Transduction?-?leading transformation?-?Issue?#162
Benjamin P. Taylor
![Benjamin P. Taylor]()
Benjamin P. Taylor
RedQuadrant | the Public Service Transformation Academy | systems | cybernetics | complexity / public | service | transformation business evolutionary | avid learner. Reframing for better outcomes. Connecting.
My weekly?posts
Finding better?stories
I spent winterval taking stock of 2024 and, most important, thinking about 2025 and beyond. I’ll share more of our big plans soon.
But in the meantime, I keep circling back to two quotes: Wittgenstein’s reminder that genuine understanding spurs action, and MacIntyre’s warning that if we don’t know which story we inhabit, we can’t know how to act.
Join the discussion on LinkedIn https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/antlerboy_i-spent-winterval-taking-stock-of-2024-and-activity-7282325400075046915-ViQ4
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/
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
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/
Systems Thinking?—?Holistic Flexibility for Systems Thinking- OR Society online session with Rajneesh Chowdhury, 21 January 2025 13:00 UK time?(online)
Join us for the online event exploring how the conceptual lens of Holistic Flexibility presents new advancements in systems thinking with our guest speaker Rajneesh Chowdhury.
Speaking about his new book we will explore how the conceptual lens of Holistic Flexibility presents new advancements in systems thinking.
Systems thinking is often associated with frameworks and methodologies that often confine the discipline to academic circles in operations research and management science (OR/MS).
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
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
Human Learning Systems and Relational Public?Service
The Human Learning System Collaborative are delighted to invite you to an exclusive in-person event hosted by the Policy Evaluation & Research Unit (PERU) at Manchester Metropolitan University and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. This event occurs on the 23rd of January 2025.
Read more here: https://buff.ly/3Zx9h6m
Things I shared on?socials:
Nora Bateson Synthesis: Is Developmental Stage Theory?BS?
This piece explores Nora Bateson’s stage theory, offering a framework for understanding the evolution of complex systems and human relationships. It emphasises the interconnected nature of development, urging readers to consider dynamic, multi-layered approaches to personal and systemic growth.
What Local Governments Need to?Lead
This article introduces the Local Government Capabilities Index, a tool designed to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of local governments in addressing social and economic challenges. The authors argue that empowering local authorities with the right capabilities is essential for fostering innovation, improving public services, and driving equitable development.
It is time to confront the 2 great lies of UK spending?reviews
This article examines the two major misconceptions surrounding UK spending reviews, highlighting how these falsehoods distort public perception and policy outcomes. It argues for a more transparent and accurate approach to budgeting and fiscal analysis to ensure sustainable and effective public spending.
Be Careful What You Wish For: Some Wild Speculation on Goodhart’s Law and its Manifestations in the?Brain
This article delves into Goodhart’s Law, which suggests that once a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be an effective measure. It explores various manifestations of this principle in economics, politics, and society, warning of the unintended consequences that arise when metrics are manipulated or over-relied upon.
The NHS productivity puzzle
This report examines NHS productivity, analysing how it has evolved over time and identifying the key factors affecting its performance. It highlights the challenges posed by funding pressures, workforce constraints, and demographic shifts, while offering recommendations for improving efficiency and outcomes.