My weekly posts
‘When you realize the plot of the last 10 years was just a prologue…’
Over the last decade, things have felt like a relentless slog: Brexit, Covid, laying off colleagues, family bereavements, a nightmare house project, my dad’s decline and death, my own creaky health and work’s highs and lows. In the middle of ceiling collapses and hospital calls, I’ve still been shaping ideas on relational public services and systems thinking. Posting about it all has helped. Life is hard and finite, but it’s also where love, meaning and joy live—so what we put into it matters. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_when-you-realize-the-plot-of-the-last-10-activity-7401538858854744064-ZHgj/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
A Hundred Origin Stories – an Unfinished History of Relational Public Services – Parker, Dove, and Taylor (2025)
I set out to trace the history of relational public services after a simple LinkedIn question revealed just how scattered and diverse its roots are. Relationalism has no single origin story; it’s a woven tradition emerging from charity, community action, social work, feminism, systems thinking, design, and countless local experiments. After decades overshadowed by New Public Management, relational practice is resurging through place-based, people-centred approaches. Its power lies in relationships as the core of public service – adaptable, humane, and urgently needed today. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nick-kimber-a7789a21_hello-can-anybody-point-me-to-a-decent-accessible-activity-7387430771348897792-Si42/
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. 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:
Tell your MP to attend the debate on digital IDs
Nearly three million people signed the petition ‘Do not introduce Digital ID cards’ . The government, however, is pushing ahead regardless of public concern. Tell your MP to attend the debate on digital IDs | Open Rights Group
Christmas deadlines 2025, fewer Christmas tenders but at what cost? – Open Opportunities
5 years ago I started publishing our “Christmas Grinch” series. Essentially all we did was name names and point fingers at the procurement villains who were asking bidders for responses to bids during the Christmas holidays*. Christmas deadlines 2025, fewer Christmas tenders but at what cost? – Open Opportunities
‘The Handbook of Systems Thinking’ – Journal of Systems Thinking (Cabrera Research Lab)
This Handbook details the theory and practice of Systems Thinking in the areas of social systems, management, and policy. ‘The Handbook of Systems Thinking’ – Journal of Systems Thinking (Cabrera Research Lab) | Systems Community of Inquiry
Meet The Sámi Land Defenders of Scandinavia | Atmos
Four Sami leaders and advocates speak with Nina Gualinga about their relationship to the land, and why the green transition is amounting to a new wave of colonization. Meet the Sámi People Defending the Lands of Scandinavia | Atmos
Exclusive: Over 50 LGR proposals sent to MHCLG
Striking how words such as “argue”, “battle”, “compete” and “disagreement” feature in this piece and I don’t think it is journalistic hyperbole. Great success for ministers in bringing out the best in local government!!!! Exclusive: Over 50 LGR proposals sent to MHCLG | Local Government Chronicle (LGC)
chosen path 