It wasn't that Imogine diddn't like meeting people. She just couldn't think of things to say to them! Small talk did not come naturaly to her, but she would try her best at this meeting to talk to her co workers and meet some friends!

Waving a hand at Althea, Imogine slipped over to the social circle and just stood there and listened, waiting for a moment to jump in.

Natalia Tarasova walked down to the conference room, straightening out her dress as she did so to look a bit more presentable. It was an orientation meeting and she was a bit nervous. She usually wasn't, but she didn't really know many of the people that even worked in her apartment except for a select few. It was quite sad, but she was very friendly and she knew she could make some friends.

She walked into the conference room and hesitated on seeing other employees. She quickly directed her attention over to where the snacks and water were. She grabbed a cup of water and took a sip. Alright, Natalia, you can do this. She held her head high and walked over to Violet, Imogine, and a women she hadn't met before. She had to be one of the new employees. "Hello; Violet, Imogine." She gave a smile. "Are you excited for the meeting today?" Then again, when was anybody excited to go to meetings? "Oh, pardon me, I'm Natalia Tarasova. You must be one of the new employees." She said, holding out a hand for her (Angela) to shake.

Angela removed her scarf and set it on her lap. She was just eager for this meeting to be done with. After all, who besides the boss liked meetings?

Angela looked at the employees who entered after her.. huh! They all seemed pretty good for now at least.. There was an unnamed man, then Charlotte, Natasha... she tried to recall their names. Then again the next ones didn't introduce themselves.

She smiled as each looked her way. Now that she had relaxed a bit, she looked towards the table and wondered if they could eat those snacks. Not that she wanted to, but still. She grabbed a glass of water and took a big sip, wondering how much more time for the meeting to start.

She smiled warmly at the woman who came in and sat near her chair. And who seemed quite familiar with her surroundings, meaning she was probably an old employee. Excited for meeting? Hell no!! Who was anyways huh? Still, she just tilted her head and smiled a bit.

She gave a hand shake to Natalia, and said, "Yeah..I'm new here.." she replied smiling, "Oh! And I'm Angela Dawson."

"We'll get started in a few minutes." Juuuust waiting for stragglers. Thea used her wand to have a jug pour herself some water and then sipped it quietly.

It may seem as though she was late for the meeting but Laura didn't see it that way at all, considering that she had been making sure her work area was in order. Nothing worse than a work area that was not functional.

"Good morning everyone." she said as she entered the room, flashing a quick smile at her boss and colleagues before taking a seat.

"Hello Natalia" Igie replied, smiling. Imoginewas less tense now that she had someone to talk to. She was curious about what the meeting entailed, in her opinion the department did need changing. She turned to the new employees, or maybe not new but employees who Imogine had never met; Angela and Violet. "Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Imogine Nepman, and I am excited for this meeting".

The department head had asked her to take a seat, glancing at her watch; it looked like the meeting was about to start soon. She took a seat in a chair that was right beside the place she was just standing, so she could still listen to her friends.

Derek turned his head towards Althea and nodded as she greeted him. He didn't notice the looks other people gave him, since he was too busy looking at the table in front of him now.

Taking a silent and deep breath, Derek couldn't wait for this meeting to be done. All he wanted was just to get back to the safety of his own world desk and work. All by himself. The way it was meant to be. The way he liked it do be.

No people around him. None at all.

He tapped his fingers on his knees as he waited. He could only hear women voices chatting away. That didn't make things better for him. Was he seriously the only guy in the Department?? Not possible! He had seen a man in the waiting area that other day. He had flowers and all... well, maybe he didn't work there.

Oh. There was another man that worked there. Stupid Bryson. The psycho made sure Derek understood exactly where he worked. Sigh. Maybe Derek was better off with just those women in the room...

Ashley smiled in response to the department head's words. "Althea it is." She said cheerfully before placing her hand back in her lap. She had heard that Althea had been a professor but it had slipped her mind up until now. She made a note to ask the woman how she had enjoyed being an educator at a later date.

