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Second Open Space on Open Space UK

This took place in London on 30 September 2005, with participants from the UK, Germany and elsewhere.

The third Open Space on Open Space is September 2006.

 

  

In February 2004, in response to an invitation issued by Kerry Napuk, Eddie Palmer, Romy Shovelton and Martin Leith, 32 UK-based practitioners of Open Space Technology gathered at the Columbia Hotel in London to explore the theme:

How can we increase the contribution of Open Space and improve our own professional practice?

A number of projects were initiated during that gathering, including the development of a UK practitioner web site and an agreement to meet regularly as a group of practitioners to share our expertise, to support each other and to continue the development of Open Space facilitation in the UK.

In September 2005 Open Space practitioners met again in London thanks to the work of Kerry Napuk, Eddie Palmer and Lin Grist to explore the theme:

How can we continue to open space professionally in the UK?

The event brought together experienced OS facilitators and new members wishing to explore Open Space.  The gathering decided that the continuing development of the web site was a continued priority and that an event or events would be planned for 2006.

OSUK is planning our 3rd event for the Autumn of 2006 in London, thanks to the work of Roma Iskander.  Watch the events page for date and venue.

The Open Space UK web site is constantly in development.  We have Martin Leith and Bridget Peake thank for getting us going.    The web site is maintained by volunteers.  If you have any suggestions please let Lin Grist know at: info@openspaceuk.com

The practitioners’ page of this web site  will give you a list of Open Space practitioners in the UK and how to get in touch with them.  If you wish to be added to the list please contact Lin Grist for details and costs. 		 

What is an Open Space meeting? [note]

In an Open Space meeting the participants create their own programme of self-managed sessions (such as discussion groups, experiential workshops, ideas sessions and planning meetings) related to a central theme of strategic importance, such as: How can we make our company a great place to work?

Open Space meetings allow diverse and often very large groups of people to get together, discuss issues of heartfelt concern, share ideas, pool their knowledge and develop plans for collaborative action.

There are no invited speakers, and just one facilitator to explain the procedure and facilitate the plenary sessions.

Open Space meetings are particularly effective when complex or conflict-ridden issues must be resolved very quickly, and when people need to work together as equals to decide how they will bring something new into being or bring about a mutually-desired change.

A prerequisite is that the focal issue or theme must be of genuine concern to all those involved, as participation is normally voluntary.

The participant group can be of any size, from twelve people to a thousand or more, and the meeting is usually held over one, two or three days.

Typically by the conclusion of a meeting, the following promises have been kept:

1. Every issue of concern to anybody has been laid upon the table.

2. All issues have been discussed to the extent that anybody cared to do that.

3. A full written record of all discussions exists and is in the hands of all participants.

4. All issues have been ranked in priority order.

5. Critical “focal issues” have been isolated and Next Step actions identified for their resolution.

Note: Open Space meetings are also known as Open Space Technology meetings, Open Space events, Open Space conferences and Open Space gatherings.

You can find extensive information about Open Space at Open Space World, the website of the global Open Space community.

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