Human Engine Insights is our monthly digest of what's happening in our world. Each edition will include industry news and thought pieces from our team on what's happening within the private and public sector.
2022 Retrospective
2022 was not a year for the faint of heart. It started so well... We welcomed an easing of pandemic restrictions in many parts but were quickly hit by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, soaring inflation and reminders that the consequences of climate change aren't coming, they're already here. Three Prime Ministers, Two Monarchs and a partridge in a pear tree.
Meanwhile, the cost of living crisis, a depleted workforce, strikes as workers fight for better pay and conditions and staff shortages have caused discontent across much of the economy.
However, the past year also made clear how the global community can band together, with new commitments and pacts to protect our natural world, efforts to aid those displaced by war in Ukraine, Iran's theocratic regime could be headed for the ash heap of history and the delivery of close to two billion Covid-19 vaccine doses to areas in need across the world.
Through hard-hitting events, there have been moments of escapism and joy, from Paddington at the Queen's Jubilee, a lettuce outlasting a PM, to daily Wordles (yeah, that was this year). The Lionesses could sing 'it's coming home' as they made history at the Euros and shone a light on Women's football. The World Cup... England made it to the quarter-finals and the first time Wales has made it to the group stages in 64 years! We had fisticuffs at the Oscars, the insanity of Depp v Heard and the UK almost won (!) Eurovision - No Nul Point this year!
Closer to home, the Human Engine team have been hard at work helping our clients in local government, central government, the NHS, charitable and regulatory sectors to deliver the best work of their lives. View our recent case studies to dive into our world and how we've delivered outstanding outcomes. We have grown, welcomed new clients, said hello to new team members and said goodbye to others. 2022 was the year Human Engine turned four and was once again recognised as a UK leading management consultancy by the Financial times, for the 3rd time in a row. (fingers crossed we can continue this trend in '23). For a small business, to stand toe-to-toe with the 'Big 4' is humbling. Outside of work, our team have collectively raised over £13,000+ for charity, supporting RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), Florence Nightingale Hospice, The British Red Cross Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid Fund, Save the Children and other causes. 2022 was wild. We're looking forward to what the next 365 days bring!
Curious to know what's happened this month? Including the Christmas party shenanigans... Keep reading.
Before you do, we would like to take an opportunity to thank those who have supported the business this year. Thunderous applause and foot stamping to our core team, associates, business partners and our clients, without you we would not be here today. Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year; see you in '23.
The Office Christmas Party
It's that time of the year, when our team dress to the nines, don their highest of heels and throw some shapes on the dancefloor...
This year we attended the world of the 'Dream Circus' in Milton Keynes… where glamour met the surreal. Santa, contortionists, plate-spinning giraffes, stilt-walking zebras and aerial acrobats. Throw in a Christmas dinner, a dance and an open bar... It was a night to be remembered.
When we're all working remotely across the UK, getting together is more important than ever. Roll on next Christmas...
Service of the Month: Programme and Project Management
Did you know only 58% of organisations say they understand the value of project management? And only 2.5% of organisations complete 100% of their projects successfully?
Human Engine has unrivalled experience of supporting local government to successfully deliver programmes, maximising outcomes and impact.
Our MSP, PRINCE2 and Agile programme and project managers bring clarity to ambiguity and structure to complexity. Our pragmatic and results-focused professionals will help drive your projects to a successful conclusion. We’re also experts at benefits realisation, specialising in evaluating complex success criteria and notoriously hard-to-measure outcomes.
For example, we’ve been supporting Barnsley MBC over the last year to deliver their Community Renewal Programme and Economic Renewal Action Plan Programme. These projects have safeguarded hundreds of businesses and jobs, created new employment opportunities, provided education and training, secured inward investment and increased volunteering activity.
Don’t just take our word for it...
“Having the Human Engine PMO capacity in place is recognised as being a real strength and fundamental to progress to date in the programme’s initiation, mobilisation and early delivery phases. The programme is underpinned by a strong, successful and widely supported programme management function.”
Head of Economic Development, Barnsley MBC.
Want some help? Let's have an initial discussion to understand your requirements and share some of our experience. Zero obligation. Complete this form and a member of our team will contact you directly.
Christmas Jumper Day 22
December the 8th is 'Christmas Jumper Day' which raises funds for Save the Children UK
Our business development team we're in the spirit of it. 🎅🎄❄️
By pulling on their Christmassy knits, the Human Engine team and people around the country helped mums and babies stay healthy, and giving them the chance of the future they deserve. Every £20 can buy antibiotics to help ten children beat malnutrition.
The fund is ongoing. You can support by:
Text to donate, text HUMAN2 (£2), HUMAN5 (£5) or HUMAN10 (£10) to 70050
Frameworks & Procurement Routes
This year we're pleased to have been awarded a place on a number of compliant, nationally recognised consultancy frameworks.
Our services can now be procured through:
ESPO 664_21 - Consultancy Services - ESPO - Public Sector Procurement
RM6187 - Management Consultancy Framework Three (MCF3) Crown Commercial Service
Bloom Procurement – NEPRO Solution Bloom Procurement Services
Consultancy + - Consultancy Plus
Constellia - Constellia
RM1043.8 - Digital Outcomes 6 - UK government
RM1557.13 - G-Cloud 13 - UK government
RM6237 – Low Value Purchase System - Crown Commercial Service
For more detail on our framework options, please call or email our Commercial Director, Michael Curnow, Tel: 07854 380528.
Congratulations - Certified
Congratulations to our business analysts Jenny Woolcock and Johnny Hunt for completing their #PRINCE2 Foundation Certificate in Project Management.
We're pleased to be supporting our newest talent with their professional development.
Associates - Talent Pool
We are a small but quickly growing company. We're looking for exceptionally talented and passionate people to join us.
If you’re looking for a part-time role, opportunities as an associate or we’re simply not advertising the right role for you right now, register your interest with us to join our talent pool. We’re always looking to connect with experienced consultants, change managers, programme and project managers to join our growing team or work with us on a flexible basis. Join the Talent Pool
About Human Engine
Human Engine is a leading management consultancy with specialisms in strategy, change, digital, commercial, procurement and projects. We work with local authorities, central government, charities and NHS organisations nationally to help transform their strategies, operations and cultures to improve outcomes for customers and communities.
If you wish to find out more about us - Visit Our Website