I'm reading, "Introducing Gemini: our largest and most capable AI model" https://blog.google/technology/ai/google-gemini-ai/ by Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google and Alphabet Inc.) and Demis Hassabis (co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind) via Zoe Kleinman on BBC Radio 4 Today.
2023
104 posts, newest first.
I'm reading, "Is living in the present the best strategy?" https://jonayre.uk/blog/2022/10/04/is-living-in-the-present-the-best-strategy/ by @jonayre.bsky.social from October 2022.
I'm reading, "A sense of direction: when permanent secretaries object to ministerial decisions" https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comment/sense-direction-when-permanent-secretaries-object-ministerial-decisions by @gavinfreeguard.bsky.social for the @instituteforgov.bsky.social from July 2015 (promoted by a question from a friend).
You work in software delivery and are asked for a Gantt chart.
What do you do?
What do you do?
On Mastodon
I'm listening to, "The Infinite Monkey Cage - Series 28 - The Monkeys meet The #SkyAtNight" https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0gr7pqp by Robin Ince and Professor Brian Cox featuring @Chrislintott, Dara Ó Briain, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Pete Lawrence. Released 11/11/2023.
On Mastodon
Perfection is a̵c̵h̵i̵e̵v̵e̵d̵ ̵n̵o̵t̵ ̵w̵h̵e̵n̵ ̵y̵o̵u̵ ̵c̵a̵n̵'̵t̵ ̵a̵d̵d̵ ̵a̵n̵y̵t̵h̵i̵n̵g̵ ̵e̵l̵s̵e̵,̵ ̵b̵u̵t̵ ̵w̵h̵e̵n̵ ̵y̵o̵u̵ ̵c̵a̵n̵'̵t̵ ̵t̵a̵k̵e̵ ̵a̵n̵y̵t̵h̵i̵n̵g̵ ̵e̵l̵s̵e̵ ̵a̵w̵a̵y̵ simplicity.
On Mastodon
"...perfection's achieved not when you can't add anything else, but when you can't take anything else away." at 27:57
I'm listening to, "Communities of practice, with Emily Webber" https://open.spotify.com/episode/57SxzhSPtPlFJGubUltxcI by Kyle Chapman featuring @ewebber.bsky.social for the Making tech better podcast by @madetech.bsky.social from August 2021.
I'm re-reading, "Weeknote styles - A collection of some of the most commonly used #weeknotes formats to help you get started" https://weeknot.es/weeknote-styles-61d957e58a4a by @Stamanfar from 2018.
On Mastodon
I'm re-reading, "Metaphors we sticker by" https://medium.com/gov-design/metaphors-we-sticker-by-4e4ecdbf8d64 by @vickytnz from 2018.
On Mastodon
Snow (-:
Alt text = Picture of very light snow falling in an urban garden.
Alt text = Picture of very light snow falling in an urban garden.
I'm reading, "Trebuchet" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trebuchet by @wikipedia volunteers. #AdventOfCode
On Mastodon
I’m watching, “Once, We Were Warriors Teaser and Crew insight" https://youtu.be/OXwMnEvML3Y directed by James Malone at Palpa Films (https://www.palpafilms.com).
You can fund the movie at indiegogo via https://igg.me/at/OWWWFILM
Read more https://www.oncewewerewarriorsfilm.com
You can fund the movie at indiegogo via https://igg.me/at/OWWWFILM
Read more https://www.oncewewerewarriorsfilm.com
Hello (-: Was thinking about #TweetMinster recently. Remember that?
On Bluesky
I’m reading, “Content toolkit - Use existing tools and templates to publish and manage content across Defence" https://servicemanual.digital.mod.uk/content-toolkit/ by Defence Digital.
@markfoden Nope
On Mastodon
Question: will the communities of practice include suppliers and buyer?
Answer: yes
Answer: yes
On Mastodon
Question on exemptions for Defence:
Answer: No significant change.
Answer: No significant change.
On Mastodon
Q&A has started...
