Ann Kempster
@annkempster.com
Public sector agitator for good.
Feminist. Cheese. Dachshunds.
Digital. 🏴
She/her.
Feminist. Cheese. Dachshunds.
Digital. 🏴
She/her.
That poll. My back channels.
a close up of a fire burning in a fireplace
ALT: a close up of a fire burning in a fireplace
media.tenor.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:07 PM
That poll. My back channels.
👀
Quite - and I don’t say this lightly - an extraordinary poll for the Welsh Parliament election in May via @itvcymruwales.bsky.social 👇👇
The Polanski surge is hitting the Greens in Wales and Reform appear to have plateaued. A big Plaid lead and Lab/Cons in 4th/5th.
www.itv.com/news/wales/2...
The Polanski surge is hitting the Greens in Wales and Reform appear to have plateaued. A big Plaid lead and Lab/Cons in 4th/5th.
www.itv.com/news/wales/2...
www.itv.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:15 PM
👀
Reposted by Ann Kempster
The remarkable thing here isn't the universal revulsion. Its that two large parties - Reform and the Conservatives - are trying to maintain stances favoured by around 0-1% of the public.
Polling like this also suggests that whenever Labour does develop enough backbone to act, there's no going back
Polling like this also suggests that whenever Labour does develop enough backbone to act, there's no going back
Has there ever been any poll showing the public this united? yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
January 13, 2026 at 1:13 PM
The remarkable thing here isn't the universal revulsion. Its that two large parties - Reform and the Conservatives - are trying to maintain stances favoured by around 0-1% of the public.
Polling like this also suggests that whenever Labour does develop enough backbone to act, there's no going back
Polling like this also suggests that whenever Labour does develop enough backbone to act, there's no going back
This is most of what I'm doing today. Complete with facial expressions and hand gestures.
Many more people need to be constantly asking WHY. Why are we doing this. WHYYYYYYYYYYY [what's your goal, what's your strategic intent....]
Many more people need to be constantly asking WHY. Why are we doing this. WHYYYYYYYYYYY [what's your goal, what's your strategic intent....]
a stuffed white cat is sitting on top of a box and asking why ?
ALT: a stuffed white cat is sitting on top of a box and asking why ?
media.tenor.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:11 PM
This is most of what I'm doing today. Complete with facial expressions and hand gestures.
Many more people need to be constantly asking WHY. Why are we doing this. WHYYYYYYYYYYY [what's your goal, what's your strategic intent....]
Many more people need to be constantly asking WHY. Why are we doing this. WHYYYYYYYYYYY [what's your goal, what's your strategic intent....]
For the most part, I'm coping quite well with not living at home and commuting.
What I'm not coping well with is the days I'm not commuting to my office set up.
Having to work at what I call a decorative desk in a decorative chair. In a room with what I call whisper lighting.
What I'm not coping well with is the days I'm not commuting to my office set up.
Having to work at what I call a decorative desk in a decorative chair. In a room with what I call whisper lighting.
January 13, 2026 at 12:37 PM
For the most part, I'm coping quite well with not living at home and commuting.
What I'm not coping well with is the days I'm not commuting to my office set up.
Having to work at what I call a decorative desk in a decorative chair. In a room with what I call whisper lighting.
What I'm not coping well with is the days I'm not commuting to my office set up.
Having to work at what I call a decorative desk in a decorative chair. In a room with what I call whisper lighting.
If but the rest of the civil service could be as blunt and truthful as Louise Casey. She's bang on with her comments throughout this whole thread.
WTF happened to the UK civil service?
WTF happened to the UK civil service?
Louise Casey blunt on grade inflation in the civil service - compares decisions grade 5s make now to those fast streamers used to make…
January 13, 2026 at 10:26 AM
If but the rest of the civil service could be as blunt and truthful as Louise Casey. She's bang on with her comments throughout this whole thread.
WTF happened to the UK civil service?
WTF happened to the UK civil service?
That’s been an emotionally brutal day. Knocked sideways.
January 12, 2026 at 5:42 PM
That’s been an emotionally brutal day. Knocked sideways.
Reposted by Ann Kempster
It's been more than 4 months since the move of CDPS into Welsh Government was announced. Nothing further has been shared.
So we thought we'd set out what we expect to see from a new digital delivery unit. These things are crucial in establishing trust, transparency and culture.
So we thought we'd set out what we expect to see from a new digital delivery unit. These things are crucial in establishing trust, transparency and culture.
Welsh Government’s decision to absorb the Centre for Digital Public Services (CDPS) could be a turning point for digital delivery in Wales.
Done well, it embeds proven practice at the heart of government. Done badly, it risks losing five years of progress. 🧵
Done well, it embeds proven practice at the heart of government. Done badly, it risks losing five years of progress. 🧵
January 12, 2026 at 10:16 AM
It's been more than 4 months since the move of CDPS into Welsh Government was announced. Nothing further has been shared.
