My weekly posts
We need to be much more precise about what AI can and can’t do in public services
I think we need to be far more precise about what AI can and can’t do in public services. Big Tech operates in highly measurable environments with simple goals, whereas public services deal with complex, contested, and often unquantifiable outcomes. AI can support analysis and reduce fragmentation, but much of public work relies on tacit judgement and legitimacy. The challenge isn’t capability but fit—using AI to support, not replace, accountable decision-making in complex, democratic systems. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_we-need-to-be-much-more-precise-about-what-activity-7447175907456212992-zu-u?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
‘Rebraiding cybernetics and AI’ – a few thoughts on the first webinar
I’ve been reflecting on the ‘Re-Braiding Cybernetics and AI’ symposium and how cybernetics keeps the observer, purpose and responsibility in view, while AI often narrows the frame to tasks and optimisation. That shift has big consequences. For public services, the real issue isn’t smarter tools but better systems: ones that account for purpose, power and context. The challenge is designing institutions where AI supports judgement, learning and accountability, rather than making flawed systems more efficient at the wrong things. https://stream.syscoi.com/2026/04/06/rebraiding-cybernetics-and-ai-a-few-thoughts-on-the-first-webinar/?page_id=27413
Courses and events
The Reality of Contract Management for OPCCs
Grab your place at this this practical, expert-led programme that helps OPCC leaders and senior professionals strengthen contract management capability in real-world conditions. Through a small, focused cohort, participants will explore risk, performance, legacy arrangements, uncertainty and outcomes, with space for practical discussion and peer learning. To book, contact Sarah Johnston: sarah.johnston@publicservicetransformation.org Find out more: https://link.redquadrant.com/RealityofContractManagementApril26
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:
Ceasefire or no ceasefire, the Middle East’s reshuffling is not yet done
Once you see neutralising, dehumanising, distancing language you can’t unsee it.’What was that shockwave and mushroom cloud, honey?”Oh, nothing, darling. Just the Middle East reshuffling again’ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_ceasefire-or-no-ceasefire-the-middle-easts-activity-7448321473301135360-dDm4?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Ubuntu, nite and humanism – Palais de Tokyo
Ubuntu, nite and humanism – Palais de Tokyo By Souleymane Bachir Diagne https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_ubuntu-nite-and-humanism-palais-de-tokyo-activity-7448262839502422016-VInM?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Cybernetics Live on management cybernetics with Carola Ritzinger-Roll, Michael Frahm & Matvei Tobman – Cybernetics Society
2025, Carola, Michael and Matvei will look at management cybernetics as a general framework to successfully implement lean management in several industries (construction, mechanical engineering & healthcare). https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_cybernetics-live-on-management-cybernetics-activity-7448114611549143040-AW3y?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
What Makes an Idea Interesting? – Freakonomics
“Interesting ideas often arise when they contradict widely held beliefs, prompting individuals to reassess their understanding of the world” https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_what-makes-an-idea-interesting-freakonomics-activity-7448112868308357120-s4ZL?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
chosen path 