On Mastodon
Key milestones to go-live are on track but we still have some time to prepare:
• December 2023 - training starts,
• January 2024 - service desk goes live,
• February 2024 - policy guidance published,
• March 2024 - e-learning available,
• May 2024:
- Communities of practice available,
- training "deep dives" start,
- implementation period starts.
• October 2024 - new regime goes live.
• December 2023 - training starts,
• January 2024 - service desk goes live,
• February 2024 - policy guidance published,
• March 2024 - e-learning available,
• May 2024:
- Communities of practice available,
- training "deep dives" start,
- implementation period starts.
• October 2024 - new regime goes live.
On Mastodon
This will all make it easier for suppliers to the public sector - especially SMEs (continued):
• Supplier feedback - requirement on public bodies to provide assessment info for final tenders aims to provide greater consistency of information
• Strengthened prompt payment provisions are good for cash flow
• Supplier feedback - requirement on public bodies to provide assessment info for final tenders aims to provide greater consistency of information
• Strengthened prompt payment provisions are good for cash flow
On Mastodon
This will all make it easier for suppliers to the public sector - especially SMEs:
• New flexible procedures and increased transparency should mean better procurement outcomes
• More clarity on pre-market engagement and visibility of pipelines
• Central digital platform - all opportunities in one place, streamlined approach to ensure common supplier information can be submitted more efficiently and effectively
• New flexible procedures and increased transparency should mean better procurement outcomes
• More clarity on pre-market engagement and visibility of pipelines
• Central digital platform - all opportunities in one place, streamlined approach to ensure common supplier information can be submitted more efficiently and effectively
On Mastodon
Overview of core provisions within the Act (cont..):
• Conflicts of Interest assessments (Part 5)
International obligations (Part 7)
• Remedies and the new automatic suspension test (Part 9)
• Procurement oversight (Part 10)
• Transparency requirements - from pipelines to KPls and contract termination (throughout)
• Conflicts of Interest assessments (Part 5)
International obligations (Part 7)
• Remedies and the new automatic suspension test (Part 9)
• Procurement oversight (Part 10)
• Transparency requirements - from pipelines to KPls and contract termination (throughout)
On Mastodon
Overview of core provisions within the Act (cont..):
• Open Frameworks and Dynamic Markets (Part 3, Chapter 4)
• Exclusions and the Debarment register (Part 3, Chapter 6)
• Contract Modification (Part 4)
• Implied Payment Terms - 30 days throughout supply-chain (Clause 68)
• Open Frameworks and Dynamic Markets (Part 3, Chapter 4)
• Exclusions and the Debarment register (Part 3, Chapter 6)
• Contract Modification (Part 4)
• Implied Payment Terms - 30 days throughout supply-chain (Clause 68)
On Mastodon
Overview of core provisions within the Procurement Act 2023:
• Definitions of contracting authorities and scope (exemptions for utilities, defence and others (Part 1)
• Procurement objectives, eg value for money to maximising public benefit and a new SME duty (section 12)
• The National Procurement Policy Statement (clause 13)
• Moving from 7 procedures to 3 (Part 3):
- Competitive flexible
- Open procedures
- Direct awards (including under urgency) - (Clause 41)
• Definitions of contracting authorities and scope (exemptions for utilities, defence and others (Part 1)
• Procurement objectives, eg value for money to maximising public benefit and a new SME duty (section 12)
• The National Procurement Policy Statement (clause 13)
• Moving from 7 procedures to 3 (Part 3):
- Competitive flexible
- Open procedures
- Direct awards (including under urgency) - (Clause 41)
On Mastodon
There will be training for everyone involved, both government and suppliers, over the coming year.
On Mastodon
I'm attending, "Supplier Briefing on the Procurement Act" https://www.techuk.org/what-we-deliver/events/supplier-briefing-on-the-procurement-act.html by techUK.
On Mastodon
I'm reading, "techUK highlights social value problems for tech suppliers" https://www.ukauthority.com/articles/techuk-highlights-social-value-problems-for-tech-suppliers/ by Mark Say for UKAuthority.
