Baachu Talk - Episode 08 - Prof. Gary Sturgess, Adjunct Professor, Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) -

Baachu Talk Podcast

Showcasing the human leadership stories behind UK public and business services

Today's guest is Prof. Gary Sturgess

Gary Sturgess is the NSW Premier's ANZSOG Chair of Public Service Delivery at the University of NSW. He consults extensively with various government departments. Prior to that he spent 10 years in the UK, where he was head of a research institute founded by the international public service company, Serco Group plc. In the early 1990s, he was Director-General of the Cabinet Office in the Greiner government, and among other initiatives, was the architect of the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Part 1

Part 2

In this truly inspirational episode, we will discuss Gary’s

Early life and education
First Job
Public administration role – Director-General of the Cabinet Office
Serco Institute role
ANZSOG Chair of Public Service Delivery role
Just another paper clip BSA report contribution
Views on outsourcing playbook and related UK Gov initiatives
Wider commissioning advisory roles at English speaking countries UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
Publications
Views on UK public sector procurement post Carillion
Suggested resources for commissioners
Key achievements
3 things not many people know about him
Advice to people wanting to pursue career
One thing he wish he had known early in his career
One kind or thoughtful thing someone did to him
Kindest person he knows
Best piece of advice he has received
Influential people in his life and career
Next steps

Few random questions

As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?
What was your best subject in school?
If you could eat only 3 foods for the rest of your life, what would they be?
What superpower would most like to have? What trait do you like the most about yourself?
Which storybook/cartoon character do you like the most?
What was the best year of your life? Why?
What is the scariest thing you have ever done for fun?
What have you observed lately (Covid-19) that reminded you that people are kind?

Key Nuggets

Understand the language and terminology public services economy – – contracting, commissioning, contestability and outsourcing
The word Commissioning stands for entrustment
Ideological connotations in using the word “outsourcing” for contracting. I think it is time everyone stop using the word “outsourcing”
UK was market leader in commissioning, unquestionably the leader in PFIs and was doing it better than anyone else in the world
As commissioners, remember your history and study your history. Unfortunately a great deal of history is lost, many forgotten
In 2011, I realised public service contracting was not heading in the right direction
Contract management is complex. As commissioner work out what tools, what versions of contracting to use for the projects
Contracting is a robust form of commissioning
2016 onwards – Public sector contracting became unsustainable for the industry
Yes, private companies made mistakes but end of the day they are part of government supply chain
Post Carillion, things have calmed down on both industry and central government. There is much better engagement with industry from the cabinet office
I spend most of my time grappling with public servants
I am expert in convict transportation and maritime history
I will be remembered as anti-corruption campaigner
Speak truth to power and be curious
I have intense curiosity that is incurable
I was curious and intrigued about how the society works
Find your calling – be passionate about your work
You can achieve work life balance in your lifetime
We all need some toolboxes and build your big toolbox
My wife is also my best friend, she is the ground I walk on
My strength is in scepticism and critical self-analysis
Lot of kindness comes from small things
Like Thomas tank engine, have the desire to make a difference and contribution
Build socially responsible business
Pause, remember, realise, understand, and learn