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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 7h

Paul Stepczak created the ‘Do With, Not To’ scorecard tool for public services and private companies to evaluate their progress in working alongside communities to make a real difference. Get stuck in: padlet.com/paulstepczak...

padlet.com

"Do With, Not To" Scorecard (Excel Version)

Feel free to download and complete the assessment. I've also created digital versions that will send you a PDF report: bit.ly/DoWithNotToScorecard (36 Question 'Deep Dive') bit.ly/DoWithNotToLite…

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

In our September newsletter, we explore #relational #policymaking, rewilding healthcare, #evaluation, and more... 🗞️ Read the full newsletter: mailchi.mp/relationship... 📥 And subscribe to receive future editions directly in your email inbox: eepurl.com/h573kP

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

RESOURCE: Early Years Educator & Tapestry's guide on communication and connection sets out good practice for creating and maintaining effective relationships in the Early Years Foundational Stage and promoting an equal partnership between settings & families: education.tapestry.info/articles/the...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Do you know we recently launched a 'Pattern Library' for relationship-centred practice? It's a community-built wayfinder supporting you to navigate common challenges in relational work, featuring insights contributed by the community of practitioners. 🧭 relationshipsproject.org/pattern-libr...

relationshipsproject.org

Pattern Library | Relationships Project

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

In this blog, we argue that the approach the government takes to overhauling our creaking #SocialCare system in the coming year will provide vital insight into whether it will in fact pursue a meaningful project of relational public service reform: relationshipsproject.org/a-season-for...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

In part two of our 'A season for change?' series, we discuss how the government’s emerging public service reform agenda could make a guiding focus on the power of human relationships a core feature of how the modern state works: relationshipsproject.org/a-season-for...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

A season for change? In this 3-part series, Rich Bell explores the possibility & pitfalls of #relational reform under the Burnham government. 🍂 Part one explores the possibilities of #devolution: a necessary but insufficient condition for relational reform: relationshipsproject.org/a-season-for...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

As the Burnham government aims to 'rewire the state', Koen Bartels argues this will only be achieved if it embraces relational policymaking, and details what this might mean in practice: relationshipsproject.org/to-rewire-th...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Positive relationships at school can play an important role in student wellbeing. 🏫 In this article, Trynia Kaufman, author of 'Overcoming the School Trauma Cycle', shares practices backed by neuroscience for strengthening teacher-student relationships: childmind.org/article/buil...

Graphic sharing findings from the mentioned resource. Title reads: "Positive relationships with students:." Bullet points read: "builds motivation; creates safe spaces for learning; builds new pathways for learning; improves student behaviour." Reference reads: "Building Positive Relationships With Students: What Brain Science Says by Trynia Kaufman."

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Want to connect with others interested in relationship-centred practice? Come along to Time Together: a space hosted by the Relationships Project for those in the field to share a bit about each other’s work, make new connections, and explore areas of shared interest: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

A medium dark blue background featuring a graphic of the world with three people appearing to be in space, all looking and exploring the tiny world together. Title reads: "Time Together." Body text lists the next dates of the Time Together sessions. Text reads: "Thursday 17th September, 12-1pm; Wednesday 18th November, 10-11am."

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

This month, our Relational Funders cohort turned their attention to #evaluation – with the challenge of examining current practices and what a future could look like that better considers both grant makers and holders. Read more in our latest blog: relationshipsproject.org/learning-out...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Sachin Jain, an emergency physician, highlights a critical flaw in US healthcare: its over-reliance on complex metrics while neglecting basic patient relationships. 🫀 His proposed solution? Make sure every patient knows the date of their next primary care appointment: www.forbes.com/sites/sachin...

Quote reads: “The point isn’t the appointment itself. The point is continuity. If you know the date of your next appointment, someone is expecting you. Someone owns your care. Someone will notice if you don’t show up. If you don’t know when you’ll next be seen, there’s a good chance no one owns the space between today and the next time you become sick enough to seek help.” By Sachin H. Jain, author of the article linked in the post.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

In this thought-provoking piece, palliative medicine doctor and qualitative researcher Sarah Yardley asks what might happen if we stopped designing #healthcare around the illusion that we can control #uncertainty – and started designing it around #solidarity: relationshipsproject.org/rewilding-he...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Could a highly supportive chatbot help us feel less lonely? 🤖 A 2026 study offers an interesting answer: not as much as another human... doi.org/10.1016/j.je...

