61. David Boyle. Tick Box Culture

Our guest has been described as “part writer, part journalist, part politico, part historian, part economist and mostly brains, intellect and common sense”.  He’s also been described as “the finest radical voice of this generation”.  We came across David Boyle last year when  reading his wonderfully subversive “Tickbox” which explores the “insidious philosophy of automation and the misuse of data that weighs heavily upon us”.  It’s impossible to work in the public sector and read his book and not experience a huge wave of overwhelming familiarity.  In fact, those of us who work for the NHS but within a prison are unfortunate enough to experience a double dose of corporate inefficiency.   Last yearNaomi invited David along to have a conversation at a conference the Fens Unit was due to hold to celebrate its 20th year anniversary but unfortunately Coronavirus put paid to those plans.   So I am really pleased that I’ve managed to find an opportunity for us to sit down and have that conversation today instead.