Finding Shared Purpose with Changing Futures

In December 2022, we sat down with colleagues from the Changing Futures programme. What struck us most? We were speaking the same language—despite different scopes, timelines, and remits.

“It was a meeting of two like-minded programmes that share a system-change philosophy,” said Matt Bell.

We talked about complexity, relationships, and how to work across silos without losing sight of people’s lived realities. Both teams acknowledged how easy it is to drift toward performance metrics—and how hard it is to stay grounded in the human stuff.

We didn’t leave with a joint plan. But we left energised by the possibility of learning together.

One moment that stayed with us: the shared belief that leadership can look like listening, not directing. That power can be built, not held.

For Belong in Plymouth, these moments of resonance help us feel less alone in the work. There are others out there—committed, creative, and ready to rethink the system alongside us.