My weekly posts
Think-pieces saying ‘commissioning is dead, long live strategic commissioning’ are dead, long live think-pieces saying ‘commissioning is dead, long live strategic commissioning’
Strategic commissioning is back, but the real barrier isn’t guidance — it’s whether places have the governance, honesty and cross-boundary funding needed to make real trade-offs. We need shared insight into need, clarity on commissioning models, support for VCSE partners, and a learning rhythm that actually reshapes services. If you’re not there yet, you’re not alone. Start small and serious: use the Commissioning Compass and complete two proper strategic commissioning options appraisals. We can be rigorous and humane at once. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_commissioning-compass-system-assessment-activity-7396449650750300160-1yVq
Commissioning in the NHS – first as tragedy, then as farce?
The new strategic commissioning framework could finally stop the cycle of plans that never shift resources. The direction is right, but doing it will be hard. If I were in a senior role, I’d target two high-impact cohorts, build integrated neighbourhood teams, and use a short options appraisal to map real shifts in money and risk. I’d invest in VCSE capacity, publish clear decision criteria, and use the Commissioning Compass to track capability. None of this is radical — just the craft needed to turn frameworks into better outcomes. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_commissioning-compass-system-assessment-activity-7397048483675025408-5cIu
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
Last chance! Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship
This course launches 5 December so grab you last minute place now! 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:
Local government’s role in place-based work. New Local.
In a guest post for New Local, co-founder of Stories of Change, John Hitchin, shares his thoughts on the future of place-based work. https://www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/local-governments-role-in-place-based-work/
2026 Conference: Systems Thinking and Systems Practice – 24-26/3/2026, University of Hull – full website up, booking open, call for abstracts (talk proposals)
24–26 March 2026 | University of Hull. This conference aims to do things differently, bringing together in lively debate systems academics and public and private sector systems practitioners. Call for abstracts now. https://wp.me/p8QJZw-6Rr
How First Contact With Whale Civilization Could Unfold
Call for Abstracts: Laws of Form 2026 Conference (LoF26), University of Cambridge, Faculty of Education 10-14 August 2026
Monday 10 August – Friday 14 August 2026. 184 Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8PQ, United Kingdom. Submissions for papers, panel sessions, interactive presentations, workshops, performance sessions, and creative contributions inspired by George Spencer-Brown’s work and life are now open for the Laws of Form 2026 Conference (LoF26). https://wp.me/p8QJZw-6Rn
Why we need to quit ‘fixing’ the world:
A cybernetic approach to planetary challenges – podcast/video with Nora Bateson and Hans Busstra https://wp.me/p8QJZw-6R1
chosen path 