My weekly posts
Everyone says they want ‘systems change’ until you ask them to actually do it.
Everyone talks about ‘systems change’ until it’s time to actually do it. That’s why we’ve built a fully funded, accredited programme – Leading and Commissioning for Outcomes in Complexity. It’s for those handed the “unsolvable” problems across health, care, or local government. You’ll learn practical systems tools, apply them to real challenges, and gain a Level 7 qualification (and potential MBA top-up). Funded through the apprenticeship levy, launching online 21 Nov and in Exeter 5 Dec. Finally, real training for real systems change. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_everyone-says-they-want-systems-change-activity-7389077224131289089–Bbs?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
How do we change the way we relate?
Relational practice isn’t new – it’s the simple truth that good life and good work depend on good relationships. In exploring its history and practice, I found no single lineage, just a thread running through decades of care, community, and reform. Today, making relational public services real means redesigning conditions, not behaviours – creating spaces for honesty, learning, and shared accountability. It’s not a programme but a shift in identity and power: people as co-authors of value, not subjects of systems.
Courses and events
Introducing the RedQuadrant Local Government Reorganisation hub
Local Government Reorganisation is coming fast. By April 2028, every new authority must be safe, legal, and fully operational. That means statutory officers secured, ICT cutovers rehearsed, services live, and residents experiencing seamless continuity. The RedQuadrant LGR Hub is the only model that guarantees readiness while embedding lasting capability. With a single accountable structure, governance at its core, and capability pillars across adults, children’s, SEND, ICT, finance, housing, and place, the Hub ensures no gaps, no surprises. Three outcomes, every time: Safe and legal on day one; Visible assurance and confidence in delivery; Future-ready capacity with transformation built in. Find out more now: https://www.redquadrant.com/lgrhub
Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship
The new apprenticeship Leading and Commissioning for Outcomes in Complexity – Convening Systems Change can supercharge your career and transform your organisation. Fully funded Level 7 programme this year only! Real-world impact through applied systems thinking. For commissioners, system leaders, and systems change-makers. For further information, see https://www.publicservicetransformation.org/level-7-apprenticeship-course-leading-and-commissioning-for-outcomes-in-complexity-convening-systems-change-free-webinar-on-20-august-2025-1230pm-uk-time/
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
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
Things I shared on socials:
Nick Kimber on LinkedIn: “Hello. Can anybody point me to a decent accessible history of relational practice/thinking/ leadership (ideally short form)?”
There are loads of good responses from people I deeply admire in this space. And as I say below, I was utterly nerdsniped and did a long response – reproduced on my blog. https://wp.me/p8QJZw-6Ni
RIP Bill Torbert
I hear via a lovely tribute from John Watters of Bill Torbert’s death this week. I was introduce to Bill’s work by Peter Cooper, specifically the brilliant Action Inquiry, to which John also refers – a central book for those interested in ‘human development’ in the broadest sense. https://wp.me/p8QJZw-6Nr
Where are the public sector reformers? Help us find them! Gavin Freeguard.
Where are the conversations about reforming the public sector? Where are the movements trying to translate those conversations into concrete action? At Kinship Works, we thought it would be useful to try to find where those reformers are, understand the different ‘tribes’, and start a conversation about what convening, collaboration and support might be helpful. https://medium.com/kinship-works/where-are-the-public-sector-reformers-help-us-find-them-a321e0250594
The case for putting place-based, relational approaches at the heart of local government reorganisation. Collaborate.
Collaborate has worked with Test Valley Borough Council to build the case for why place-based, relational approaches to public services should be core to local government reorganisation. https://collaboratecic.com/insights-and-resources/the-case-for-putting-placed-based-relational-approaches-at-the-heart-of-local-government-reorganisation/
Reinvigorating Direct Payments: webinar series starting 25 November.
Think Local Act Personal is running a series of webinars on the topic of Direct Payments this autumn. The events aim to give more people choice and control over their lives – something we’re really passionate about. Helen Allen, Programme Director at Community Catalysts, will contribute to the webinar on Direct Payments and the care and support market, which will be held on 25 November. https://thinklocalactpersonal.org.uk/our-hubs/choice-and-control/reinvigorating-direct-payments-events-and-webinar-series/
Learning from Somerset: A Blueprint for Local Government Transformation.
Somerset Council’s updated Target Operating Model (TOM), published in August 2024, offers a timely and ambitious example of how a local authority can reimagine its future. https://www.truthaboutlocalgovernment.com/post/learning-from-somerset-a-blueprint-for-local-government-transformation
chosen path 