Transduction — leading transformation — Issue #165
My weekly posts
There’s only seven ways to save and improve public services
We’re getting into providing more video content from RedQuadrant. This week, I’ve produced a quick explainer on the seven ways to save and improve in public services. It’s about finding the best route through to real, sustainable change. Being tactical when you have to, but trying to be as strategic about it as you can. I talk through some of the ways that get overlooked, and where transformational gains are found. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_theres-only-seven-ways-to-save-and-improve-activity-7289907636777439232-zaaB?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopLocal
Courses and events
Systems Innovation Conference 2025
I’m really please that we at The Public Service Transformation Academy will be working with Systems Innovation to support the SI Public Sector Conference: Systems Innovation in Government, in London on 14 February 2025. It’s organised by Si Governance Hub and Si London Hub.
Find out more here: https://www.systemsinnovation.network/events/si-public-sector-conference-70998286
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/
Towards Relational Public Services Conference 2025
3rd to 5th June 2025 Manchester Metropolitan University. Call for papers closes 10th March 2025. This conference seeks to continue to explore the challenges of making Relational Public Services a reality for service users, professionals and academics alike: in an increasingly complex world, how can public services and social interventions create and sustain positive lives for the people and populations they serve?
Find out more here: https://www.complexityoutcomes.org/
Complexity & Management Conference 6–8th June 2025
The conference begins on Friday 6th June 2025 and finishes at lunchtime on Sunday 8th. The currency of the conference is conversation and exploration in large groups and small.
Read more here: https://complexityandmanagement.com/2024/11/04/complexity-management-conference-6-8th-june-2025/
Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship
Work in England or Wales? Want to develop your systems thinking skills? Sign up now for the next cohort of the Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship — Cherith Simmons, with experts from SCiO (including me) — likely start in January 2025!
Notwestminster 2025
Saturday 15th February, Huddersfield. Notwestminster is a free event for everyone who has something positive to say about local democracy and anyone who is up for the challenge of making it better. You can book your free ticket now to join us for a day of local democracy workshops, quick-fire talks, conversations and inspiration.
Read more here: https://buff.ly/3Zx9h6m
Procurement Act Live. Thursday 27 February. Birmingham.
The Procurement Act is about much more than new legislation — it’s an opportunity to re-imagine how buyers and suppliers can work together to deliver outstanding public services. The biggest set of regulatory changes in a generation will create new opportunities — but also challenges as the entire supply chain adjusts to this new landscape. Find out more by coming to the Procurement Act Live. https://www.procurementactlive.co.uk/
Things I shared on socials:
Glimpses of the Future. Social Care Future.
Social care future have put together their favourite glimpses of the future, showcasing the excellent things people and organisations are doing up and down the country. https://socialcarefuture.org.uk/glimpses-of-the-future/
Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26. NHS England.
The NHS has issued new health guidelines on neighbourhood services for health and care. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/neighbourhood-health-guidelines-2025-26/
The Power of Local. Local Government Association.
The LGA is championing the “Power of Local” approach to national policy. It wants to build an evidence base to showcase the notion that local knowledge creates better outcomes by highlighting the effectiveness of locally-led initiatives. https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/power-local
The devolution and LG reorganisation hub. Local Government Association.
The LGA is Bringing together information on devolution and local government reorganisation for public and local authorities. https://www.local.gov.uk/topics/devolution/devolution-and-lg-reorganisation-hub
About Progress with Unity: A new era for Wigan Borough. Wigan Council.
The Progress with Unity plan is a new movement for change for the next decade. It builds on the successes and opportunities created during the last 10 years but also the lessons we have learned along the way. https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Progress-with-Unity/About-Progress-with-Unity.aspxhttps://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Progress-with-Unity/About-Progress-with-Unity.aspx
What is the ‘new local’? Power, prevention and place. New Local.
As the parameters of the Government’s national agenda for local government, devolution and public services takes shape, Jessica Studdert sets out how renewal should also be led from the ground up. There is a ‘new local’ emerging, built on the principles of power, prevention and place, which should be recognised, nurtured and enabled as part of wider reform. https://www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/what-is-the-new-local-power-prevention-and-place/
Human learning systems: a practical guide for the curious. Centre for Public Impact.
This guide provides practical advice to help any organisation working in public service apply the Human Learning Systems approach to their work. In doing so, they will be better equipped to explore, learn and respond to the unique strengths and needs of each person, family and community they serve. https://centreforpublicimpact.org/resource-hub/human-learning-systems-a-practical-guide-for-the-curious/
Gloriously Ordinary Language.
Gloriously Ordinary Language is an exciting new eight-month programme for local councils and other social care organisations who want to rehumanise their language, reconnect practice with personal and organisational principles and reimagine care and support. https://www.gloriouslyordinarylanguage.co.uk/