#socialvalue
#Procurement
#socialvalue
#Procurement
@Edent fixed (-:
On Mastodon
I published, "Notes on week 45 of 2023" https://www.cattell.com/week-notes/2023/week-45
#weeknotes #Portsmouth #SocialValue
#weeknotes #Portsmouth #SocialValue
I'm going to, "#vfs23: Festival of Innovation" https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vfs23-festival-of-innovation-tickets-445193895927 by Venturefest South at The Ageas Bowl, #Southampton on Thursday 16 November 2023
On Bluesky
I'm going to, "#VFS23: Festival of Innovation" https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vfs23-festival-of-innovation-tickets-445193895927 by Venture Fest South at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton on Thursday 16 November 2023.
On Mastodon
I'm reading, "No 10 disowns Suella Braverman article attacking police over protests" https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67368785/ by Joshua Nevett for BBC News.
On Bluesky
I'm at The National Theatre to see Death of England: Closing Time.
It's free to attend, includes lunch and a creche.
It's on Saturday 20 January 2024 near St Pauls, London.
Register now via https://forms.gle/9pQb6yThR5q24qsWA.
Here's the UKGovCamp2023 video to get you in the mood 🙂
https://youtu.be/M1hD_Dyb8Zg
It's on Saturday 20 January 2024 near St Pauls, London.
Register now via https://forms.gle/9pQb6yThR5q24qsWA.
Here's the UKGovCamp2023 video to get you in the mood 🙂
https://youtu.be/M1hD_Dyb8Zg
On Bluesky
@ukgovcamp is an annual unconference on digital, data and technology in the public sector.
Unlike a conference where it's set by the organisers, the agenda (https://j.mp/ukgovcamp) is created by the attendees at the start of the day.
It's free to attend, includes lunch and a creche.
It's on Saturday 20 January 2024 near St Pauls, London.
Register now via https://forms.gle/9pQb6yThR5q24qsWA.
Here's the UKGovCamp2023 video to get you in the mood 🙂
https://youtu.be/M1hD_Dyb8Zg
Unlike a conference where it's set by the organisers, the agenda (https://j.mp/ukgovcamp) is created by the attendees at the start of the day.
It's free to attend, includes lunch and a creche.
It's on Saturday 20 January 2024 near St Pauls, London.
Register now via https://forms.gle/9pQb6yThR5q24qsWA.
Here's the UKGovCamp2023 video to get you in the mood 🙂
https://youtu.be/M1hD_Dyb8Zg
Link: Sessions @UKGovCamp
The original 40 #Facilitator's #Unconference tickets are all sold!
Fiona McBride and I've added 10 more (½ of which have gone).
Book via https://www.facilitators-unconference.com/ quick!
Work in the voluntary, charity or public sector? Direct message me for 50% discount code.
#facilitation
Fiona McBride and I've added 10 more (½ of which have gone).
Book via https://www.facilitators-unconference.com/ quick!
Work in the voluntary, charity or public sector? Direct message me for 50% discount code.
#facilitation
On Mastodon
I'm reading, "Delivering social value: how we’re putting our purpose into action with our government clients" https://pwc.to/3cwIijE by Lynne Baber for PWC UK.
#SocialValue
#SocialValue
Link: Delivering social value: how we’re putting our purpose into action with our government clients
On Mastodon
I'm listening to, "What makes a good boss?" https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct4vc5 by #TheForum for the BBC World Service.
On Mastodon
.@ukgovcamp is an annual get together for people interested in how the public sector does digital, data, technology, culture and operations.
It's on Saturday 20 January 2024 in central London (crèche provided).
Read more at https://www.ukgovcamp.com/2023/10/11/ukgovcamp-is-back-and-bigger-than-ever/ and sign up.
#ukgcXL
It's on Saturday 20 January 2024 in central London (crèche provided).
Read more at https://www.ukgovcamp.com/2023/10/11/ukgovcamp-is-back-and-bigger-than-ever/ and sign up.
