My weekly posts
Cheat sheet for more relational customer-first services
Public services often use “relational” as if it’s automatically better, but the real issue is a gradient. Transactional services aren’t bad — they just assume tidy lives and clear needs. Relational practice starts where that breaks down: messy realities, low trust, and problems that don’t fit forms. The first move isn’t revolution, but making transactional services more human: listen to demand, empower the front door, ensure case ownership, enable problem-solving, measure wisely, and design for resilience. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_redquadrant-customer-first-public-services-activity-7424377183965442048-qzep
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:
The Seen and the Unseen with Amit Varma Episode 404: Devdutt Pattanaik and the Stories That Shape Us
Taking long-form podcasting to something of an extreme, listen to the first half hour of this if you have time walking or driving or whatever and see if you don’t want the rest – the ecological movement of forces and mutual debts and obligations compared to the Western ‘Hero’s Journey’ seems really important Episode 404: Devdutt Pattanaik and the Stories That Shape Us | The Seen and the Unseen
Harold Black and the Invention of the Negative Feedback Amplifier
Harold Black and the Invention of the Negative Feedback Amplifier Harold Black and the Invention of the Negative Feedback Amplifier | Systems Community of Inquiry
Insights into the science of complexity – Boulton (2024)
By Jean Boulton What are the key ideas that define the science of complexity? How do they help us better understand our world so that we can engage more effectively? Insights into the science of complexity – Integration and Implementation Insights
Minneapolis | Heavyweight
Minneapolis | Heavyweight – Pushkin – Johnathan Goldstein Minneapolis | Heavyweight
chosen path 