The blonde noted that the conference room was filling up with employees, which was actually quite nice since Ashley had yet to meet many of these people. She couldn't help but wonder how Derek was feeling in a room filled with women. Surely he was uncomfortable. She would have smiled at the guy but he insisted on looking down at the table, making it impossible. Oh well.

Violet had been standing there calmly, observing her surroundings when she heard someone address her by her name. Turning to look to see who it was, Violet returned the greeting with a warm smile. Ah...someone she did know. "Hello Natalia. How are you?" Violet asked, moving slightly so that she was closer to the woman and didn't have to speak too loudly. Was she excited for the meeting? Violet gave a gentle shrug that didn't show commitment one way or the other, with a neutral smile on her face. "Meetings are meetings I suppose. Although it will be nice to see the new people in the department," Violet said, observing the more numerous unfamiliar faces at hand.



"Yes, that's correct," Violet said with a courteous incline of the head. "Thank you," Violet commented at the offer to sit down and make herself comfortable. In all honesty Violet preferred standing to sitting. It gave her more control over how much she could see of the people around her and the room in general. However, in order to seem more favorable, Violet placed her hand gently on the back of a chair, so when the time came where she had not choice but to sit, she would at least be in one where she wouldn't feel too trapped.



Violet had just finished placing her hand on the back of a chair when another woman entered the room, giving everyone a friendly good morning as she entered. Violet the noticed the woman surely was being rather punctual, coming just as the clock was about to strike the time that the meeting was supposed to begin. Well, not everyone was quite as peeved at not showing up places early, and Violet certainly wasn't going to badly judge someone for not having the same OCD tendencies that she did. Violet gave the woman a courteous and warm smile. "Good morning to you as well."

Aiden walked into the conference room and paused just inside the door. Merlin's beard! He hated being late but getting through security had been a nightmare. Disgruntled he shoved his hands in his pockets and sauntered to one of the open seats. Conversation buzzed around him so he hoped that he didn't draw too much attention. Once again he cursed the security woman who had been flirting and not doing her job.

She wasn't late, actually, it was just that Althea had been early and then surprisingly a fair few others had been too. Thea approved. But still, Laura wasn't late.

"Good morning." She answered.

Was it just her or did Derek seem a little... discomforted?

Well he'd just have to get over that. Althea ignored it for now.

That was nice and easy. Althea liked Ashley, she could tell already that the younger woman had a good head on her shoulders and would be pleasant to continue working with.

However, she had been wrong about coworkers before.

She took note of the not immediately sitting, but Althea hardly judged her for it. Violet's prerogative after all.

"Don't worry, you're not late." Althea said to Aiden by way of greeting. After a quick smile in his direction she directed the room at large, not bothering to stand up to pull focus, rather she just let her voice carry.

She was definitely the kind of woman who had a voice that carried.

"Alright we'll get started now." It was nine am on the dot as she spoke. "I'm hoping this meeting won't take too long, but we do have a lot to cover." She paused and looked around.

"For those of you whom I haven't yet met, and those of you who aren't so quick on the uptake," Which she hoped were few and far between since she didn't really want to employ fools, "I'm Althea Schirmer. I trust you've all read the most recent memos and know a bit about my background, because unless there are any particular questions I'm not going to wax lyrical about myself right now when we have work to do, collectively as a department."

She smiled. Pleasantly. Mostly.

"This is also an opportunity to meet our newer employees, all of whom are well suited for their jobs -you can be sure of that." Althea wasn't in the business of hiring dunderheads. So, they were good. Any applications that came her way that weren't up to scratch she'd handed off to other departments. No deadweight in DMAC.

"I'm sure you've all noticed the heavy remodelling going on in Level 3, its almost all complete now, though you can expect some changes in the work areas - which we will discuss today as I'd like some input regarding what you'd all like to see. I'll also talk to you about the new facilities which I expect you all to make use of, and if anyone has any particular requests in that regard, please let me know."

