Crocodiles, missile alerts, and a search for the future of government: In conversation with Derek...

In February, former public servant Derek Alton joined us just before he set off on a year-long journey around the world. Since then, he's been to 13 countries and more than 20 cities, looking for the people driving change in government. In this episode, CSW editor-in-chief Suzannah Brecknell catches up with Derek – founder of Civic Punks – to hear about the best (and worst) public services he found on the road, where government's rule-breakers and changemakers tend to thrive, and why parts of Asia are taking a more optimistic approach to AI than many governments in the West. Derek also reflects on his time in Kyiv, where he saw how Ukraine's digital transformation has continued under bombardment. We also get his views on the changes in UK government since we spoke earlier this year, including the new cabinet secretary's promise to back officials who take risks, and find out where his world tour goes next. Recorded and produced by Podot. • Derek's article for CSW ⁠Transformation in times of war: Kyiv's digital chief Victoria Itskovych shares her story⁠ (https://www.civilserviceworld.com/in-...) • Civic Punks on YouTube (   / @civicpunks  ) • Civic Punks Substack (https://civicpunks.substack.com/) • Derek's latest interview with Pia Andrews (   • Pia Andrews's Top 3 Recommendations  ) • Derek's interview with Victoria Itskovych (   • Six Weeks Under Siege: Kyiv’s CIO on Keepi...  ) • Amber Guette, Dear Minister, Letters from a Public Servant: https://www.dearminister.net/books