We work through sociocracy to reshape how power moves within our organisation. Decisions flow through connected circles, guided by consent rather than command, creating space for diverse expertise and collective accountability. It's a structure that mirrors the creative ecology we aim to nurture - adaptive, interdependent, and attentive to the conditions that sustain collaborative cultural life.
We operate as a sociocracy because the structures we inherit shape the possibilities of what we can create together. Decisions are distributed, consent/non-consent informs and guides action, and circles of responsibility connect rather than dominate. This is not a governance experiment for its own sake - it is a deliberate reconfiguration of power, designed to dissolve hierarchies, surface diverse expertise, and cultivate accountability across the organisation.
Which decisions belong where?
We use a simple test: does this decision materially change someone's role, working conditions, or the organisation's core purpose? If yes - broader input is appropriate. If no - it sits within the relevant circle or role.
To protect both our operational agility and our deepest shared values, we use a hybrid decision-making model:
The Govern Circle uses Seeds for Change Consensus to ensure unanimity, synergy, and deep alignment on our foundational rules and big-picture direction.
All operational sub-circles use Sociocracy For All (SoFA) Consent to maintain iterative momentum and keep day-to-day work moving smoothly.
Decision type | Examples | Who decides |
Mission & values | Changes to purpose, strategic direction, core values | Govern Circle via full consultation with all circles, using Consensus (“Does everyone actively support this, or can you at least live with it?”) |
Governance & structure | Structural changes, policy changes | Govern Circle via full consultation with all circles, using Consensus (“Does everyone actively support this, or can you at least live with it?”) |
People & HR | Hiring, role changes | Relevant circle within their domain using SoFA Consent (“Is there any reasoned reason this proposal causes harm?”) |
Finance & budgets | Expenditure above £500 | Finance & HR circle sign off using SoFA Consent |
Operational decisions | Day-to-day delivery, scheduling, communications | Role holder or relevant circle using SoFA Consent |
Role / programme specific | Decisions clearly within someone's defined role | Role holder or relevant programme team |
Because these decisions shape the very foundation of Strange Field, the Govern Circle decides these items using Seeds for Change Consensus, ensuring that everyone's values are woven together and no core ethical reservations are left unaddressed.
To ensure everyone is fully informed and has space to shape these foundational decisions, all proposals in this track must move through a three-step consultation process:
LIVE PRESENTATION: At the all-team meeting for intial questions and context and vote.
DIGITAL POSTING: Post on digital space with a 14-day window for feedback.
GOVERN DECISION: Reviews feedback - if concenses is amet then decision is logged. If ther are any objections it goes abck to a team meeting.
The Live Presentation & Decision Round: The proposal is first presented live at an all-team meeting to share the context and explain the "why" behind the change. This space is used to hold an open floor for immediate questions and initial feedback, immediately followed by a live decision round with the team.
The Digital Consultation: Following the live meeting, the proposal—incorporating any insights or adjustments from the team presentation—is posted in the team digital space. This opens a 14-day consultation window for further reflection and the submission of any new objections.
The Consensus Decision: Once the 14-day window closes, the Govern Circle meets to review all feedback. If no new objections have been raised, the Govern Team officially logs the decision. If new objections have been raised, the proposal is paused and goes back to a live team meeting for collective resolution.
What requires this track?
The following proposals must follow the presentation and consultation process before proceeding:
Changes to Strange Field policy / Adoption of new policy
Changes to governance structure or sociocracy circles
Changes to strategic direction or priorities
Changes to Strange Field organisational branding
Infrastructure changes - venues, major equipment, digital tools
Press releases and major public announcements
Everything else is decided within the relevant operational circles using SoFA Consent ("good enough for now, safe enough to try").
New to sociocracy? Sociocracy For All and Seeds for Change have free guides and resources.