Her quill was taking minutes quite religiously.

"We'll also discuss the WARN assessments and I'd like to work with each of you to set some work standards and performance indicators that we can all agree on as a minimum here in Accidents and Catastrophes." She said briskly, but paused to allow them all to digest.

"I'm also happy to arrange for anyone who is interested for St Mungos courses in Magical Workplace first aid. So let me know if that sounds like you." Mmhmm.

"Does anyone have any particular questions about the most recent memos on the announcement board before we get into things today?"

Ashley was happy the meeting was starting because she had some questions pertaining to the WARN assessments, something they would apparently be discussing now anyway. Sitting up a little straighter in her chair, the blonde eyed the department head with a small smile and shook her head. As far as recent memos were concerned, Ashley didn't have many questions.

Angela smiled a bit, quite unsure as to how her boss was like.. not too friendly, neither too strict hopefully, nor rude or anything, but neither very warm. But however her personality was, Angela was sure that she was a great boss. Yup.. Angela was already liking Althea.

Angela nodded. Well suited for jobs? Huh! She sure seemed very much confident, which was good as well as bad in a way.. Whatever!

She had read the memos, and so was aware about the WARN assessments an the other changes that Althea was about to bring in A&C. And a St. Mungo's course in Magical Workplace first aid? Huh? Well, she did know some first aid. So not much of a need for such a course! But she wouldn't object to it too. It would do her good to brush up her own first aid skills, right? So she spoke up, "I certainly won't mind the first aid course.. Better to brush up my first aid skills, yeah?" And looked around at others to see who else were interested. hopefully there were some more.

And nope, no questions.

At the announcement that the meeting would now be officially starting, Violet pulled out the chair in front of her before taking her sit. Reaching into the inside of her suit pocket, Violet pulled out her wand, giving it a silent flick so that a notepad appeared on the table in front of her, along with a quill. Violet had a sharp memory but she figured it never hurt to take notes just to be on the safe side. After all there was nothing worse than having to ask someone to repeat themselves a million times.

Violet slid the notepad off the table so that it was resting on top of the right leg she had crossed over her left. She listened intently, keeping eye contact with Ms. Schirmer as she occasionally scribbled down notes on the pad.

"I also wouldn't mind hearing more about the courses in Magical Workplace first aid," Violet offered after another woman in the room had expressed her interest. Violet wasn't really sure if the medical realm of magic was her strong suit, but she figured that it would be beneficial knowledge to have anyway. After all it's always best to be prepared, right?

The meeting had started, and Imogine listened to Althea's speech. Imogine was still slightly confussed about the WARN process, she had already been assessed and thought that her WARN asessment was probably over. Whew, glad that was over with she thought. But it still seemed like there was more to it that Imogine had missed. She politely raised her hand then asked "About the WARN asessements, is there anything else that needs to happen besides our job asessments and department remodeling?" she crossed her fingers to make sure her question wasn't stupid.

The first aid course sounded benificial as well "I would like to sign up for first aid too" Imogine said.

Whoops. Ashley had forgotten all about the mention of a first aid course. She hadn't taken anything like that since she was twenty and thought it might be good for her to brush up on her skills a bit, especially in case a coworker ever had an accident around her. She was pretty level headed as far as staying calm but she didn't like the thought of not knowing what to do in that kind of situation. "You can count me in for the first aid training as well. It has been quite a while since I was last certified." It really couldn't hurt.

Aiden's head whipped up as he was addressed by the department head, Ms. Schirmer if remembered right. He gave her a lopsided grin and a nod in thanks and greeting. He hated being late and was glad to know that he wasn't. Being late on your first day of work never makes a good impression.

His grey eyes scanned the faces of his fellow Accident's and Catastrophes employees while listening to the boss lady start the meeting. He didn't recognize anyone present and made a mental note to change that. Back at the University he had known everyone and had been friends with everyone. In his experience that made for a far better work environment. His attention swung back to Althea, at which point she was talking about the WARN assessments.

