Mobilisation to make a real difference depends on shared language as well as shared intent. No serious social movement has made impact without finding evocative words to shape and celebrate collective action taken.

The absence of a language of purpose and passion is all too obvious in public life today.  The fundamental terms of discourse, such as it is, around the meaning of public services to the public is pale, abstract and underwhelming - too much think tank, not enough real intent and lived experience.  Terms like community engagement, public participation, even involvement - probably the least loaded of the three - do not set the juices racing. 

We can hardly look to an active, restless and demanding public to be at the heart of change unless the scope for action and the way in which this is described has the zeal and energy needed to counter forces of indifference or opposition.  Recognising the need for a new dynamic and unifying language of change is one thing. But what will inspire those of us with a shared interest in the future of public services to do the inspiring?