Virtual Event
How to Implement Futures Thinking in Public Service
Exclusively for public servants and policymakers
Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024
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Speakers
What to Do Next
- Watch the 7-minute highlights video above
- Dig in deeper and view the full recording of the event here
- Keep connecting with public service peers by joining the Long-term Governance and Futures Thinking Community
Continue the conversation with experts in the Long-term Governance and Futures Thinking Community
You asked our speakers more than 60 questions at the event! We couldn't get through them all live, so we posted them in the Long-term Governance and Futures Thinking Community. Check it out to see some of the questions, read the expert's answers and share your own thoughts!
Resources
- Article 'Building foresight capability' by Sally Washington
- Article about 'Madame Mayor, I have an idea' - a Parisian scheme given by Sophie Howe as an example of securing cost-effective citizen participation in futures thinking
Event Description
In a time where change is the only constant, preparing for the future and adapting to long-term change is crucial. This is especially true when designing effective policies that address complex, intergenerational challenges such as climate change and technological evolution.
Futures thinking and foresight tools help public servants anticipate and navigate emerging challenges, identify trends and create strategies that are robust against various future scenarios. This approach equips policy professionals to craft policies that are not only reactive but proactive, ensuring that they meet the needs of citizens both today and in the future.
Join leading experts in futures thinking and foresight as they explore practical approaches and share insights on embedding these methodologies into public service.
Picture credit: Pexels
Speakers
James Ancell
Head of Futures & Foresight, Cabinet Office
United Kingdom
Sophie Howe
Former Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
United Kingdom
Nancy Muigei
Programme Manager for Democratic Futures in Africa Opportunity, Open Society Foundations
Kenya
James Ancell, Head of Futures at the UK Cabinet Office's Joint Data and Analysis Centre, leads a team which he established to develop scenarios and horizon scans for senior officials and ministers following Covid-19. Using academic networks, statistical methods, artificial intelligence and departmental insight, they produce reports that influence decision-making across government. Prior to joining the Cabinet Office in 2017, he served seven years as an Army Officer including tours of Afghanistan and leading reconnaissance for the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.




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