View from my office
Iain Dale occasionally does a link from his blog to one of the posts on this site. Whenever he does, our traffic increases quite markedly. He did a link to my post on office space in the Lords. However, he said that I bemoaned my lack of office space. As the first person to comment on his list observed, that was quite clearly what I was not doing. Not only I am very content with what I have, I actually look forward to coming in to the office. The space and facilities are perfectly sufficient, I am able to get through a mass of work, I can converse with colleagues, and – as the picture shows – I have a splendid view from the window. Admittedly, the views is only this good when I pull the net-curtaining back and open the window, but it remains stunning. I also get a good view of any demonstrations on the green opposite.
The reason for my post was to counter perceptions that we have grand individual offices. I can see why people might think that we do. Anyone going on a tour of the Palace, or simply marvelling at it from outside, may well assume peers are housed in sumptious surroundings. The reality is that space is at a premium, and we have to be housed in very limited conditions.
Are there any downsides? Pressure on space means that not all members have desks. There is limited space for storing material. Not having an individual office means that there is no space adequate to receive visitors. If someone comes to see me, I either take them to one of the seating areas in the magnificent Royal Gallery or take them to tea in the Dining Room. I can see why visitors might take the view that this is rather a good deal! The only real problem is not so much the limited space for members but rather the almost non-existent space for secretaries and researchers (for those members who have them). Even front-benchers have difficulty finding desk space for the researchers who assist them. As the size of the parliamentary estate expands (one of the outbuildings is being extended), most additional space will be allocated to members, but it would be useful if at least some desks could be found for support staff.
Good way to set the record straight Lord Norton. Also, that is a good view. It’s funny to think that I’ve walked right past your office window on more than one occassion. It is a pretty common place to see, however, so doubt I’m the only one. Next time I’ll wave!
Also, hope you don’t mind me hijacking this topic somewhat, do you remember me offering to create a design for the blog. Well the first draft is finished: http://www.webmaster-forums.net/files/lordsmockupv1-1.png
Note: as this is just a first attempt, to see if this is heading in the right direction, a few things are missing from the mockup. Also a lot ideas in there need further explanation, I’ll add to it if the design is deemed worthy.
I haven’t really heard anything from The Hansard Society, since sending it in last month. So thought I’d post the mockup here to see what your lordships might make of it. Any thoughts?
Liam, that design is almost as pleasing to the eye as the view from Lord Norton’s office window!
Howridiculous.
Liam: I agree with howridiculous. I think the design is extremely impressive. It is eye-catching and, in my view, certainly along the right lines. I think your comments will have been seen by the Hansard Society and you should get a response shortly.
I’m not familiar with the area/layout that you work in at all, Lord Norton, so forgive me if this sounds ignorant, but if office space is so scarce, why not simply buy nearby offices? (Are there any?)
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I can’t agree with the proposal above, it looks to, ‘official’. Its nice and simple though, straight-forwardness always wins with me.
It just needs to look less like a think-tank’s policy blog, thats all.
Thank you very much for your kind words! Glad you (both) like the mockup.
Troika21: On office space, that is what the House has been doing. There are, though, limited buildings available. We have three principal outlying buildings (Fielden House, Abbey Gardens, and Millbank House), one of which (Millbank House) is to be expanded to encompass the adjoining offices, but which will not become free for some years. That expansion will relieve some of the pressure, but will still leave problems in terms of finding space for support staff.