My weekly posts
What if the most valuable thing in ‘whole system’ work is not seeing the whole system at all?
I agree with the move from abstract systems thinking to people experiencing reality through each other’s eyes. But I’m wary of the idea that we can ever truly “see the whole system”. What emerges is always a partial, constructed encounter. The real value of approaches like Future Search isn’t revealing the whole, but creating the conditions for people to understand more together and act more intelligently. The challenge is designing these encounters without mistaking visibility for truth. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_what-can-systemschange-learn-to-become-activity-7449611283399741441-juC3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
The UK wants more growth from professional services SMEs. Good. Then stop treating us as decoration around the edges of procurement focused on a locked-in central market.
I welcome the push for SME growth, but the real issue is access—not more rhetoric about innovation. Many of us don’t need support; we need a level playing field. Procurement still favours scale over expertise, locking SMEs out of meaningful work. If the UK wants a stronger consulting sector, it must reform access, focus on outcomes, and remove barriers that force smaller firms through larger intermediaries. The real test is whether the system changes once we’re in the room. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_the-uk-wants-more-growth-from-professional-activity-7449711773131321344-ITQ7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
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:
Trading Bunkers for Block Parties – Why your neighbors matter more than your predictions
Trading Bunkers for Block Parties – Why your neighbors matter more than your predictions, De Rosen (2025) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_trading-bunkers-for-block-parties-why-your-activity-7450559986587451392-9tFu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
NHS cuts: Diabetes care, talking therapies and rehab at risk – BBC News
(2025) The NHS in England is planning “previously unthinkable” cuts to try to balance the books, health bosses say. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_nhs-cuts-diabetes-care-talking-therapies-activity-7450437165165039616-0Cwv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
You Are Not So Smart podcast – YANSS 312 – An introduction to complexity science, chaos theory, and how life, um, finds a way
You Are Not So Smart podcast – YANSS 312 – An introduction to complexity science, chaos theory, and how life, um, finds a way – Neil Theise (2024) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_you-are-not-so-smart-podcast-yanss312-activity-7450288938268676098-EFdl?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
If you were shocked by my film on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, you haven’t been paying attention
(2025) If you were shocked by my film on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, you haven’t been paying attention | Louis Theroux https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_if-you-were-shocked-by-my-film-on-israeli-activity-7450272123220250624-w8E1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
chosen path 