So we thought we'd set out what we expect to see from a new digital delivery unit. These things are crucial in establishing trust, transparency and culture.
So we thought we'd set out what we expect to see from a new digital delivery unit. These things are crucial in establishing trust, transparency and culture.
Reposted by Ann Kempster
Lots of new folks, especially pols, arriving - put together a starter pack of practitioners in the digital/service design/policy/transformation sector
go.bsky.app/ezrTxN
go.bsky.app/ezrTxN
January 10, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Lots of new folks, especially pols, arriving - put together a starter pack of practitioners in the digital/service design/policy/transformation sector
go.bsky.app/ezrTxN
go.bsky.app/ezrTxN
It's been more than 4 months since the move of CDPS into Welsh Government was announced. Nothing further has been shared.
So we thought we'd set out what we expect to see from a new digital delivery unit. These things are crucial in establishing trust, transparency and culture.
So we thought we'd set out what we expect to see from a new digital delivery unit. These things are crucial in establishing trust, transparency and culture.
Welsh Government’s decision to absorb the Centre for Digital Public Services (CDPS) could be a turning point for digital delivery in Wales.
Done well, it embeds proven practice at the heart of government. Done badly, it risks losing five years of progress. 🧵
Done well, it embeds proven practice at the heart of government. Done badly, it risks losing five years of progress. 🧵
January 12, 2026 at 10:16 AM
It's been more than 4 months since the move of CDPS into Welsh Government was announced. Nothing further has been shared.
So we thought we'd set out what we expect to see from a new digital delivery unit. These things are crucial in establishing trust, transparency and culture.
So we thought we'd set out what we expect to see from a new digital delivery unit. These things are crucial in establishing trust, transparency and culture.
Reposted by Ann Kempster
Os yw Cymru am gyflawni gwasanaethau sy’n bodloni disgwyliadau’r cyhoedd, dyma’r foment i fod yn glir ynghylch beth yw “da” — a dal ein hunain i’r safon honno.
www.transform.wales/cy/blog/2026...
www.transform.wales/cy/blog/2026...
Cyflawni digidol yn Llywodraeth Cymru: beth rydym yn disgwyl ei weld
Ym mis Medi 2025, cyhoeddodd Llywodraeth Cymru y byddai’r Ganolfan Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus Digidol (CDPS) yn cael ei hymgorffori yn y sefydliad. Ers y cyhoeddiad hwnnw, prin yw’r eglurder cyhoeddus yng...
www.transform.wales
January 12, 2026 at 8:26 AM
Os yw Cymru am gyflawni gwasanaethau sy’n bodloni disgwyliadau’r cyhoedd, dyma’r foment i fod yn glir ynghylch beth yw “da” — a dal ein hunain i’r safon honno.
www.transform.wales/cy/blog/2026...
www.transform.wales/cy/blog/2026...
Reposted by Ann Kempster
Rydym yn rhannu'r safonau lleiaf y dylem eu disgwyl gan y gyfarwyddiaeth newydd:
– eglurder o ran pwrpas
– tryloywder ynghylch blaenoriaethau
– offer ac arferion modern
– llywodraethu sy’n cefnogi cyflawni
– buddsoddiad mewn pobl a sgiliau
Dyma’r amodau ar gyfer ymddiriedaeth a chyflymder.
– eglurder o ran pwrpas
– tryloywder ynghylch blaenoriaethau
– offer ac arferion modern
– llywodraethu sy’n cefnogi cyflawni
– buddsoddiad mewn pobl a sgiliau
Dyma’r amodau ar gyfer ymddiriedaeth a chyflymder.
January 12, 2026 at 8:26 AM
Rydym yn rhannu'r safonau lleiaf y dylem eu disgwyl gan y gyfarwyddiaeth newydd:
– eglurder o ran pwrpas
– tryloywder ynghylch blaenoriaethau
– offer ac arferion modern
– llywodraethu sy’n cefnogi cyflawni
– buddsoddiad mewn pobl a sgiliau
Dyma’r amodau ar gyfer ymddiriedaeth a chyflymder.
– eglurder o ran pwrpas
– tryloywder ynghylch blaenoriaethau
– offer ac arferion modern
– llywodraethu sy’n cefnogi cyflawni
– buddsoddiad mewn pobl a sgiliau
Dyma’r amodau ar gyfer ymddiriedaeth a chyflymder.
Reposted by Ann Kempster
Gall penderfyniad Llywodraeth Cymru i ymgorffori’r Ganolfan Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus Digidol (CDPS) fod yn drobwynt i gyflawni digidol yng Nghymru.
