Transduction — leading transformation — Issue #151
My weekly posts
‘We’re running balls out’ — Why the existing order is hard to change.
In 1788, James Watt, on a suggestion from Matthew Boulton, adapted a centrifugal governor — invented by Huygens to control millstones in 17th-century windmills — to control his steam engine.
The engine spins a shaft. As speed increases, centrifugal force pushes the balls out and moves a control lever to release steam — reducing engine pressure and velocity.
In #publicservices — and businesses under pressure — and communities like systems|cybernetics|complexity, there’s a familiar pattern.
Read the full post here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_innovation-publicservices-systemsthinking-activity-7249318522399469568-_9FV?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Courses and events
Contract Management Development Programme, Cohort Four is launching in January 2025
The programme is an opportunity for those involved in contract management to refresh their skills, build on their existing knowledge and expertise and refamiliarize themselves with key documents and guidance. The aim is to deepen learning and understanding around contract management and to support and challenge participants to work in new ways to deliver outcomes.
Find out more here: https://www.publicservicetransformation.org/2024/10/contract-management-development-programme-cohort-four-is-launching-january-2025/
A New Identity for Commissioning
Join this two-day virtual event to be at the forefront of discussions about how the narrative around commissioning and its future is changing, and how organisations from different parts of the sector can get involved in designing and improving the services, both for those working in the health and care system and for the people and communities who use health services.
You can join here: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/events/commissioning-changing-system#programme
Better Way Upcoming Events
Better Way are a network of people across sectors exploring how to improve services, build community and create a fairer society.
Better Way has some great upcoming events for people to get involved in:
- Engaging with Communities — NHS Learning Partner Roundtable, 5th November.
- Better Way Principles and Behaviours, 1st October, 20th November and 4th of December.For more information and how to join, visit their website here: https://www.betterway.network/forthcoming-events
The Next National Commissioning Academy — coming early 2025
We are currently working on the next iteration of the National Commissioning Academy, which we expect to launch early in 2025. Dates and locations will be forthcoming!
Read more here: https://www.publicservicetransformation.org/2024/09/the-next-national-commissioning-academy-coming-early-2025/
Things I shared on socials:
The ‘Baumol Effect’ and How The Government Cheats Us
The article explains the Baumol effect and how it impacts the UK economy, arguing that rising public sector costs, driven by inefficiencies and government policies, lead to taxpayers being unfairly burdened.
The Rise and Decline of the NHS in England 2000–20
The report provides an in-depth analysis of the NHS in England from 2000 to 2020, examining its growth, challenges, and the decline in performance due to underfunding, workforce shortages, and increasing demand on services.
This Algorithm Could Ruin Your Life
The article explores how welfare algorithms, designed to streamline benefit systems, often perpetuate discrimination and bias, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and deepening inequality within social services.
Why Everyone is Wrong About English Devolution
The post argues that common perceptions about English planning laws are misguided, claiming that the system isn’t as restrictive as critics suggest and that deeper issues stem from political decisions and local governance.
