My weekly posts
What if the most valuable thing in ‘whole system’ work is not seeing the whole system at all?
I’ve been thinking about Keir Hardie’s direct, unpolished address and what a manifesto for relational public services might sound like today. For all our progress, we still build systems that separate power from purpose and praise human moments while sustaining the conditions that limit them. Relational public services aren’t new, but we keep failing to make them stick. This is my attempt to say the thing plainly. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_a-manifesto-for-relational-public-services-activity-7452245510435885056-2s8R
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:
Contractor expert: HMRC’s worker status survey “biased” against self-employed and impeding Labour’s growth plans
Contractor expert: HMRC’s worker status survey “biased” against self-employed and impeding Labour’s growth plans – Freelance Informer https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_contractor-expert-hmrcs-worker-status-survey-activity-7453394905713876992-uxBN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Courses from SCiO – Systems and Complexity in Organisation, the systems practitioner professional body
Courses from SCiO – Systems and Complexity in Organisation, the systems practitioner professional body [Several from me] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_courses-from-scio-systems-and-complexity-activity-7453336266386952192-yJ3n?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
There are no answers, only cross references.
Pacing Changes: Elevating the when+where in living systems
Pacing Changes: Elevating the when+where in living systems – Ing (2025) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_pacing-changes-elevating-the-whenwhere-activity-7453096697100009472-_OwC?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
chosen path 