“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them” Albert Einstein

The systems thinking event held in June was a great success and firstly I want to thank everyone who gave up their time and got involved, it was very much appreciated and we would not have achieved so much without you.  Hopefully we got everyone’s names so thank you to:-

Bridges & Structures - Simon Gibbons, Simon Hollyer, David Hornblower PDG - SWH - Sean Gibbons, Neil Gibson, Dave Leonard, Keith Mason, Glen Robinson; Malcolm Donovan BCMT (Trees) - Laura Gadd, Lewis Sleeman HOCC - Phil Virgin PROW - Ros Mills, Briony Moon Street Lighting -Shane Bayley, Maurizio d'Alesio, Ron Flaherty

R&R - Inspections - Steve Bryant, Nikki Richards R&R - SWH - Sam Bastin, Hayley Dietrich, Gavin French, Paul Small, Gary Wilson EDG - Ben Hooppell, Anjumn Kanani Asset Management - Steve Cross, Rob Turner, Zoe Fursman, Steve Shore PDG - DCC - Nick Bowles, John Coleman, Dan Ferris, Mark Gibbs, Colin Hicks, Nigel Laws

Finance - Dan Causon, Georgina Hipwell Road Closures - Spencer Dicks, Dan Ferris, Helen Frankpitt, Laura Gadd, Neil Gibson, Chris Hodgson, Denise Squire, Amanda Vooght Tiverton Team - Bob King, Steve Leigh, Tarl Martin, Bob Pettifer, Willy Pike, Steve Short, Steve Tucker Systems Thinking Team - Lee Cranmer, Sara Cretney, James Foley, Carl Haggerty, Simon Milner, Ian Rawle, Roxanne Tandridge, Chris Watkins Others Involved in Process- Steve Canniford, Joe Deasy, Kevin Dentith, Ian Hyde, Sarah Rosser, David Whitton

So, I hear you ask, what have we done, what still need to be done and what happens next?

WHAT HAVE WE DONE?

·         Process flows captured

·         Visit to Tiverton NHT/PDG: Process flows tested

·         Followed pothole gang in Exmouth, & traced history of defects

·         Looked at case study of programmed works

·         Looked at multiple case studies of reactive works

·         Produced capability charts

·         Produced demand charts & identified sources of demand

WHAT STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE?

·         Type up & check/amend remaining process flows

·         Identify the value steps with stakeholders

·         Investigate further into case studies of programmed works

·         Investigate further into case studies of reactive works

·         Capture special events process. Possibly others…?

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Agreement from David has been given to continue and set up a dedicated project team to be led by the Highway Systems Manager

The project team will be made up of Highways Staff and will be dedicated to the project. 

The project team posts will be backfilled/covered appropriately to allow the team member to be totally dedicated to the project.  Thought is currently being given to the level of resource required over what time period and how these posts will be back filled and once agreement is reached the posts will be advertised inviting expressions of interest.

I urge anyone interested to apply to be part of the team, not only is the method of systems thinking fascinating (and actually quite good fun – honest!), a great new skill to learn and put on your CV but it is your opportunity to effect change and not have change done to you. 

For more information about systems thinking and the event; see more

www.devon.gov.uk/transportroads                                              www.swhltd.co.uk