New leadership for 2022/2023
by Steven Maddox
Hello,
It's time for the annual choosing of who will run the Staffordshire
Linux User Group project!
Last year this was forgone due to a mixture of COVID-19 and how Richard
had only been in the job for about 7 months by the time the LUG's 22nd
birthday was coming around on the 2nd March. I've asked Richard to send
a final e-mail as LUGMaster for this term which is about to end...
giving an update on where the project is currently.
You should have already got that e-mail just prior to getting this
one... so please read that first.
As a director of Function Office I am thrilled to see that, through a
mixture of online engagement, the LUG has managed to get through and
survive in some form from COVID-19 (or what we've seen of it so far,
fingers crossed!).
The LUG was thriving in terms of physical meetings prior to the outbreak
of COVID-19. So it is with great hope that now physical meetings can
finally resume, and that we get a leader who can revive things back to
their former glory. Especially since that room we use for physical
meetings has also been kept very well maintained during this period, and
in many ways vastly improved.
This nomination process culminates in a singular project leader being
appointed, who can then involve whomever they determine might be able to
help them ensure continued success of the project as part of a
committee. Whomever gets this role will have full use of Function
Office resources such as hosting, contacts, equipment, banking and
supplier agreements (like use of the WRS room). They can also request
that Function Office staff wear a "second hat" and join you in **your**
committee to help too... so this can include any of the former project
leaders or even staff from Function Office (so this doesn't need to be a
daunting task at all).
This is normally done in a 6 stage process... but we've shortned the
time window a bit this year. Mostly because we forgot to begin this on
the 9th February and so that a new leader is definately in the role
ready for the LUG's 23rd year birthday which is the 2nd March 2022
(project leader terms run from the 2nd March to the 2nd March).
- Stage 1: Everyone is encouraged to send nominations by e-mail to
info(a)functionoffice.org by no later than the end of the day of 25th
February.
- Stage 2: If nominated by at least 3 people, that person will be asked
if they want the role, replies needed no later than the end of the day
27th February to be considered.
- Stage 3: Nominations will be published on the 28th February and any
objections to them need to be received by no later than the end of the
day of 1st March 2022 and sent to info(a)functionoffice.org only.
- Stage 4: Nominees may be asked questions such as any relevant
experience or other supporting credentials to help us make a decision.
- Stage 5: Function Office staff discuss the subject and the board
agrees a new project leader which will be announced on the 2nd March.
- Stage 6: Internally within the LUG, the project leader can title
themselves however they like (e.g. Project Leader, Governor or
LUGMaster, etc...) and can create new roles for whomever they like to
assist them internally as part of a committee.
Given Richard is stepping down... unlike in 2020 when I said the
opposite... I don't mind if people want to nominate myself as I'd step
up if no one else want the role.
However a fresh perspective is welcome and I'd love to see some other
names being put forward.
Hope this all makes sense,
Since this is a Function Office process, I'd be grateful if any
questions surrounding this be sent directly to info(a)functionoffice.org
only.
Thanks
--
Steven Maddox
Developer, Seaquake Project Leader, Account Manager and Director
Function Office
Registered in England & Wales number 06745059 at Innovation Centre 3, University Drive, Keele, ST5 5NL.
2 years, 1 month
A further update on the LUG...
by LUGMaster
Hi all,
I hope this email finds you well! A few updates for you regarding the LUG.
*Update since my last e-mail*
Due to the Omicron variant, this has meant for the last couple of months
the Governments guidance was changing and Internet Central's tight
coronavirus policies were kept in place. This (as you likely had
already guessed, and has been discussed on IRC/Discord) is why the
previously mentioned plans for the LUG, that I talked about before
Christmas, have sadly not materialised. Although we have been gathering
some excellent ideas for new workshop events.
*LUG nominations*
As mentioned last year, the usual annual nominations process should have
begun on the 9th February. I'm told that there isn't any particular
reason why this hasn't happened, except forgetfulness!
So you should see another message appear in the general@ mailing list
momentarily (from Function Office) acknowledging this and running an
expedited version of the nomination process, which shouldn't be a big
problem given the low activity. This will mean we'll have a new leader
in time for the 23rd year of the LUG beginning 2nd March.
Please note that due to other life, work and volunteering priorities
chewing through pretty much all my available time, it would not be fair
to the LUG for me to consider my personal nomination - therefore I am
not seeking to stand this time, so please don't put me forward!
*New Coronavirus (COVID-19) update and moving forward*
We've got word from Internet Central that as of today they going in the
same direction as the government and removing all Coronavirus policies
that were in force at their offices. However they still have a few bits
of guidance for anyone who physically comes in, however none of it is
mandatory, nor does it require any additional steps or checks. We will
be operating a telepresence system too, so that people can join meetings
remotely as well.
As a result the LUG can (finally!) officially return back to normal for
physical meetings. However given a new LUG leader is inbound
imminently, I feel that the planning of that should now be left to them.
I'll be available to help with any transition support should it be
required though, as I am sure Steven, Mark, Darren, Keira, etc... will
also be.
Regards
Richard
--
LUGMaster
Staffordshire Linux User Group
Part of Function Office registered in England & Wales number 06745059 at Innovation Centre 3, University Drive, Keele, ST5 5NL.
2 years, 2 months