Quote by Joseph Weizenbaum. Text reads: "There are aspects to human life that a computer cannot understand—cannot. It's necessary to be a human being. Love and loneliness have to do with the deepest consequences of our biological constitution. That kind of understanding is in principle impossible for the computer." Sub text reads: "Joseph Weizenbaum, the creator of the first chatbot Eliza (mid-1960s)"

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

You can now watch David Robinson's keynote speech on why relationships matter at Stronger Things 2026: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlGv... The annual festival by @wearenewlocal.bsky.social brings together hundreds from public services, the third sector and beyond to shape conversations that matter.

youtube.com

#StrongerThings2026 Sir David Robinson's Keynote address: a place called us

YouTube video by New Local

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

The Relationships Map is a directory of brilliant individuals and organisations across the UK working towards a more relationship-centred future: relationshipsproject.org/the-relation... If you believe in the importance of relationships, please put yourself on the map: airtable.com/shr6pVk5hFEH...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Building a culture of #belonging is not just a 'nice-to-have'. Grant Oliphant, CEO of The Conrad Prebys Foundation, shares his insights, and describes what it means to be in 'a true relationship' with another: www.prebysfdn.org/stories/blog...

prebysfdn.org

Why belonging? It’s the easiest and hardest thing we can address.

The Conrad Prebys Foundation CEO Grant Oliphant discusses his early experience of belonging in San Diego with the of Macedonio Arteaga.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

“What’s been overlooked is the Indigenous perspective of relationality. It is the understanding that happiness is only possible in community, when we cultivate our relationships toward all kin, from human to more-than-human, and our living Earth.” - Dr. Yuria Celidwen

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

What is it about human-to-human relationships that can’t be replicated by technology? What is unique to our relationships? relationshipsproject.org/what-is-unique-to-human-relationships/

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

New research suggests that NHS trusts with higher levels of empathy have better patient outcomes and improved staff wellbeing, and also benefit financially: www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Le-Anne Goliath explores how teachers' #relationalpractice can sustain students' participation in the classroom, and invites secondary schools to take part in her doctoral research on classroom conditions that support participation and student belonging: relationshipsproject.org/present-on-t...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Our Relational Funders cohort has been exploring the potential to not only learn to navigate permissions more skilfully, but to reshape them – in other words, how funders can help lift future organisations out of the rules that constrain us: relationshipsproject.org/learning-out...

relationshipsproject.org

Learning out loud in relationship-centred practice: Changing our permissions | Relationships Project

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

1) We've just published the June edition of our newsletter. It's jam-packed with events for your diary, and recommended reading, listening and watching from across the relationships field. Plus something we've been working on for a while: How to have challenging conversations in relational ways

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

One week to go until our next book club event! This time we'll be joined by Allison Pugh ((Professor of Sociology at John Hopkins University), who'll be discussing her brilliant book*, The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World (2024).

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

"If the beginning and endings of relationships are where power concentrates, where meaning is made and where trust is built or eroded, what does it mean to deliberately design for them, rather than treat them as administrative tasks to complete?"

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

"Meaningful change doesn’t start with programmes or policies—it starts with relationships." relationshipsproject.org/be-more-batt...

relationshipsproject.org

‘Be more Battenberg’…A love letter from a Gateshead Community Bridgebuilder | Relationships Project

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

1) 10 days to go until our event with the brilliant Dr Gillian Sandstrom about the importance of talking to strangers. When: Thursday 23rd April 2026, 1pm-2pm (BST) Where: Zoom

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Join us this spring for a series of discussions with the authors of three brilliant books – all about relationships. Learn more and RSVP: relationshipsproject.org/connect/

On Thursday 23rd April, 1-2pm BST, we'll be speaking to Gillian Sandstrom about her upcoming book, Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How "Small" Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life (out on 31st March 2026) On Tuesday 12th May, 2.30-3.30pm BST, we'll be joined by Allison Pugh to discuss her book, The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World (2024) And on Thursday 18th June, 1-2pm BST, we'll be hearing from Maff Potts about his book, Friends and Purpose: Stories from Sofas on the Streets and Some Confounding Ideas for Tough Times (2025)

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Reposted by Relationships Project

Heywood Quarterly @heywoodquarterly.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Did you know that loneliness can have real health implications? Our latest article explains how human connection is integral to delivering good public services. #CivilService #Delivery #PublicPolicy @rshipsproject.bsky.social

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Reposted by Relationships Project

Heywood Quarterly @heywoodquarterly.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

The Sixth Edition of Heywood Quarterly – Time to deliver – is out now! Dive into articles on delivery, long-term thinking and leadership. heywoodquarterly.com/editions/ #CivilService #Policy #PublicPolicy #Government @profserious.bsky.social @rshipsproject.bsky.social

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Each month, we host Time Together, space for those in the relationships field to learn about each other’s work, make new connections and explore areas of shared interest. We'd love you to join us. Sign up here: forms.gle/wTojLYhBkHCY...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Last Thursday, the Prime Minister made a speech that would - in any other week - have made some waves. In it, he announced the expansion of the government's Pride in Place programme into forty new areas.

