Ndidi Okezie OBE 💡’s Post

A New Era of Leadership and Public Service Today marks a significant milestone in British politics as Sir Keir Starmer takes office as Prime Minister. His inaugural address sets a powerful tone for urgent action and national renewal. With a commitment to restoring the essence of public service in politics, Sir Keir’s leadership promises a future focused on unity, progress, and inclusivity. Key highlights from his address: - Immediate Action: “Our work is urgent and we begin it today.” - Inclusive Governance: "My government will serve you," addressing all citizens, regardless of their vote. - Vision for the Future: Pledging to fight until the public believes in a better future again. As this new journey begins, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination. We look forward to seeing the positive changes and progress that Labour Party (UK) will bring. Congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party. Here’s to a brighter future for all. 🌟 #Leadership #PublicService #KeirStarmer #UKLabour #Change #Progress #NewEra

How might the Conservative Party’s policy discussions shape social value in the UK? This week's The Conservative Party conference, as highlighted on BBC News, has shed light on the party's priorities as it navigates its role in opposition. With a focus on economic policy and public services, these discussions raise interesting questions about social value across the UK. What do these conversations potentially mean for communities, businesses, and the public sector in the long term? As the Conservatives emphasise economic growth and fiscal prudence, it's essential to consider how these objectives align with social value. Proposals for tax cuts and budgetary restraint could potentially impact the availability and quality of critical public services. Striking a balance between financial goals and social outcomes will be key to ensuring that support for communities remains robust. Another area of discussion is sustainability, particularly in light of the government's commitment to net zero. While economic and environmental targets can sometimes seem at odds, there are clear opportunities to integrate social value into these strategies, ensuring that green policies deliver both economic and social benefits. But will this be a priority for the Conservatives? At the Institute for Social Value (formerly Social Value UK), we maintain a politically neutral stance and advocate for policies that serve the public interest. We believe that decisions must extend beyond financial targets, embedding social impact at every level. Whether through public sector contracts or environmental initiatives, the focus must remain on outcomes that enhance societal well-being and foster long-term resilience. As the Conservative Party conference continues, one question remains: how might their policy discussions influence the future of social value in the UK? #ConservativeConference #SocialValue #EconomicGrowth #NetZero #PublicServices #SustainableGrowth #SocialImpact #ResilientCommunities https://lnkd.in/eJKeQAYY

Britain still doesn’t have a clue about the scale of the disaster heading its way, #Starmer’s plans will entrench the #worst_aspects of the #Blair and #Brown eras, and hand power to #lawyers and #quangos. Just as the EU moves Right, we are about to elect a new government committed to the worst of Leftist excess. The country is now facing the prospect of a Labour “supermajority” won off the back of less than 40% of the vote and probably a low turnout too. Well over half the electorate looks set to back parties other than Keir Starmer’s on July 4th. It is doubly concerning when you consider what we know (or rather don’t know) about what Labour plans to do once in power. Its manifesto was unveiled on Thursday and charisma-free Starmer, who cannot decide whether a woman has a penis, let alone explain why he willingly propped up Jeremy Corbyn for four years beyond “I didn’t think he would win” we will end up with “hard Labour” without the mandate. Even more disturbingly, Labour is going to be handed this gargantuan amount of power on the back of a manifesto which raises more questions than it answers. As the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has pointed out, “this was not a manifesto for those looking for big numbers.” Costings are only provided for the final year of the next parliament, rather than every year. Cast your minds back four and a half years. Who can forget the surge of joy and relief when the exit poll flashed up on the BBC and we knew that the Corbynbeast was slain? People from every region and all political persuasions had pulled together to save Britain, and it felt amazing. Apart from Keir Starmer, who said Jeremy Corbyn would make “a great prime minister”, although he now claims he knew that would never happen so endorsing a Marxist mate of Hamas to lead the United Kingdom was no biggie. As the historian David Starkey has pointed out, Starmer is intent on devolving ever greater powers not just to Scotland and Wales, but to people like him – that is, to say, lawyers and judges. Starkey highlighted how the manifesto reflects the self-confessed socialist’s long-held desire to entrench the worst aspects of the Blair and Brown years: devolution; welfarism; the nanny state. Yet the trouble with handing control of the machinery of state to unelected technocrats is that they are completely unaccountable to the people they are supposed to serve, and often act in their own interests. If you thought lawyers like Starmer have already been frustrating “the will of the people” – just you wait until he’s in charge. Meanwhile, are we seriously supposed to believe that Labour is the “party of business” when shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves cites Joan Robinson as one of her economic inspirations – an eccentric Cambridge professor who was once a keen defender of the Chinese tyrant and mass-murderer Mao Tse-Tung? https://lnkd.in/eMv_Ym8B

