Reimagining Government

Stories can change lives, communities, and systems. In this episode, we explore how telling and listening to stories can help to reimagine government. We’ll hear about how one man’s story of caring for his mother ignited a cultural shift in how stories are embedded in Scottish public services, and how a controversial fruit is helping to break down barriers between communities in Indonesia. This special episode is part of the Digital Kick-off for the Creative Bureaucracy Festival 2024. #cbf2024 Featured in this episode: Adrian BrownRosie McIntoshTommy WhitelawIma Abdulrahim

What have we learned from season two of Reimagining Government? Athena Hughes, Naja Nelson, and our host Adrian Brown revisit highlights and delve into the topics we covered. Join us to explore failure, imagination in government, and what on earth a paradigm shift is. Read the blog here. Read the full written episode transcript here. Featured in this episode: Dan VogelDr. Oliver EscobarHannah McDowallJaime Junior

This episode mentions difficult subject matter including suicide or suicidal thoughts. Anyone working in government or public services knows that sometimes we must be vulnerable and have difficult conversations. It can be daunting, but if we ignore challenges, things only get worse. Join us as we explore different ways of approaching these conversations courageously and hear examples of when they can help make a real difference to the people we serve. Read the blog here. Featured in this episode: Adrian BrownKaren Lawson Harriet HunterGamal “G” Turawa

The way government currently operates doesn't support everybody. So what should we do differently? Imagination is the secret ingredient in most of our best ideas. In this episode, we explore how social imagination could help us find new ways to approach complex challenges. Our guests share examples of imagination in practice, from improving healthcare to commissioning services. Read the blog here. Featured in this episode: Adrian BrownKeira LowtherCassie RobinsonHannah McDowall

Everyone fails occasionally. But when governments fail, it has an impact on real lives. It’s easy for public servants to shy away from talking about failure. To learn from our mistakes, we must be open and honest and spend time reflecting on them. Join us to hear real stories about failure in government and some examples of how to move forward. Read the blog here. Featured in this episode: Athena HughesCarlos ZimbronDan VogelKelly Sifford

In this podcast, we talk a lot about change. We don't just want to change policies or attitudes, but the whole paradigm. But what on earth is a paradigm? Join us to explore what a paradigm is, hear practical examples of paradigm shifts, and try to solve the mystery of how we can shift paradigms in public service. Read the blog here. Featured in this episode: Toby LoweHenk-Jan DekkerJessica Studdert

It’s vital that governments think about and plan for the future, but often, our thinking can be limited. The models we have in our minds about growth, success, and the environment shape how we imagine life and government in the long term. This episode explores how governments can find new ways to frame our future, including degrowth and seven-generation thinking. Read the blog here. Featured in this episode: Gabriela CabañaJayne Engle

For a government to be legitimate, it must have its people's trust. But, many communities across the globe distrust their government. This episode explores how governments can earn that trust and legitimacy. It is a gradual process that requires time and dedication. So, where do we start? Read the blog here. Featured in this episode: Dr. Oliver EscobarJaime JuniorCathie Christenson

What have we learned from the first six episodes of Reimagining Government? Javiera Godoy, Katie Rose, and our host Adrian Brown revisits highlights, delve into the topics covered, and shares updates from the changemakers of season one.

What might it look like to reimagine governance in global development where the Global South and Global North converge? In this episode, we shine a light on the people rethinking practices and challenging power dynamics in global development. Read the blog here. Learn more about what it could look like to reimagine global development. If you're a public servant or government official, we want to hear your examples and experiences. Head over to Join the Apolitical Q&A discussion, and share your experiences with public servants worldwide. 00:00 - 03:58 - Introduction 03:59 - 14:18 - Julie Mwabe: Sustainable solutions require local knowledge and engagement 14:19 - 26:19 - Giulio Quaggiotto: The importance of innovation in global development 26:52 - 35:18 - Roopa Sahoo:Telling the stories of people in Odisha, India 35:19 - 45:58 - Sanjay Purohit: Collaborating across levels and sectors to scale solutions effectively in India 45:59 - 49:12 - Conclusion

What does it look like for national governments to adapt to the modern challenges we face today, and how can leaders share power with those best placed to act? In this episode, we explore what it takes to rethink government at a national level, and speak to the changemakers who are spearheading efforts around the world. Read the blog here. Learn more about what a reimagined government could look like. If you're a public servant or government official, we want to hear your examples. Head over to the Apolitical Q&A discussion, and share your experiences with public servants worldwide. Host & Interviewees 00:00 Adrian Brown (Host) - Executive Director, Centre for Public Impact 02:06 Thea Snow (Host) - Director, Australia and New Zealand, Centre for Public Impact 03:58 Misha Kaur - Innovation Specialist, Observatory of Public Sector Innovation, OECD 12:25 Ruth Glassborow - Director of Improvement, Healthcare Improvement Scotland 15:15 Diana Hekerem - Head of Transformational Redesign Support, Improvement Hub, Healthcare Improvement Scotland 22:03 Olli-Pekka Heinonen - Director General, International Baccalaureate Organization (formerly Director General of the Finnish National Agency for Education) 29:34 Jolene Head - Director, Indigenous Procurement Policy, Public Services and Procurement Canada 39:04 Aaron Maniam - Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore Government

Once trust is broken, it can be hard to rebuild. In this episode, we highlight the legitimacy crisis facing government. We examine how government leaders are confronting racial justice and civil rights issues to forge a more equitable future, and how they are working to repair the broken relationship with historically marginalised communities across the United States. Read the blog here. Learn more about what governments can do to build their legitimacy here. If you're a public servant or government official, we want to hear your examples of how you’re building towards a more equitable way of working. Head over to the Apolitical Q&A discussion, and share your experiences with public servants worldwide.

What might new government approaches to health and social care look like? In this episode, we speak to changemakers who are putting the needs of those they care for first, and look at systems around the world that have transformed care. Read the blog here. Learn more about what reimagined health and social care services could look like here. If you're a public servant or government official, we want to hear from you! What’s the most inspiring example you’ve seen of collaboration in the provision of health and social care in your country? Head over to the Apolitical Q&A discussion, and share your experiences with public servants worldwide.

In this episode, we explore how changemakers in city governments are addressing climate change - the barriers they face, the risks they are taking and how they are finding local solutions to one of the most pervasive challenges of our time. Read the blog here. Learn more about how cities can lead the charge towards a net zero, resilient future here. If you're a public servant or government official, we want to hear your examples of inspiring government climate initiatives. Head over to the Apolitical Q&A discussion here, and share your experiences with other public servants from all over the world.

In this episode, we lay out a new vision for government - where it needs to be improved, and introduce you to the people who have dedicated their career to enhancing public services for all. Read the blog here. If you're a public servant or government official, we want to hear your examples of how a new vision for government is working in your city or country. Share your reflections and learn from others in the episode Q&A.

Governments are under increasing pressure to bring about the results people expect, while remaining trusted and relevant. And yet, the systems, structures, and processes of government today are often not set up to respond to the complex challenges we face as a society. In recent years, wicked problems such as the global pandemic, climate crisis, persistent racial and economic inequity, as well as a rise in misinformation have brought into sharp focus the need for government to work differently. From the Centre for Public Impact and Apolitical, this podcast explores radical new approaches to addressing the most pressing issues of our time by speaking with public servants and politicians at the heart of government around the world. Learn more about this emerging vision for better government at centreforpublicimpact.org and join apolitical.co to build the knowledge, skills, and connections you need to succeed in the public service.