My weekly posts
A response to The Inner Work of System Leadership – Kania, Ruparell, Senge, and Hamilton (2026)
I’ve co-authored a new Garrison Institute article exploring the link between inner work and system leadership, building on earlier work with Peter Senge and colleagues. We argue that trauma healing is essential for leaders to drive meaningful systems change, yet it’s often overlooked. Without addressing personal and collective trauma, transformation remains limited. I’m keen to hear your thoughts on how important inner work is for effective leadership. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-kania-1a294020_the-inner-work-of-system-leadership-activity-7437517239865606144-7i91?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
What do we mean when we say ‘relational’ in public services?
I’m reflecting on what we really mean by ‘relational’ in public services. It’s not about being nicer, but about how power and value are shared. A relational approach recognises people and co-creates outcomes, rather than simply processing requests. Transactions still matter, but should support relationships, not replace them. Too often, services get this backwards. For me, the challenge is to design systems where relationships come first and genuinely strengthen people’s capability. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_what-do-we-mean-when-we-say-relational-activity-7439590693385392128-Advx/
Courses and events
Contract Management course – this March
Designed for public services professionals, this programme refreshes core skills, challenges thinking, strengthens decision-making, manages political realities, and improves value-for-money through evidence-based, outcome-focused contract management. The programme runs from Wednesday 25 March 2026 to Wednesday 13 May 2026, with six core sessions. contact Sarah Johnston on 07701 049836 or email sarah.johnston@publicservicetransformation.org. link.redquadrant.com/ContractManagement26
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 veil of numbers – Ward (2025)
(2025) The veil of numbers – Aidan Ward https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_the-veil-of-numbers-ward-2025-activity-7440726428259782658-3aNL?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Harish’s Notebook – the invisbility of infrastructures
Harish’s Notebook – the invisbility of infrastructures – Jose (2025) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_harishs-notebook-the-invisbility-of-infrastructures-activity-7440667790170198016-XpdN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Harish’s Notebook – On the Presence of Complexity
Harish’s Notebook – On the Presence of Complexity – Jose (2025) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_harishs-notebook-on-the-presence-ofcomplexity-activity-7440519562376171520-nBrx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
‘Our community deserves beauty’: one man’s mission to green a UK tree desert
(2025) Phoebe Weston in Grimsby https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_our-community-deserves-beauty-one-man-activity-7440517809484402688-bDLr?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
chosen path 