Talk:Office/2011 search for a suitable office

Please remember this is an interim solution. As we see how much we grow we can come up with a more permanent arrangement. Jon Davies CEO

Community

Hi,

I would like to give as input to definitely look at the suitability of the Office as a gathering point for community members, and the ability to allow volunteers to work in your office on projects. That means you might need some spare desks, a little extra space for maybe couches (make it comfy and inviting!) and check if you have a small kitchen (microwave/coffee maker etc) available. If you make your office as a focal point for volunteers too, it allows them to mingle better with your employees, it gives them the opportunity to work more effectively and efficiently and it saves you in the future costs for meetings and such. Therefore, it might also be advisable to have your own room(s) (not sure if that was covered yet in your search) that you don't have to share with others. It can then immediately serve as storage.

Finally, we learned that the number of keys you're allowed to distribute can be a tricky point with some building owners - definitely something to think about and discuss. Effeietsanders 12:30, 13 October 2011 (UTC)

Jon's reply: At my last place (a national charity) I did exactly that for the volunteers and visitors - three desks with PC's for volunteers - two IKEA sofas and unlimited tea and coffee. It worked well and built good relationships with the staff. The volunteers respected the staff and allowed them to get on with their work and the staff were appreciative of the volunteers. In effect they were often staff who volunteered and volunteers who became staff.

The places I have been looking at will allow access but there will be limitations - there will need to be a member of staff or perhaps a trustee around but I am sure we can make that work.

Being realistic the only problems are a. we need somewhere fast to get started and b. limited funds. So ideally we would have a large wikicentre all for ourselves and that should be our ambition. In the next year we can plan towards that.

Will be seeing what they do in Berlin next week and wonder about what happens in San Fransisco. Anyone know?

Southwark?

The page says that Old Street and Southwark are populated by charities. Could a similar exercise to that done on the Old Street places be done on Southwark? --Bodnotbod 15:14, 13 October 2011 (UTC)

:Also, why has only London been considered? I think London is the best choice for several reasons, but I'd be interested in hearing your reasons for choosing London. Tango 15:51, 13 October 2011 (UTC) 

Looks like a very interesting group of neighbours in the Ethical Property building.--Filceolaire 15:49, 13 October 2011 (UTC)