The UK House of Commons Liaison Committee has just published an important report on strategic thinking in Whitehall. The report, ‘Promoting national strategy: How select committee scrutiny can improve strategic thinking in Whitehall’ calls for urgent reform of Whitehall culture to improve strategic decision-making and make the UK fit for the future. We are proud to recognise our Managing Director, Cat Tully, for her role as Specialist Adviser in this significant inquiry. We also extend our congratulations to co-Specialist Adviser Major Gen Jonathan Shaw, Chair Sir Bernard Jenkin, all the members of the Liaison Committee, and the heroic staff for the monumental efforts. Here are 5 key takeaways: 🔴 Horizon-scanning and foresight should be core to strategic planning and implementation. 🔴 Involving future generations is crucial to winning support for democratic processes. 🔴 The next government should set out the UK’s national strategy, underpinned by five or six key national strategic priorities, at the start of a new Parliament. 🔴 The inquiry heard evidence that young people are becoming detached from democracy and more open to authoritarianism. Addressing long-term issues like housing, national debt and climate concerns is vital to restore their trust in the political system. 🔴 A committee on national strategic priorities should be established in the next Parliament, specifically including the interests of future generations. We were absolutely delighted to see evidence from our coalition of partners feed into the report. This included contributions on this topic from Sophie Howe Sophie Daud, Elle Farrell-Kingsley from NSxNG and Restless Development, supported by reports from Open Society Foundations, Onwards, IFG and the House of Lords Intergenerational Fairness committee inquiry, with references to Wales as a gold standard and the UN Summit of the Future. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/e4PwZwZb More on SOIF’s commentary on the evidence and recommendations coming soon. #strategicforesight #nationalstrategy #intergenerationalfairness #futuregenerations #policy

A great article on what's needed to build the society we all deserve. Thanks for sharing Nicole Anand! https://lnkd.in/guuBZGvc "We must believe that these transformations are possible. We must own the right to make this country better, on our terms. We can and must be the founders of a nation where all have equal protection, our economy is designed to benefit people and the planet, not just profit, and we have rectified the harms of the past to open the possibility of a new future."

It's interesting to see how government foresight offices, whether in the executive or legislative branch, are part of a trend of institutional shifts taking place around the globe to safeguard the future for future generations. There has never been a more important time to be thinking about how to make better decisions for the future, especially with so much complexity, uncertainty and change to contend with. There is no time to waste for the USG to establish best in class foresight practices in all its agencies and to coordinate and synergize their insights to inform the best strategy and policy decisions. #USOfficeofStrategicForesight #anticipatorygovernance #futuregenerations Robin Champ Kara Cunzeman Cynthia Selin Ari Wallach Karthick Ramakrishnan Al Faber Maria Bothwell Dmitriy Zakharov Peter Scoblic Daniel Chenok John M. Kamensky Partnership for Public Service Anthony Vetrano Amy Webb Trista Harris Jessica Clark Aditi Juneja Cat Tully Heather D. Benoit Kampa James Anderson Jake Dunagan Stuart Candy

Great article here

I have a deep love of asking questions and wondering what else might be going on. As Confucius wisely said, ‘[S]He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions’. In a provocative conversation with Prof Peter Shergold about ‘Putting the Civil back into Civil Society’, I recently asked and wondered… 1. Are we creating or reinforcing the polarities we are cautioning against? 2. Is ‘political divisiveness’ a paradox of Democracy? 3. How do we reconnect with the art of meaningful, respectful debate? Read and/or watch here: https://lnkd.in/gbBkkAmY What other questions might help us make progress on this topic?

“The inquiry heard powerful evidence that young people are becoming detached from democracy and more open to authoritarianism than previous generations. Failure to address long-term issues which impact their futures – such as housing, national debt, and climate concerns – is undermining their trust and engagement in the political system. In the interests of fairness between generations, it will be vital to include their voice and interests in decision-making.” I keep hearing/reading/seeing people - especially young people - retreat from these issues citing numbness due to the complexity and lack of agency or ability to influence outcomes through their own actions. This is a positive step in aknowledging the impacts that a lack of real action is having and the responsibility our leaders have now to make real change. https://lnkd.in/gVabXWnF

Reform UK has embraced a new era of member empowerment by passing a constitution at its Birmingham conference, enabling members to have a direct say in policies and leadership, a move spearheaded by Nigel Farage. This transition to a not-for-profit organization underscores a commitment to accountability, allowing members to initiate no-confidence votes against leaders, fostering a more democratic and participatory political environment. Read full news at https://lnkd.in/dN89TaRS #ReformUK #BirminghamConference #NigelFarage #MemberEmpowerment #PoliticalChange #NewConstitution #PartyDemocracy #Grassroots #Accountability #Leadership #PoliticalReform #NotForProfit #Engagement #ConstitutionalChange #ReformMovement #FutureOfPolitics #VoteOfNoConfidence #Transparency #CollectiveVoice #UKPolitics #MemberParticipation