#ukgcXL
On Mastodon
A conference agenda is set by organisers.
An unconference agenda is set by attendees.
UK Gov Camp is an unconference for people interested in public sector digital, data, technology, culture and operations.
It's on Saturday 20 January 2024 in central London.
Sign up via https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdq10LxHOZFdITvyvIGxKiMLMqRgSqVAkiAEAkR06Otfohi9Q/viewform
#ukgcXL
An unconference agenda is set by attendees.
UK Gov Camp is an unconference for people interested in public sector digital, data, technology, culture and operations.
It's on Saturday 20 January 2024 in central London.
Sign up via https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdq10LxHOZFdITvyvIGxKiMLMqRgSqVAkiAEAkR06Otfohi9Q/viewform
#ukgcXL
Link: United Kingdom Government Camp 2024 Registration
On Mastodon
I'm reading, "Data ethicist" https://ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk/data-ethicist.html by the Cabinet Office for GOV.UK.
"A data ethicist assesses the societal effect of technology and data, and produces recommendations for other data professionals."
"A data ethicist assesses the societal effect of technology and data, and produces recommendations for other data professionals."
On Mastodon
On my way to The Community Community's (TCC) #unconference in San Mateo https://lu.ma/y57ra1tq #excited (-:
On Mastodon
Good talk from Mindy Day (-: #CMXSummit
On Mastodon
Instead of saying "I don't have time" say "It's not a current priority".
On Mastodon
What have you said "Yes" to that means saying "No' to your goals?
On Mastodon
Ruthless prioritisation
On Mastodon
Clarify your long term goals
On Mastodon
Clarify your why: mission, vision, values and goals.
On Mastodon
This. #CMXSummit
On Mastodon
Jet lag's got too much for me. Luckily https://kasa.com/properties/kasa-niche-hotel-redwood-city let me check in early and crash. Power nap, then back to #CMXSummit.
On Mastodon
This slide Samantha "Venia" Logan's at #CMXSummit has my head buzzing with ideas of how to report or share data across organisations. What questions do we ask each department, or for that matter each person? What numbers or information do they care about? How do we harmonise across departments? Is there a single number or statistic to rule them all?
On Mastodon
Serendipity happens when people:
✔️ aren't too busy
✔️ have lots of energy
✔️ share common interests
✔️ have similar personalities
✔️ are in unfamiliar places
✔️ are with unfamiliar people
✔️ have a high willingness to socialise
✔️ are comfortable in social interactions
by David Spinks at #CMXSummit.
✔️ aren't too busy
✔️ have lots of energy
✔️ share common interests
✔️ have similar personalities
✔️ are in unfamiliar places
✔️ are with unfamiliar people
✔️ have a high willingness to socialise
✔️ are comfortable in social interactions
by David Spinks at #CMXSummit.
On Mastodon
Someone asks how we you make our diversity, equity and inclusion work stick?
Abbiola replies, "Assessment. Assessment. Assessment".
Measure all the things!
Abbiola replies, "Assessment. Assessment. Assessment".
Measure all the things!
On Mastodon
Abboila Ballah says a disruptor is someone who:
· has made a commitment to center diversity, equity & inclusion into their work and life,
· intentionally works towards breaking down oppressive systems in their orbit through tangible action taking.
#CMXSummit
· has made a commitment to center diversity, equity & inclusion into their work and life,
· intentionally works towards breaking down oppressive systems in their orbit through tangible action taking.
#CMXSummit
On Mastodon
"Start by assuming you're not going to keep up" says Tiago Forte at #CMXSummit, in relation to why we should start with #community, not individual experts.
On Mastodon
Hire course alumni as mentors for future students, suggests Tiago Forte at #CMXSummit.
On Mastodon
Interesting chat with Madeline Smith at #CMXSummit after Alaina Percival' 's talk.
How do you balance the gender diversity of speakers, especially at tech conferences?
