ABOUT
We work with complex systems (partnerships, teams, organisations, communities and places), offering a range of methods and support for deep learning and radical change.
When we dig as deep as we can to discover why things are happening the way they are, we discover hidden routes to change. They are hidden as they are often not visible to the eye. Beliefs, values and norms hold invisible power over all systems and we help to reveal them and to change them.
Read more about our system change approach below.
Jen Parkin is the Founder and Director of Hidden Routes and is directly involved in all client work. She is highly skilled at holding a neutral space for people to come together and collaborate as equals. Her personal system change journey started in public sector reform, working to redesign services around what matters to citizens. Since working independently she has been working primarily with the Voluntary, Community and Enterprise sector and has relished stepping into system change in particular geographic areas. She is now passionate about serving groups of people from different organisations, backgrounds and perspectives to come together, learn together and change systems together.
system change approach
We use a range of methods and tools that support deep discovery of why a system is the way it is and also how to create system change through affirmative disruption and collective re-norming. Some of these methods are established and well used among system change experts, some of them are our own, developed through our unique experiences. As systems continually change and evolve, so does system change practice. In this spirit of learning and adapting, here is a list of things that we see as useful and that we can help with.
Alongside system change methods, we use a fully human, democratic and intuitive approach to group work so that new wisdom and insight can unfold. In our experience, change is not rational. It comes with beautiful emotions to be embraced and utilised at every stage of this complex work.
Bring people together: shout out to anyone who cares about the system or who may be frustrated by it currently, whether their job or personal wellbeing is affected by it.
Be inclusive and accessible: create welcoming spaces that allow people to engage in a way that suits them. Human connection is what counts. Leave lanyards at the door.
Hear all the perspectives: everyone is right but only partially and we all deserve to be heard.
Create equal collaboration: revealing and shifting the power dynamics in the system is the first step towards genuine partnership. It's not that power needs to be shared, new power can be created.
Dream big: imagine what you would do with no constraints. The constraints are part of the system and can be changed.
Find the collective power: in complex dynamic systems, single people or organisations are limited in both their learning and power to act.
Learn through action: the best way to start is to just start.
Embrace complexity: system change is not linear, it's impossible to predict or depict on a 'Gant Chart'. Try something, learn from it and decide on the next right thing to do.
Change the narrative: the unearthed why is here. It's the norms, values and stories we have about a system that drive how it behaves. Allow people in the system to re-norm the system through alternative thinking and practice.
Amplify and connect: be open, noisy and generous. Help others to connect with the change and with each other.
we need to talk if…
you are trying to change a system but feel stuck or overwhelmed.
you want to learn how to lead change differently.
You feel that more and different people need to be involved.
you feel in your gut that there must be a different way.
you need an outside perspective and supportive challenge.
You are fed up of playing the system, you want to change it.
you are doing similar work and want to collaborate.
Testimonials.
"We have been working with Jen for several years and her contribution to our organisation’s development is unmatched. She has supported individuals here – leaders and client-facing staff – as well as helping us develop as a whole team. Her enthusiasm is infectious and her endless encouragement hugely motivating. Her systems thinking knowledge and expertise has been incredibly helpful in our transformative journey. She holds a particularly unique set of qualities and knowledge that we are very grateful to have benefited from. We highly recommend Jen if you are looking to learn, be different, grow and develop!” Kerryn Bell, Co-Chief Executive, Talking Money, Bristol
“Jen is a brilliant consultant with an enquiring mind, strong interpersonal skills and a track record of influencing and supporting others to bring about positive change. A skilled facilitator, she has a particular flair for bringing difficult concepts to life in all sorts of contexts. She is known for her strong personal integrity and infectious laugh – if I ever need some help to think something through she’s usually my first port of call.” Anna Smart, Systems Thinking Lead, Camden Council
“I’ve worked with Jen in a collaborative programme-planning context, working with an overall steering group and 2 sub-groups. She is able to hold the group while challenging and stretching thinking about social and systemic change. She does this in a spirit of curiosity, ensuring everyone feels heard and able to contribute. When discussions become ‘frustrated’ or ‘difficult’ she is able to safely shift participants’ perspective to see the learning and opportunity for growth. She has extensive knowledge of theory and practices that she is able to draw on to illustrate or manage a process, as well as experience of facilitating in different places and settings. I have also been in a learning environment with Jen as she shared facilitation techniques to build capacity in others. While being absolutely expert in her tools and using them, she ensures an equilibrium of power in the room where all participants can bring their expert experience, skills and knowledge to share and learn from each other in the space. Whilst being thoroughly competent to hold a space in her own right, she is also comfortable co-working with others.” Jo Curtis, Systemic Change Partner, LocalMotion, Torbay Community Development Trust
“Jennifer has supported AdviceUK and its members as we continue to develop a Whole Person, Whole Community Approach to the provision of social welfare advice. She has supported us particularly in the scoping, design and delivery of tailored training and action learning programmes. She has introduced organisations to new ways of thinking, and supported and empowered individuals to learn how they can work in different ways. I’ve been particularly impressed by Jennifer’s ability to engage people in reflective practice, using a range of techniques and methods to address the issues and challenges they face. Her attention to detail, commitment to projects, and breadth of experience mean that despite challenging timescales, we have been able to work effectively with a wide range of organisations. She is comfortable working with organisational leaders, managers and front-line staff, adapting her approach to the needs of participants and connecting with what’s important to them.” Dal Warburton, National Network Lead, AdviceUK
Contact.
I’m always happy to talk informally and share what I know.
Email: jen@hidden-routes.com
Tel: 07879 605 226
LTD Company number: 11139710