Day 33 – 18 February 2014 I thought I’d get the train in this morning but when the announcement came over the Tannoy that it was at least thirty seven minutes late arriving at Morpeth I decided to give up and drive in. Thankfully I had my old friend Mr Laptop with me and so … Continue reading A year of work in progress – day 33
A year of work in progress – day 32
Day 32 – 17 February 2014 Take two one-to-ones with members of my team, two tier 4 managers and two heads of service. Add to this a couple of other meetings and that was my day. I started at Meadowfield, travelled to County Hall and ended up at Tanfield. Eight meetings in three locations was … Continue reading A year of work in progress – day 32
A year of work in progress – day 27
Day 27 – 10 February 2014 Today I was in Slough, at O2’s offices. I’d entered a competition to win some help from The Local Government Digital Fund. I hadn’t expected to get anywhere but got shortlisted into the last six and was asked to present my thoughts at a Dragon’s Den style event. I … Continue reading A year of work in progress – day 27
A year of work in progress – day 16
Day 16 – 24 January 2014 Apart from the occasional café the shop windows were still dark as I made my way across the old Town Square in Durham. I pulled up the collar of my coat. Even the brisk walk down from the station wasn’t enough to beat back the freezing air that bit … Continue reading A year of work in progress – day 16
Yes Minister
I have had many novel experiences in my time at Durham County Council but I’ve never met a Minister of State. Well, not knowingly. I’ve met many politicians, MPs, MEPs and even a Lord. I bought him a drink or two and we became drunk as Lords as the saying goes. I’ve even given a … Continue reading Yes Minister
Boredom as a creative force
According to the BBC (March 23. 2013), children should be allowed to get bored so they can develop their innate ability to be creative. Dr Teresa Belton an education expert says that our cultural expectations that children should be constantly active could hamper the development of their imagination. This follows on from a study (presented … Continue reading Boredom as a creative force
In praise of planning
I had the privilege of listening to John Seddon present in Durham last week. He is the managing director of Vanguard and an advocate of using an approach to transforming businesses and the public sector using principles akin to the Toyota manufacturing process. I have seen him present several times and have always found him … Continue reading In praise of planning
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 