Radical Reformers ep.101: The Work We Need, with Hilary Cottam, author and public service innovator

In the latest episode of Radical Reformers, I'm joined by renowned public service innovator and author, Hilary Cottam. Hilary has just published her highly anticipated follow-up to Radical Help, entitled “The Work We Need”. It is an inspiring read, and I get the opportunity to delve into the main themes with Hilary.

Hilary highlights the increasing challenge of economic inactivity and unfulfilling jobs and discusses the importance of “place” and the social fabric created by local institutions, great and small, formal and informal. We discuss the critical role central government, Mayoral Combined Authorities and councils have in “tilting the playing field” to create the conditions for good work.

Lifelong learning is a key theme of the book, and Hilary explains what this means. It’s not about getting a piece of paper with a qualification. It’s about fulfilment, challenge, and self-development. We also spend time discussing the potential of the “modern mutual” and the renewed interest from the government in this form of organisation, which has proven very successful in many industries, including public services.

Radical Help is a firm favourite in the Mutual Ventures office and our copies of The Work We Need are already in hot demand. We hope you enjoy the episode!

Click here to order The Work We Need

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