Deborah Sims is a specialist in leadership and human performance with over 25 years of experience in military aviation and behavioural training. Her career began with a 16-year commission in the Royal Navy as a Warfare Officer, where she developed a deep understanding of operational aviation and the human factors that underpin safe and effective performance. As a Fighter Controller and Air Director, she worked closely with pilots, deck crews, and command teams, gaining insight into the pressures faced across the aviation environment. Her expertise spans aviation operations, stress and decision-making, and behavioural dynamics in high-pressure settings. She has designed and delivered training for military and civilian organisations, including instructional techniques for the RAF and cultural awareness for tri-service personnel. Deborah combines technical aviation knowledge with a strong grasp of interpersonal communication, listening, and rapport-building, skills essential for supporting CHIRP’s confidential reporting and safety improvement mission. She brings a unique blend of operational credibility, behavioural insight, and training design experience, making her well-suited to contribute to CHIRP’s work in promoting safety, just culture, and human factors awareness across UK aviation.
Deborah Sims
—
by