My weekly posts
The Vitamin
I’m reflecting on the fantasy of “The Vitamin” – that one missing thing which, once discovered, suddenly explains all the struggle and unlocks brilliance. Individually, we dream of a breakthrough that makes everything easier. In organisational life, I see the same hope: that one change, insight or fix will deliver salvation. The post asks whether such a Vitamin really exists at work – or whether progress is usually messier, harder-won, and less magical. The Vitamin – chosen path
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:
Ricard Solé youtube conversation with Dr Michael Levin – the bounds of complexity in living systems (2024)
What are the bounds of complexity in living systems? How can synthetic biology and bioengineering be used to interrogate emergent properties or information processing in cells & organisms? Ricard Solé youtube conversation with Dr Michael Levin – the bounds of complexity in living systems (2024) | Systems Community of Inquiry
The Wide Angle: Understanding TESCREAL — Silicon Valley’s Rightward Turn | Washington Spectator
For decades, the conventional wisdom about Silicon Valley was that it leaned progressive. And by many measures (like donations by Big Tech employees to political candidates), the industry has been aligned with the Democratic politics that dominate the San Francisco Bay Area. The Wide Angle: Understanding TESCREAL — Silicon Valley’s Rightward Turn | Washington Spectator
2026 Conference: Systems Thinking and Systems Practice
The Centre for Systems Studies at the University of Hull, The OR Society, SCIO and International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR) warmly invite you to join us for the conference ‘Systems Thinking and Systems Practice’ that is due to take place at the University of Hull from 24th – 26th of March 2026. ⋮ 2026 Conference: Systems Thinking and Systems Practice ⋮ Blackthorn Events
Indian vultures: Decline of scavenger birds caused 500,000 human deaths
Once upon a time, the vulture was an abundant and ubiquitous bird in India. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c28e2pvzn3lo?utm_content=buffer04bc7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_campaign=buffer
y weekly posts
The Vitamin
I’m reflecting on the fantasy of “The Vitamin” – that one missing thing which, once discovered, suddenly explains all the struggle and unlocks brilliance. Individually, we dream of a breakthrough that makes everything easier. In organisational life, I see the same hope: that one change, insight or fix will deliver salvation. The post asks whether such a Vitamin really exists at work – or whether progress is usually messier, harder-won, and less magical. The Vitamin – chosen path
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:
Ricard Solé youtube conversation with Dr Michael Levin – the bounds of complexity in living systems (2024)
What are the bounds of complexity in living systems? How can synthetic biology and bioengineering be used to interrogate emergent properties or information processing in cells & organisms? Ricard Solé youtube conversation with Dr Michael Levin – the bounds of complexity in living systems (2024) | Systems Community of Inquiry
The Wide Angle: Understanding TESCREAL — Silicon Valley’s Rightward Turn | Washington Spectator
For decades, the conventional wisdom about Silicon Valley was that it leaned progressive. And by many measures (like donations by Big Tech employees to political candidates), the industry has been aligned with the Democratic politics that dominate the San Francisco Bay Area. The Wide Angle: Understanding TESCREAL — Silicon Valley’s Rightward Turn | Washington Spectator
2026 Conference: Systems Thinking and Systems Practice
The Centre for Systems Studies at the University of Hull, The OR Society, SCIO and International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR) warmly invite you to join us for the conference ‘Systems Thinking and Systems Practice’ that is due to take place at the University of Hull from 24th – 26th of March 2026. ⋮ 2026 Conference: Systems Thinking and Systems Practice ⋮ Blackthorn Events
Indian vultures: Decline of scavenger birds caused 500,000 human deaths
Once upon a time, the vulture was an abundant and ubiquitous bird in India. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c28e2pvzn3lo?utm_content=buffer04bc7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_campaign=buffer
chosen path 