Influencing government through pressure groups and protests has been common practice within society for centuries. Alternative (and potentially more direct and powerful) methods of impacting authority and creating positive good for people are increasingly coming to the fore, however. These methods- which can be both constructive and destructive- use technology rather than letter-writing or marching as their … Continue reading »
Tag Archives: government
An update
As some as you may have seen, I have recently left the Civil Service to join the exciting and rapidly growing innovation management company Spigit. I will be working in their newly formed UK office (based in TechHub). I enjoyed the challenges and opportunities that the Civil Service and the Technology in Business Fast Stream … Continue reading »
A tenuous Civil Service analogy
The Civil Service has been likened to many things (most of which, particularly in recent times, are not very complimentary). A treasure chest (of the pirate variety) is probably not amongst the most commonly used analogies, but it does provide quite a useful- if slightly tenuous and inevitably cheesy- representation. There’s often lots of treasure inside… but it … Continue reading »
Innovation functions in large organisations
6 weeks ago I (reluctantly*) finished my role in the Department for Work and Pensions’ Innovation team. I’ve now had some time to reflect on the role and the place of innovation functions in large organisations, with the following observations, insights, and tips for success: You’re not an inventor In the context of introducing change … Continue reading »
(Tips on) Moving onwards and upwards
Earlier this year I attended a talk by one of the PM’s speech writers at the Civil Service Fast Stream conference. He talked about how he got to his position, and suggested several tips for moving onwards and upwards in your career. The speaker was talking with specific reference to the Fast Stream, but the … Continue reading »
CityCamp London: a “local conference for local people”?
I’ve just returned from City Camp London; a three day unconference which evolved from context-setting talks (“Stimulate”) to barcamp style sessions (“Participate”), finishing with a hack/ project creation and pitching day (“Collaborate”). The full agenda can be found here. Organised by Futuregov, the event was part of a worldwide series of “City Camps“- a movement that … Continue reading »