Bechdel test? Activity and openly refuse to speak if you're male? Suggest someone who could replace you?
How do you balance the gender diversity of speakers, especially at tech conferences?
Bechdel test? Activity and openly refuse to speak if you're male? Suggest someone who could replace you?
On Mastodon
"...spending the night [at traditional hackathons] has never felt safe for our community...", says Alaina Percival at #CMXSummit, in relation to Women Who Code's Days of Code Challenge.
On Mastodon
"The easiest way to increase equality among women and girls is to invest in the people in the industry today", says Alaina Percival at #CMXSummit.
On Mastodon
About to get a proper American train to Redwood City, #California for #CMXSummit (-:
On Mastodon
Hello 🙂 1 of the voluntary things I love to do is run unconferences, where the people that turn up decide what to do on the day.
If you're in London on 1 November 2023, come join me for the Facilitator's Unconference.
It's run as a not-for-profit event with tickets available via https://www.facilitators-unconference.com including lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
We still have a few heavily discounted tickets left for people employed by a voluntary, charity or public sector organisation.
If you're in London on 1 November 2023, come join me for the Facilitator's Unconference.
It's run as a not-for-profit event with tickets available via https://www.facilitators-unconference.com including lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
We still have a few heavily discounted tickets left for people employed by a voluntary, charity or public sector organisation.
Link: Home
On Mastodon
I'm at the Defence Hackathon 2023 all week (#DH2023). 100+ hackers, 3 problem sets and 3 days to design, build and test working prototypes.
On Mastodon
I'm reading, "TIOBE Index for September 2023" tiobe.com/tiobe-index/
On Mastodon
I'm reading, "Special category data" https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/lawful-basis/a-guide-to-lawful-basis/lawful-basis-for-processing/special-category-data/ by @ICOnews.
On Mastodon
I’m reading, “Testing on mobile applications - …an overview of how to test mobile apps for #accessibility compared to websites” https://github.com/alphagov/wcag-primer/wiki/mobile-app-testing by the Accessibility Capability team in the Government Digital Service. Commits by @hick. NB: This looks like a version 1, so go easy. #a11y
On Mastodon
I'm reading, "HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08)" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Queen_Elizabeth_(R08) by #Wikipedia volunteers, eg @wikipedia
On Mastodon
I love supporting #opensource projects, especially one’s from uber-geek @Edent :blobcatattention:
Check out @openbenches and the incredible #crowdsource’d map at https://openbenches.org/
Check out @openbenches and the incredible #crowdsource’d map at https://openbenches.org/
On Mastodon
@Edent out of interest, why did you choose https://www.spreadshirt.co.uk please? I'm looking for a merch supplier and wondered why
On Mastodon
@Edent @openbenches think Twitter share's not work on the purchase confirmation screen.
On Mastodon
@Edent try now. Looks like the naked URL redirect failed. Have added www.
On Mastodon
I've published, "Notes on week 28 of 2023" https://www.cattell.com/week-notes/2023/week-28 and yes, that's 007 getting an email from reception. Visitors, confirmed! 🙂✅
On Mastodon
@johnpeart ....hmmm, looks like it's mostly Product people, thou.
Have you had a dig around on x-gov Slack? Maybe #servicedesign (active!) or #servicecommunities (not so active¡) are the place to start?
Have you had a dig around on x-gov Slack? Maybe #servicedesign (active!) or #servicecommunities (not so active¡) are the place to start?
On Mastodon
@johnpeart ....looks like the Product and service community might be the place to start https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/communities/product-and-service-community
On Mastodon
On Mastodon
That thing where you start a little bit of DIY, then quickly realise professional builders may be required.
Grouting round the shower has failed. Water ingress has rotted the wooden (why?) support behind it, and the wooden flooring underneath it.
Grouting round the shower has failed. Water ingress has rotted the wooden (why?) support behind it, and the wooden flooring underneath it.
On Mastodon
Got asked what my dream was recently. I think its to be an ethical hacker / pentester, working from the email address [email protected] with the alias [email protected]. Oh, and to fly a helicopter. Maybe base jumping. What else...?
