Our story

A network organised around the work

One inspiration was a minicab company above a chip shop, where people organised the allocation of work between themselves. The question was whether a consultancy could bring independent practitioners together with comparable flexibility, while taking responsibility for the quality and continuity of the work.

Public service problems rarely arrive in the shape of one profession. A piece of work may need commissioning expertise, financial analysis, service design, organisational development, and someone who knows what it takes to put the changes into practice. We assemble the team around that need.

Independence with responsibility

Our consultants bring their own experience and judgement. Each engagement also needs a clear lead, an agreed scope, and explicit responsibilities. We expect people to raise difficult questions, work constructively with colleagues and clients, and keep commitments visible.

Commercial clarity helps this work. The people involved should understand the work they have agreed to do, how it will be supported, and what happens when circumstances change. Clients should know who is accountable and how concerns will be resolved.

Build the client’s capability

We work alongside public servants and communities, drawing on their understanding of the situation. A useful intervention leaves people better able to see what is happening, make decisions, and carry the work forward. The Public Service Transformation Academy and our Tool Shed extend that commitment through applied learning and supported practice.