My weekly posts
Seven ways to save and improve
We’ve embraced agile, human learning systems, and transformation—but have we truly tackled savings? At a recent iNetwork session, I shared our ‘seven ways to save and improve’ model. It’s time to confront uncomfortable truths, think in systems, and seek real, systemic savings—not just back-end tweaks. Want the guide? Drop me a message. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_making-savings-in-the-public-sector-activity-7348261926998536194-qaay
Courses and events
Financial Times expert survey on management consultancies – vote now!
If you’re a consultant then you can vote in the peer survey to find Britain’s leading consultancy. RedQuadrant has done well for the past eight years. Usually, we’ve been listed in the public and social sector, organisation and change, people and performance, or in strategy. https://engage.statista-research.com/index.php?r=survey/index&sid=358489&lang=en.
Commissioning Compass: systems assessment for change
Our newly launched tool, the Commissioning Compass, helps you to assess your commissioning system and form an action plan for improvement. It’s available for free via our Teachable site – try it now! link.redquadrant.com/commissioningcompass
This September – Outcomes-based commissioning: a ten-step introduction
We’ve announced new dates for our introduction to commissioning course at the PSTA, perfect for early career commissioners in police, justice, health, care, children’s services, or other commissioning disciplines. Register your interest now. https://link.redquadrant.com/10step0925
Next National Commissioning Academy
We’re building our cohort for the next national commissioning academy – our flagship commissioning programme from the PSTA. Register your interest now: https://link.redquadrant.com/nextacademy25
Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship
Work in England or Wales? Want to develop your systems thinking skills? Sign up now for the next cohort of the Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship — Cherith Simmons, with experts from SCiO (including me). It’s funded by the apprenticeship levy to the end of the year. https://app.sli.do/event/pJLVg5fZ4NZocjSi8uEqim
SysPrac25 – The Systems Thinking Practitioner Conference.
3-4 September, Milton Keynes. SCiO, The Open University, and the International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR) are excited to invite you to SysPrac25 — the essential conference for systems thinking practitioners, learners, and leaders. Join us on 3rd and 4th September 2025 at the Open University campus in Milton Keynes for two dynamic days of insight, interaction, and innovation. Book your place now: www.sysprac25.org
Things I shared on socials:
Can infrastructure help ‘left behind’ places ‘catch up?’
Theorizing the role of built infrastructure in regional development https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_can-infrastructure-help-left-behind-places-activity-7347504789687005185-gd-9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Staying Alive: Patterns for Failure Management from the Bottom of the Ocean. Ronnie Chen
BodyA classic talk about systems thinking, as told through a story of ocean diving. Some key observations: 1. Catastrophic failures in complex systems are the result of several smaller failures 2. An unused or untested safety system does not exist 3. Normalization of deviance is a natural human phenomenon https://stream.syscoi.com/2025/07/06/staying-alive-patterns-for-failure-management-from-the-bottom-of-the-ocean-ronnie-chen/
Interview: Belgrade outfit Lenhart Tapes produces folklore like you’ve never heard
Why Reform Fails When It Forgets the Ghost Layer – red flower (2025)
On institutional memory, symbolic progress, and the illusions of clean slates Reform is a hopeful word. It promises change — orderly, positive, forward-moving. https://stream.syscoi.com/2025/07/07/why-reform-fails-when-it-forgets-the-ghost-layer-red-flower-2025/
Cyclists Break Far Fewer Road Rules Than Motorists, Finds New Video Study
Teach Yourself Systems – Saviu (2025(?))
Welcome to TYS, an interactive learning resource focused on systems thinking and systems engineering. In a world of abundant intelligence, systems thinking is becoming more important than ever. This site aims to help you understand complex systems, their interactions, and how to design and manage them effectively. https://stream.syscoi.com/2025/07/06/teach-yourself-systems-saviu-2025/
chosen path 