Os caiff ei wneud yn dda, bydd yn gwreiddio arferion da wrth galon y llywodraeth. Os na, mae perygl colli pum mlynedd o gynnydd. 🧵
Os caiff ei wneud yn dda, bydd yn gwreiddio arferion da wrth galon y llywodraeth. Os na, mae perygl colli pum mlynedd o gynnydd. 🧵
January 12, 2026 at 8:26 AM
Gall penderfyniad Llywodraeth Cymru i ymgorffori’r Ganolfan Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus Digidol (CDPS) fod yn drobwynt i gyflawni digidol yng Nghymru.
Os caiff ei wneud yn dda, bydd yn gwreiddio arferion da wrth galon y llywodraeth. Os na, mae perygl colli pum mlynedd o gynnydd. 🧵
Os caiff ei wneud yn dda, bydd yn gwreiddio arferion da wrth galon y llywodraeth. Os na, mae perygl colli pum mlynedd o gynnydd. 🧵
Reposted by Ann Kempster
This is essential: a democracy *must* know who is paying its politicians and where that money is coming from.
Cryptocurrency is *designed* to make that impossible.
The whole point is to lift payments outside the scrutiny of the state.
Cryptocurrency is *designed* to make that impossible.
The whole point is to lift payments outside the scrutiny of the state.
Seven Select Committee Chairs have written jointly to the Prime Minister calling for an explicit ban on cryptocurrency donations in the forthcoming Elections Bill.
This is not an argument about digital assets. It is an argument about democratic integrity.
This is not an argument about digital assets. It is an argument about democratic integrity.
January 12, 2026 at 9:24 AM
This is essential: a democracy *must* know who is paying its politicians and where that money is coming from.
Cryptocurrency is *designed* to make that impossible.
The whole point is to lift payments outside the scrutiny of the state.
Cryptocurrency is *designed* to make that impossible.
The whole point is to lift payments outside the scrutiny of the state.
Reposted by Ann Kempster
📢 We're hiring! 📢 @colegau.cymru is looking for a Communications and Events Officer (full time, permanent), starting salary - £31,486. Closes 31 January 2026. I'd be grateful for any shares. Diolch. www.colleges.wales/en/page/care...
Join the ColegauCymru Team - ColegauCymru
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to take on an exciting and challenging communications and events role in the further education and work-based learning sector.
www.colleges.wales
January 12, 2026 at 8:16 AM
📢 We're hiring! 📢 @colegau.cymru is looking for a Communications and Events Officer (full time, permanent), starting salary - £31,486. Closes 31 January 2026. I'd be grateful for any shares. Diolch. www.colleges.wales/en/page/care...
Taking a friend out for a meal in Cardiff on Wednesday night.
Where should we go?
No chains, not too spendy but also not basic.
Where should we go?
No chains, not too spendy but also not basic.
January 11, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Taking a friend out for a meal in Cardiff on Wednesday night.
Where should we go?
No chains, not too spendy but also not basic.
Where should we go?
No chains, not too spendy but also not basic.
Here we go, the 2026 book thread.
Up first, Richard Power’s Playground.
I loved Overstory and Bewilderment. He’s one of the very few male writers who is sure to make my must-read pile.
Up first, Richard Power’s Playground.
I loved Overstory and Bewilderment. He’s one of the very few male writers who is sure to make my must-read pile.
January 11, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Here we go, the 2026 book thread.
Up first, Richard Power’s Playground.
I loved Overstory and Bewilderment. He’s one of the very few male writers who is sure to make my must-read pile.
Up first, Richard Power’s Playground.
I loved Overstory and Bewilderment. He’s one of the very few male writers who is sure to make my must-read pile.
Reposted by Ann Kempster
We need digital sovereignty to keep our communications, banking, energy, travel and healthcare systems secure.
If we stay dependent on foreign tech firms for our digital infrastructure, the UK risks its independence and resilience.
Sign & share our petition ⬇️
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
If we stay dependent on foreign tech firms for our digital infrastructure, the UK risks its independence and resilience.
Sign & share our petition ⬇️
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
Stop the "Kill Switch": Demand the UK takes back control of our technology.
From the NHS to our energy grid, we are too reliant on US tech. Help us demand digital independence.
you.38degrees.org.uk
January 11, 2026 at 3:39 PM
We need digital sovereignty to keep our communications, banking, energy, travel and healthcare systems secure.
If we stay dependent on foreign tech firms for our digital infrastructure, the UK risks its independence and resilience.
Sign & share our petition ⬇️
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
If we stay dependent on foreign tech firms for our digital infrastructure, the UK risks its independence and resilience.
Sign & share our petition ⬇️
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
Reposted by Ann Kempster
Foreign States have used their control over digital infrastructure to wield power.
Even historic allies aren’t reliable.
