My weekly posts
The most expensive thing in a workshop is the facilitator trying to be useful.
In workshops, the costliest thing we can do is try to be “useful” too quickly. Not because helping is wrong, but because it often comes from our own need for safety and status in uncertainty. So we rush to fix, summarise, or move on — turning anxiety into momentum. In public services, that fuels premature certainty. The better work is holding the tension, treating connection as the content, and using our power to protect agency. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_the-most-expensive-thing-in-a-workshop-is-activity-7426910001493008384-z2Re
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:
A Framework for the Application of the Viable System Model and a Taxonomy of Organizational Pathologies – Perez Rio
This chapter briefly describes the framework for applying the Viable System Model (VSM) and the whole set of organizational pathologies. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_a-framework-for-the-application-of-the-viable-activity-7428042853450162176-SyKJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Latticework
Unifying annotation and freeform text editing for augmented sensemaking – Matthew Siu and Andy Matuschak; August 2024 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_latticework-unifying-annotation-and-freeform-activity-7427984126357585920-KMKD?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Royals really cost £510m, anti-monarchists say
2024 – The royals cost more than official figures suggest, anti-monarchists say. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_royals-really-cost-510m-anti-monarchists-activity-7427835989466906624-lbpQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeohoLatticework
Matthew Siu does interesting stuff with clever little interfaces etc
“I’m an interface researcher interested in how technology can support deeper understanding and expand human creative capacity.” – Matthew Siu https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_matthew-siu-activity-7427834243621289984-6fWf?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
chosen path 