My weekly posts
Trying to ascertain some facts about the Democracy Volunteers observations on the Denton and Gorton byelection
Frustrated by thin media context, I used ChatGPT to dig into Democracy Volunteers, ‘family voting’ and the law after the Gorton and Denton row. I learned that ‘family voting’ isn’t a legal term; the offence hinges on intent to influence, and polling staff must balance secrecy, lawful assistance and order. It also raised questions about why concerns weren’t escalated on the day. AI isn’t perfect, but it’s a useful way to test assumptions quickly. Trying to ascertain some facts about the Democracy Volunteers observations on the Denton and Gorton byelection – chosen path
Delivery leverage and control matrix
Most delivery model debates are really about control, especially in local government reorganisation. We often jump to structures before making trade-offs explicit. I’ve developed a simple Delivery Leverage & Control Matrix: 22 scored questions that reveal your service’s needs, model fit, and any hidden contradictions. The most valuable insight comes from spotting where intentions clash with reality. Try scoring one service quickly—you may uncover assumptions that could cause problems later. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_redquadrant-delivery-leverage-and-control-activity-7431979380886626304-SrSS
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:
Heideggerian AI, Xerox PARC, and Metarationality with David Chapman
Heideggerian AI, Xerox PARC, and Metarationality with David Chapman – Max Langenkamp (substack) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_heideggerian-ai-xerox-parc-and-metarationality-activity-7432909417211359233-P0SJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
What Emergence Can Possibly Mean – Carroll and Parola (2024)
We consider emergence from the perspective of dynamics: states of a system evolving with time. We focus on the role of a decomposition of wholes into parts, and attempt to characterize relationships between levels without reference to whether higher-level properties are “novel” or “unexpected.” We offer a classification of different varieties of emergence, with and without new ontological elements at higher levels. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_what-emergence-can-possibly-mean-carroll-activity-7432907665489702912-kr0Q?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Governments Should Start Paying People to Bike to Work
Systems Theory, Systems Philosophy, Systems Methodology via Bela H. Banathy (1985) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_systems-theory-systems-philosophy-systems-activity-7432818080168325120-xhbm?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Why social workers choose to stay – Community Care
10 November 2023 – As the sector’s retention rates continue to deteriorate, we asked social workers why they have chosen to remain in the profession. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_why-social-workers-choose-to-stay-activity-7432753896218963968-kIak?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
chosen path 