Transduction — leading transformation — Issue #192
My weekly posts
Interview with Pam Donnelly Essex Caring Communities Commission
We keep saying ‘move from crisis to prevention’ — but in Essex that is really happening. I’ve just recorded a short conversation with Pamela Donnelly about the Essex Caring Communities Commission, set up to hard-wire community power into health and care so fewer people fall into crisis in the first place. It’s not just another report — they’ve set out it’s a practical playbook for relational public services, suited for their place. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antlerboy_what-might-help-people-live-better-lives-activity-7373624774264037377–n_7
Courses and events
Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship
The new apprenticeship Leading and Commissioning for Outcomes in Complexity — Convening Systems Change can supercharge your career and transform your organisation. Fully funded Level 7 programme this year only! Real-world impact through applied systems thinking. For commissioners, system leaders, and systems change-makers. For further information, see https://www.publicservicetransformation.org/level-7-apprenticeship-course-leading-and-commissioning-for-outcomes-in-complexity-convening-systems-change-free-webinar-on-20-august-2025-1230pm-uk-time/
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
This September — Outcomes-based commissioning: a ten-step introduction
We’ve announced new dates for our introduction to commissioning course at the PSTA, perfect for early career commissioners in police, justice, health, care, children’s services, or other commissioning disciplines. Register your interest now. https://link.redquadrant.com/10step0925
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
Things I shared on socials:
The Plymouth Brethren CHristian Church: the biggest PPE middlemen winners in Europe and possibly the world.
The most effective political group in the UK since 2005? My vote goes to the recipients of £2.6bn COVID related contracts, the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, through being introduced by Michael Gove’s private ministerial office. It is a fascinating story. https://lnkd.in/p/eFCxjY6x
Alan Watts — Being in the Way — Ep. 36 — Seeing Through The Net
Lots and lots of systems | complexity | cybernetics thinking in this, some very contemporary challenges — and even a slightly throwaway direct reference to cybernetics https://wp.me/p8QJZw-6Kh
Password synchronisation
The UK gov.uk / companieshouse.gov.uk password synchronisation (with the same email) requirement to verify your identity to submit an annual return is an unimitigated clusterfuck and someone should be fired. About to break company law because of password resets. (Don’t mind me, I’m also dealing with Sky ‘broadband’ and a collapsed ceiling…) https://lnkd.in/p/e3H77UxU
Future Histories International Podcast — Jason W. Moore on Socialism in the Web of Life (2025)
The thing about socialists — or should I say communists? — is that they really think about things. This episode will provide ample ground for those who detest or love socialism and/or socialists, but is a great example and very systems and cybeneretics focused. And just look at those references! https://wp.me/p8QJZw-6JQ
The Automation Charade
PreAccident Investigation Podcast / No Way Out Podcast crossover — Todd Conklin on Reframing Safety
Both podcasts excellent, this is a good survey of ‘Tiny Todd Conklin joins the No Way Out podcast to explore Human and Organizational Performance (HOP), high-reliability organizing, and how safety emerges from complex systems rather than individual mistakes. ‘They critique traditional investigations, surveys, and risk matrices, and discuss practical ideas for building capacity, worker agency, psychological safety, and resilient operations.’ https://wp.me/p8QJZw-6JG