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Reposted by Relationships Project

Heywood Quarterly @heywoodquarterly.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

In the latest article from our Sixth Edition, Ray Shostak, Richard Bell and David Robinson explore the power of human connection in public services. Read the full article here: heywoodquarterly.com/the-role-of-... #Government @rshipsproject.bsky.social

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Change doesn’t start with systems. It starts with relationships. We've assembled 10 funders who are getting into the possibilities of relational funding over a year-long programme – testing approaches and working through challenges together. On Friday, the cohort came together for the 1st time.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

In a new blog, David Robinson shares the wisdom of Wes, his son's football coach who would "scream from the bench like his tracksuit was on fire, “Make yourself big! Make yourself big..."

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

What inspires people who put relationships at the heart of their work? 💡 In this piece – drawing on contributions from over 170 individuals and organisations on our Relationships Map – we share resources that have shaped people's relational practice. relationshipsproject.org/what-shapes-...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

In a new essay, David Robinson shares how he and friends, all teenagers at the time, clubbed together to buy a Routemaster bus, and how meeting people where they were at, literally and metaphorically, brought the community together relationshipsproject.org/notes-on-a-j...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

🧵 1) Our Community Bridgebuilders programme is coming to Middlesbrough in January! It's a free programme that supports people to: 🌉 Talk to people who bring different perspectives 🌉 Challenge well while staying open and meeting needs 🌉 Encourage positive changes in your own community

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

🧵1) "...often, major social changes, from the end of Apartheid in South Africa to women's suffrage in the UK, have been driven by a combination of resistance and filigree bridgebuilding across difference. Yet history doesn’t always make visible this painstaking work."

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

🧵1) This is a milestone moment. The first (first!) objective of the £5bn UK Government's Pride in Place programme couldn't be clearer:

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

🧵1) We’ve been thinking about ‘relational readiness’: an individual, organisation or community's receptivity to the values and intentions of relational practice, and ability to embed it in their day-to-day doings. Some places are more ready than others.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

Keen to know more about Human Learning Systems or how to create psychological safety within our teams and across systems? This Relational Leadership course from ThemPra looks great: www.thempra.org.uk/thempra/our-...

thempra.org.uk

Relational Leadership - ThemPra Social Pedagogy

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

"We’d run through fire for people we love but most of us study our phones when faced with a stranger." In this short, personal blog, David reflects on the power of kindness, and how caring for and about people we do not know is a human superpower: relationshipsproject.org/four-signs-l...

relationshipsproject.org

Four signs: Love is the running to strangers

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

Our relationships with one another are the foundations, the bedrock, on which all else is built. And yet UK society has consistently undervalued them, marginalising the evidence. David Robinson maps how we could set a different course and build a different future: Read the essay: bit.ly/3SyahnU

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Want to engage in conversations beyond your usual circle and meaningfully connect with someone new?@therootsprogramme.bsky.social is running a free online exchange that brings together adults from different backgrounds. Learn more and sign up 👉: tinyurl.com/yhs2278e

tinyurl.com

Roots Exchange: Sharing Stories, Perspectives, and Making New Connections

A free 6-week online exchange bringing together people with different life stories to share experiences, reflections & build new connections

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Nick Sinclair and David Robinson reflect on recent policy-driven changes that offer opportunities for achieving #relational neighbourhoods: "an area where connections matter as much as, if not more than, geography." relationshipsproject.org/the-relational-neighbourhood/ @nicksinclair.bsky.social

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

🧵 1) Nine months have passed since the UK general election; the PM and the Chancellor have declared the intent to do government differently.We believe these plans must include a deep and wide commitment to relational practice. In a pair of blogs, we dig into the practicalities:

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

"If you want to change the outcomes that emerge from a social system, you need to change the relationships that shape its dynamic and capacity." What's Reflective Relational Practice and how could it be implemented to assess the health of relationships in your organisation or community?

linkedin.com

Reflective Relational Practice: Assessing and enhancing the quality of our relationships

“The most important unit of analysis in a system is not the part (e.g.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz share four ways we can invest in our relationships: ideas.ted.com/how-to-add-n... 1. Feel the power of generosity 2. Practice radical curiosity 3. Communicate understanding back to others 4. Do regular relationship check-ins Which of the four do you already do?

ideas.ted.com

How to add new life to your relationships (even your best ones!)

Want lasting happiness? Invest in your connections to other people, suggest Robert Waldinger MD and Marc Schulz PhD, codirectors of the longest-running scientific study on well-being. Here, they sh…

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