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

<p>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&#39;s been to 13 countries and more than 20 cities, looking for the people driving change in government.</p><p>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&#39;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&#39;s digital transformation has continued under bombardment.</p><p>We also get his views on the changes in UK government since we spoke earlier this year, including the new cabinet secretary&#39;s promise to back officials who take risks, and find out where his world tour goes next.</p><p>Recorded and produced by Podot.</p><ul><li>Derek&#39;s article for CSW <a href="https://www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/article/transformation-in-times-of-war-kyivs-digital-chief-victoria-itskovych-shares-her-story" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠Transformation in times of war: Kyiv&#39;s digital chief Victoria Itskovych shares her story⁠</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CivicPunks" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Civic Punks on YouTube</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://civicpunks.substack.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Civic Punks Substack</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Em3Hm9j3lc" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Derek&#39;s latest interview with Pia Andrews</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5isfU09uWg" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Derek&#39;s interview with Victoria Itskovych</a></li><li>Amber Guette, <em>Dear Minister, Letters from a Public Servant</em>: <a href="https://www.dearminister.net/books" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.dearminister.net/books</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p>