My weekly posts
I can’t sell this any more than I have — don’t miss out on the Level 7 outcomes in complexity apprenticeship — it really is the last chance!
I’m out of clever ways to say it — this is the last chance to join Leading and Commissioning for Outcomes in Complexity – Convening Systems Change, our tailored Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship. It’s fully levy-funded (or 95% funded for smaller organisations) and launches 21 November. Learn through your own live work with proven tools, expert coaching, and real outcomes. Perfect for commissioners, system convenors, and transformation leads across public services. Don’t miss out! https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_leading-and-commissioning-for-outcomes-in-activity-7391375231019433984-3utB
Size in important, in local government reorganisation — what are the implications?
As Surrey prepares to split into two new unitary councils, I’ve been reflecting on how scale changes what we see and do in policy. Surrey once had a low NEET rate but, being large, still had many young people out of work or education. New IMD maps show how detail alters perspective — coastal, rural, and urban deprivation side by side. The big picture matters, but we live in the details. When we look differently, we must act differently too. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_when-you-change-the-way-you-look-at-things-activity-7391039947396243456-c–e
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. Forfurther 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:
Six Months In: From Structure to Substance (And Why I’m Still Learning)
After six months immersed back in local government transformation with a fantastic group of people at Somerset Council, I’m discovering that real change starts at the intersection of structure and soul.
From daily rituals to deep tensions, I’m learning that leadership is less about having neat answers – and more about staying curious, embracing imperfection, and building trust one conversation at a time. https://lnkd.in/eJ3Ec5Ts
Research Associate Manchester Metropolitan University
Interested in working with us to shape the future of systems in hashtag#RelationalPublicservices and hashtag#PublicServiceReform?
Come and work with us at the Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU) School of Sociology and Criminology at Manchester Metropolitan University
Research Associate role https://lnkd.in/ejbQyGjR
Wokingham Jobs
We have an excellent opportunity available for an exceptional leader to join our Adult Social Care Directorate as Head of Strategic Commissioning.
Wokingham’s adult social care services were rated “Good” overall by CQC, with “Outstanding” scores in Partnerships & Communities and Learning, Improvement & Innovation. We achieved one of the highest scores nationally (81%) — a powerful endorsement of our commitment to quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement. https://lnkd.in/eZX95daF
Dan Bates on local finances for LGR
Debt was clearly a big issue in yesterday’s Surrey LGR decision.
So below is a graph showing need to borrow as a percentage of Core Spending Power; the new Surrey unitaries (dark blue) compared with existing unitaries (light blue) with the three unitary proposals in orange.
High levels of debt, even with the write-off, will continue to be a challenge for West Surrey as acknowledged by both the Surrey proposals. The write-off of some of Woking’s ‘stranded’ debt will assist though West Surrey will still have the second highest debt to CSP ratio (note, not the highest!).
Note, the graph simply shows need to borrow. It doesn’t show asset values, equity, income from HRAs and commercial assets (considerable in West Surrey) and borrowing profiles that contribute to a more balanced view of capital health than debt alone. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dan-bates_debt-was-clearly-a-big-issue-in-yesterdays-activity-7389194378700824576-YknB?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Head of Programme Management Office (PMO)
Hi all – sharing a really great opportunity to help build a new organization wide PMO in the Greater London Authority. The Mayor has been publishing his Mayoral Delivery Plans and the PMO will help to ensure delivery of them.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to build something really meaningful from the ground up and right in line with organizational strategy.
https://lnkd.in/e-KURyNP
chosen path 