On Mastodon
@jonesIOM just turn up (-:
On Mastodon
@jonesIOM yeap. See www.ukgovcamp.com/govcamp23-london
On Mastodon
In Justice Digital we're hiring a Digital Support Officer on a 2 year fixed term appointment. Salary £25,827 to £27,170 or from £29,664 to £31,200 if London based. Closing date for applications is 27 January 2023 and interviews from 6 February 2023. https://jobs.jobvite.com/justicedigitalandtechnology/job/o0N4lfwW #jobs
On Mastodon
I'm reading, "Is DMing harming your community?" https://netnigma.io/is-dming-harming-your-community/ by Katerina Bohlec via Indiependent HQ Slack.
On Mastodon
#govcamp23 week is here. 3 events. 1 hashtag. First time we've done this. #excited
On Mastodon
Slack reminders, ftw
On Mastodon
@jonodrew boooo! (But yes, you're right. It's "the grid").
#SpaceTimeMatrix, rip.
#SpaceTimeMatrix, rip.
On Mastodon
"Space time matrix" is what he calls the "session grid" (eg j.mp/ukgovcamp).
Lurve this. Never using the "grid" again.
#SpaceTimeMatrix
Lurve this. Never using the "grid" again.
#SpaceTimeMatrix
On Mastodon
@janezach my boss (-:
On Mastodon
@ollybenson love the mail room peeps and their desk hunting (-:
On Mastodon
@janezach ditto internet business case @ Birmingham #localgov, circa 2008.
On Mastodon
I think this is my first ever civil service postal mail.
Exciting (-:
Exciting (-:
On Mastodon
I'm (re)listening to "Open Space Technology - a user guide" by Harrison Owen https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B00BPC85YU #unconference #openspace
Link: Open Space Technology
On Mastodon
Its 4 January and I'm walking to work in jeans and T-shirt. #climatechange
On Mastodon
@MrMikeRose doh! So will I :-) Just updated me folks….
On Mastodon
@MrMikeRose going to visit me folks weekend of 20 January, if you’re about
On Mastodon
@[email protected] exercise has been a very personal thing for me. Interesting to try community exercise, thou 🏃
On Mastodon
I’m absorbing, “The Making and Maintenance of our Open Source Infrastructure” https://youtu.be/5wLKnN3To-k by Nadia Eghbal. #opensource
Link: The Making and Maintenance of our Open Source Infrastructure | Nadia Eghbal
On Mastodon
@jiggott me! :awesome: Which #govcamp are you going to? Barnsley, London or Online?
On Mastodon
@crablab getting there (lots of illness at the end of last year) but feeling a lot more healthy now :awesome:
Amanda persuaded me to be lead organiser again so yes, I’ll see you at #govcamp (that’s the hashtag for this year).
Amanda persuaded me to be lead organiser again so yes, I’ll see you at #govcamp (that’s the hashtag for this year).
On Mastodon
@crablab thanks Hugh :-) How you doing?
On Mastodon
2023 goals:
1. Be healthy,
2. Communitize *.
Today's exercise stats:
35,343 steps,
28.03 kilometers,
27 active minutes,
4,342 calories burnt.
* Make community out of something.
1. Be healthy,
2. Communitize *.
Today's exercise stats:
35,343 steps,
28.03 kilometers,
27 active minutes,
4,342 calories burnt.
* Make community out of something.
On Mastodon
I'm absorbing, "Fat" https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0blh5cr
On Mastodon
@ludictech ekk! Run for the border 🏃
On Mastodon
I’m absorbing, “Working in public: The making and maintenance of open source software” https://press.stripe.com/working-in-public by Nadia Eghbal https://nadia.xyz/
On Mastodon
@Tony_Meredith no, but thanks for sharing (-:
@fade
@fade
On Mastodon
The Handmaid’s Tale, session 5, episode 6, is possibly the best tv I’ve ever watched.
On Mastodon