Rebecca Jarvis reflects on the power of systems thinking in public sector commissioning, arguing that true change happens when organisations move beyond coordination to shared purpose. Drawing on cross‑sector experience, she highlights barriers, opportunities and real‑world impact, showing how collaboration, curiosity and strategic commissioning can transform outcomes for people and communities.

Public service reform demands whole-system thinking, not siloed fixes. Local government, NHS, charities, and housing providers overlap, yet reforms often ignore these interdependencies. True transformation requires shared outcomes, integrated governance, data-driven collaboration, and cultural change while maintaining frontline delivery mid-flight. Are leaders ready to embrace complexity and design connected systems for better communities?