My weekly posts
Who first said ‘hitting the target but missing the point’?
I’ve been exploring the origins of the phrase “hitting the target but missing the point”, which neatly captures Campbell/Goodhart/Strathern’s law. While earlier academic roots are debated, my provisional favourite is a 2006 TES article by Colin Foster, reflecting concerns about target-setting in schools and public services. It strongly aligns with my dad’s thinking as a headteacher and vividly illustrates how targets can distort purpose rather than improve outcomes. Who first said ‘hitting the target but missing the point’? – chosen path
How code (modelling) eats the world — and why it’s important for us all.
I’m reflecting on Campbell/Goodhart/Strathern’s law and how metrics end up shaping behaviour rather than revealing reality. Amazon’s CpX shows how a good measure can drift into control: instead of learning from customers, the system makes contact harder. Drawing on Boyd, Deming, Beer, Ackoff and Zuboff, I argue this is ethically troubling and systemically dangerous — forcing the world to fit the model rather than adapting the model to lived experience. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_how-code-modelling-eats-the-world-and-activity-7414224107195494400-rtYd
How code (modelling) eats the world — and why it’s important for us all.
I’m reflecting on Campbell/Goodhart/Strathern’s law and how metrics end up shaping behaviour rather than revealing reality. Amazon’s CpX shows how a good measure can drift into control: instead of learning from customers, the system makes contact harder. Drawing on Boyd, Deming, Beer, Ackoff and Zuboff, I argue this is ethically troubling and systemically dangerous — forcing the world to fit the model rather than adapting the model to lived experience. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_how-code-modelling-eats-the-world-and-activity-7414224107195494400-rtYd
Courses and events
Outcome-based commissioning: a ten-step introduction – Cohort 10, this February
Back by popular demand! Our introductory course for commissioners will run again this February, with the first session on 25 February. This online and interactive learning programme will enable you to grasp the core principles and practices of effective commissioning. You’ll be better placed to help develop public services that make a really positive and lasting difference to local people’s lives. You’ll also be able to act quickly with confidence using a commissioning mindset and call on your network of fellow participants for support and challenge. https://link.redquadrant.com/10StepFeb26
Child House to be rolled out nationally – well done to the RedQuadrant consultants who were involved
This is wonderful news! I remain very proud of the small but hopefully valuable role RedQuadrant played in supporting this fantastic example ofsystems change or systems convening in moving public services closer to how they ought to be! https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_child-victims-should-never-be-forced-to-repeat-activity-7407439019019485184-Q_Hx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADUV_eUBZSxZvFpx70OV050F6K5HM2MhTMo
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
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
What I’ve been reading:
Congratulations to Andrew Humphreys. who has stepped into a new role as SAVVI Delivery Manager.
The SAVVI project, (short for Scalable Approach to Vulnerability via Interoperability) is about helping public services identify, assess, and support people at risk of poor outcomes, whether that’s homelessness, child poverty, or even being unable to evacuate during a flood. By developing open data standards, practical guidance, and innovative tools, SAVVI enables a truly coordinated, multi-agency response. You can read more on Andrew’s role, and on the project, here: https://coda.io/@savvi/welcome/exciting-news-from-the-savvi-team-313
Things I shared on socials:
Crown Commercial Service expansion – beware conflict of interests
In the first part of this note, way back in December 2025, I talked about Crown Commercial Service (CCS), the UK’s central procurement arm, and how the organisation is driven primarily by the desire to increase its own revenue and profit – which is returned to the Cabinet Office, its parent department. (2) Crown Commercial Service expansion – beware conflict of interests | LinkedIn
What is Entropy? – Baez (2024)
This short book is an elementary course on entropy, leading up to a calculation of the entropy of hydrogen gas at standard temperature and pressure. What is Entropy? – Baez (2024) | Systems Community of Inquiry
Systems change frameworks — a proliferation – Loveridge (2024)
In 2022, I read numerous systems change frameworks. I selected reports and documents that sought to describe what a system or systems… Systems change frameworks — a proliferation – Loveridge (2024) | Systems Community of Inquiry
Digital future of local services
Here’s a new piece about the future of digital for local public services including practical deployment of AI, data management, predictive analytics and redesigning services in tandem with tech. Digital future of local services – Richard Selwyn | Blog
chosen path 