My weekly posts
One thing I’ve learned after 17 years running a consultancy: the consulting industry often rewards dependency more than transformation.
After 17 years running a consultancy, I’ve learned that the industry often rewards dependency more than transformation. On this week’s podcast, John Degnan and I discussed why we’ve tried to resist that model: helping clients become stronger, more capable and less dependent. We covered procurement, management noise, relational trust and the messy reality of useful consulting. We also reflected honestly on business development, repeat work, tenders, trust and trying to do good work. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_one-thing-ive-learned-after-17-years-running-activity-7465665799828013056-EXhT?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Most public service systems talk about outcomes far less than they think they do
I think public services often talk about activity far more than outcomes: referrals, assessments, contacts, waiting lists and KPIs. Useful, but not the same as real change in people’s lives. In the Commissioning Academy, we use ‘I-statements’ to shift attention from what services do to what citizens experience. The next Academy will build on this through outcomes, systems thinking, relational commissioning and practical action learning. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_most-public-service-systems-talk-about-outcomes-activity-7464934026391232512-5Uu1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Courses and events
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 human handbrake: Why good ideas so often ‘hit the wall’ in Whitehall
Amy Gandon (24/09/2025): The human handbrake: Why good ideas so often ‘hit the wall’ in Whitehall https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_the-human-handbrake-why-good-ideas-so-often-activity-7466078483174080513-vXt2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Clearer Thinking podcast with Spencer Greenberg Episode 281
Clearer Thinking podcast with Spencer Greenberg Episode 281: A new paradigm for psychology research (with Slime Mold Time Mold) https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_clearer-thinking-podcast-with-spencer-greenberg-activity-7466019841238286337-sSIP?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Bias Across Cultures: An Interactive Deep Dive
Sieta NL, Bias Across Cultures: An Interactive Deep Dive https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_bias-across-cultures-an-interactive-deep-activity-7465871616934227968-Z4mt?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
Pacing Changes with Living Systems | Zaid Khan | SysPrac25
Daviding (23/09/2025): Pacing Changes with Living Systems | Zaid Khan | SysPrac25 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_pacing-changes-with-living-systems-zaid-activity-7465869863589314560-XYfR?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACuq-oBecVFDW6PCf3lkoG-peMeuLBeoho
chosen path 