The future doesn’t need to be orange. We need #DigitalSovereignty in the UK to keep our systems running.
Read more about our campaign ⬇️
www.computerweekly.com/news/3666371...
Even historic allies aren’t reliable.
The future doesn’t need to be orange. We need #DigitalSovereignty in the UK to keep our systems running.
Read more about our campaign ⬇️
www.computerweekly.com/news/3666371...
Campaigners urge UK to develop digital sovereignty strategy | Computer Weekly
UK digital rights campaigners have urged UK parliamentarians to implement a digital sovereignty strategy as part of the forthcoming Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill to reduce reliance on technology s...
www.computerweekly.com
January 11, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Foreign States have used their control over digital infrastructure to wield power.
Even historic allies aren’t reliable.
The future doesn’t need to be orange. We need #DigitalSovereignty in the UK to keep our systems running.
Read more about our campaign ⬇️
www.computerweekly.com/news/3666371...
Even historic allies aren’t reliable.
The future doesn’t need to be orange. We need #DigitalSovereignty in the UK to keep our systems running.
Read more about our campaign ⬇️
www.computerweekly.com/news/3666371...
Have had to move back to gas cooking from induction while we're not living in our house.
OMG, IT'S SO SLOW.
I want my induction back
OMG, IT'S SO SLOW.
I want my induction back
January 11, 2026 at 1:39 PM
Have had to move back to gas cooking from induction while we're not living in our house.
OMG, IT'S SO SLOW.
I want my induction back
OMG, IT'S SO SLOW.
I want my induction back
Everything is data centre.
An abandoned former chemical plant in a ‘strategically important’ industrial site on the Anglesey coast could become an AI data centre
Plan for ‘strategically significant’ plant to become AI data centre
Dale Spridgeon, Local Democracy Reporter An abandoned former chemical plant in a “strategically important” industrial site on the Anglesey coast could become an AI data centre. The Octel site at Amlwc...
wp.me
January 11, 2026 at 9:53 AM
Everything is data centre.
Reposted by Ann Kempster
I was going to just make a few posts and then realised I should get back to proper weeknoting, so here it is.
Episode 1: Hopeful
blog.annkempster.com/episode-1/
Episode 1: Hopeful
blog.annkempster.com/episode-1/
Episode 1
Despite starting the new year with another illness just 2 weeks after the last one and feeling really grotty I’m super positive about the year ahead. Hopeful, even. [that was my word for the year in t...
blog.annkempster.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:28 PM
I was going to just make a few posts and then realised I should get back to proper weeknoting, so here it is.
Episode 1: Hopeful
blog.annkempster.com/episode-1/
Episode 1: Hopeful
blog.annkempster.com/episode-1/
Reposted by Ann Kempster
Yes: we spent unfathomable millions on a bridge to nowhere because process forced us to. But we also spent £100m on an unusable prison because of recklessness about process. State capacity is not a problem that bold leadership will magically resolve.
open.substack.com/pub/howtorun...
open.substack.com/pub/howtorun...
How to afford the state we want
State effectiveness and state capacity are not the same thing
open.substack.com
January 11, 2026 at 7:31 AM
Yes: we spent unfathomable millions on a bridge to nowhere because process forced us to. But we also spent £100m on an unusable prison because of recklessness about process. State capacity is not a problem that bold leadership will magically resolve.
open.substack.com/pub/howtorun...
open.substack.com/pub/howtorun...
Reposted by Ann Kempster
I just saw someone use the term "slopulism" and it's a very good word.
My proposed definition: "Junk policy aimed at populism-inclined voters which will go nowhere and achieve nothing but which strategists believe will win support."
My proposed definition: "Junk policy aimed at populism-inclined voters which will go nowhere and achieve nothing but which strategists believe will win support."
January 10, 2026 at 2:37 PM
I just saw someone use the term "slopulism" and it's a very good word.
My proposed definition: "Junk policy aimed at populism-inclined voters which will go nowhere and achieve nothing but which strategists believe will win support."
My proposed definition: "Junk policy aimed at populism-inclined voters which will go nowhere and achieve nothing but which strategists believe will win support."
Reposted by Ann Kempster
The 452nd edition of Internet of Public Service Jobs >>
newsletter.digitalbydefault.jobs/internet-of-...
newsletter.digitalbydefault.jobs/internet-of-...
Internet of Public Service Jobs - 10/01/2026
This is the 452nd edition of Internet of Public Service Jobs - a weekly list of vacancies related to product management, agile and design in…you guessed it…‘public service’ curated by @jukesie
[01] H...
newsletter.digitalbydefault.jobs
January 10, 2026 at 9:25 AM
The 452nd edition of Internet of Public Service Jobs >>
newsletter.digitalbydefault.jobs/internet-of-...
newsletter.digitalbydefault.jobs/internet-of-...