[foundation-board] Inviting Ben Laurie to become a Board member of the OKF

Fri Jul 15 09:25:42 UTC 2011

Thanks, Jason

The only part of these minutes I don't immediately recognise is my
returning to the next meeting with a "process document" - is this a
document outlining the process for inviting new board members? If so,
I think that's a great idea, as I feel slightly tied in knots about
how to progress the particular issue of inviting Ben

To re-articulate the specific set of requirements I think we have for
Ben, they are: guiding us through structuring an organisation that is
accountable to its community, drawing on his experience from ASF.
Based on conversations Jo and I had with him back in February, he
takes a pragmatic approach to formally-structured participation (like
voting rights, for example) from the community, but is quite bullish
on where we might go wrong if we rely too heavily on consultancy work
for core income moving forward. So I would expect him to act as a
"critical friend" voice, playing the role I feel we are losing with
Jo's resignation. He also brings some business experience.

Can I solicit some responses from the Board on how they would like to
see this move forward?

Thanks

Becky

On 14 July 2011 22:57, Jason Kitcat <jason.kitcat at okfn.org> wrote:
> Hi Becky
>
> I've copied below my notes on that section of the meeting - full minutes to go on the wiki shortly...
>
> The discussions were inconclusive but I think your summation re meeting min requirements is a fair one.
>
> All the best,
> Jason
>
> ****
> JW discussion on how to make board more open and accountable to the community. Worried about that getting lost in structure discussion. BH asked for steer on way forward with Ben Laurie who has experience on some of these issues.
>
> JH said he feels that people need to be active to push forward OKF values in this big growth period. RP & BH suggested we could give Ben a very specific set of requirements on which we do expect engagement.
>
> PLD felt she was closest to Ben’s position as not that active in the community. Said it would be helpful to articulate what we expect from members, what the minimum requirement should be for members. BH to return to next board meeting with requirements and process document. JH & RP to meet Jane from Canonical.
> ****
>
> On 13 Jul 2011, at 18:50, Becky Hogge wrote:
>
>> Hi all
>>
>> Jason, can you remind me from your notes of last month's meeting where
>> we got to in terms of resolving whether or not to invite Ben Laurie to
>> be a Board member of the OKF?
>>
>> Did we resolve to invite him subject to him agreeing to meet our
>> minimum requirements? Or was the issue left open?
>>
>> Other Board members will know that I'm keen to get him on board, but
>> if there are dissenting views, then please could they be aired?
>>
>> I'm at a stage in my discussions with Ben where a yes or no from the
>> Board is now needed.
>>
>> Warm wishes to all
>>
>> Becky
>>
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>> foundation-board at lists.okfn.org
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>
> --
> Jason Kitcat
> Foundation Coordinator
> The Open Knowledge Foundation
>
> +44 (0) 7956 886 508
>
> http://www.okfn.org
> http://twitter.com/jasonkitcat
>
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