signified a great change in the RAF Engineering safety with (M)EMS being subsequently widened to include aircrew, air traffic and support functions.
A Pivotal Moment: The Haddon-Cave Report
Our work was acknowledged in the 2010 Haddon Cave report into the RAF Nimrod disaster in Afghanistan in 2006. This report was a pivotal moment for UK military aviation as it directly led to the creation of the UK MAA. Now 15 years later, we are delivering the fourth contract of its kind, providing technical support and training on behalf of the UK's military regulator to the armed forces for the next 5 years.
Delivering STEP: A comprehensive Training Programme
Our involvement in STEP reflects not only our deep subject matter expertise in aviation safety and regulation, but also our proven track record in delivering transformational learning experiences. Through STEP, we work alongside the MAA to deliver a wide-ranging suite of courses that cover critical areas including:
• Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Error Management
• Risk Management
• Upskilling Safety Investigators
• Airworthiness Regulations
All of these courses are tailored to the unique demands of military aviation.
Expertise Rooted in Experience
With decades of experience supporting military and civil aviation clients globally, our consultants bring an unrivalled blend of regulatory insight, operational credibility, and instructional excellence. Many of our team members have served in military aviation themselves, providing a nuanced understanding of the operational context and constraints within which Defence operates.
Our contribution to STEP goes beyond training delivery. We help foster a culture of safety leadership, critical thinking, and accountability at all levels, from the frontline operator to the senior duty holder. By bridging the gap between regulatory intent and practical implementation, we ensure that learning is not only retained but applied effectively to drive safer, smarter decision-making. We work with all UK military aviation branches: the Royal Navy, Army and RAF, and this includes the world-famous RAF Red Arrows Aerobatic Display team. We have even been involved with risk mitigation and planning for some of their worldwide tours.
We are especially proud of the competency uplift achieved through our involvement in STEP. Delegates leave our courses better equipped to navigate complexity, understand their responsibilities, and contribute meaningfully to the safe delivery of air capability.
Baines Simmons: Trusted Partners in Safety
In an increasingly volatile and unpredictable world, the readiness and resilience of our Armed Forces have never been more vital. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) in embedding sustainable safety performance across military aviation. Our role in the STEP programme forms part of a long-standing and trusted partnership with UK Defence, one founded on deep subject matter expertise, regulatory insight, and a shared determination to enhance operational effectiveness. By strengthening safety culture, competence, and assurance, we help ensure that the UK military remains prepared to Fly - Fight - Win in defence of national and global security.
Explore our STEP courses listed below and get in touch at hello@bainessimmons.com to find out more about our work with the military aviation within the UK, but also globally.