He wasn't very interested in the rest of what she said since it was going to be open for discussion at some point. The first aid class was a moot point for him as well since all of his certs were up to date, they had to be in his previous work place. When she opened the floor for questions he waited till the room got quiet before posing his.

He leveled the boss with an even stare. "I took a look around to get a feel for the place and to see the renovations going on. I poked my head into the Training room and couldn't help but notice the lack of work space for Toxicology. If we are going to be keeping up to date samples and testing for contamination sites we are going to need a work area as well."

This certainly wasn't the lab back at the University but he would still need a good place to work if he was expected to do his job right. And Aiden always did his job right.

With her quick quotes quill at the ready to take notes, Laura listened as Althea spoke and she took the time to observe her fellow employees. There were quite a few females which automatically made her feel better. Not that she had anything against men or anything.

Her first aid was up to date. It was a requirement of the French Ministry, her previous workplace. Although she wouldn't mind discussing the relationship they had with the St Mungos especially in her area of expertise but she was sure that there would be time for that.

As for any questions. She didn't have any. It all seemed self explanatory to her so she went back to observing her fellow co-workers.

"Excellent." Her quill noted down Angela's name for the magical first aid course. She would of course give another chance to sign up, but it was good that people were volunteering now. It WAS a good opportunity.

"Great, I'll put you down too, Violet." She smiled at the woman, though it wasn't a real smile, and her own quill went ahead and jotted her name down with Angela's.

Althea digested the question. She didn't consider it stupid, no.

"Convince me I made the right choice promoting you and I think we'll be dandy." She smiled again, and again it didn't quite touch her eyes. And she nodded about the first aid sign up. Imogine's name went on the list.

"Good to hear it." She said, giving Ashley a nod as the quill added her name too. It was nice that her employees were willing to put themselves forward.

Now THAT made her smile. "I'm pleased you noticed. I noticed too, actually, and it is a part of the remodeling." She paused and went through her papers, then sent a map winging its way to Aiden.

"Bottom right hand corner, the new proposed facilities, just under the training room, opposite an additional storage room. The area is blocked off right now but if you'd like I can take you through to inspect it after the meeting."

Now that was something she respected: someone who knew what they needed and made it clear. She was sure the new lab space would be up to his standards. Only the best for her department.

No other questions then? She noted Laura taking notes too, and observing, both things that she approved of. As a whole they all seemed quite bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as it were.

"I'll put a sign up sheet in the corridor if anyone else decides they'd like to be certified in Magical First Aid. I'll be extending the invitation to other departments too, but obviously DMAC and all of you are my priority."

Pause.

Right.

"Aiden mentioned lab facilities, which as I said just now, most certainly is in the works. But is there anything any of you think that we need for the main work areas? We'll be replacing the more shabby furniture, and while I still intend to have your divisions and task groups clustered appropriately, I'd also like to make the space more conducive to work-related interactions, so I intend to provide more community work spaces, tables and the like." And make it a little more professional in appearance instead of resembling a kiddies play pen.

"Now is the time to speak up if you have thoughts -the budget won't cover a remodel for a while after this one is complete." Years, really. So she intended to do it RIGHT.

Natasha watched from her seat as employee after employee fluttered into the conference room and took a spot around the table. She mumbled good mornings and greetings to one and all before Althea got the meeting started.

Hearing about the magical first aid course the blond cleared her throat and spoke up after 4 or 5 employee already had signed up for the course. "I'd like to sign up for the aid course too if there are still open spots, Althea?" Thinking Tasha asked "Do you need someone to go to the other departments and promote the aid course?" It wouldn't be any trouble for her to mention an aid course since she already had buiseness on some of the other levels.

Furrowing her brows she asked "In the new re-model will there be a space for maps and the creation of miniture models of locations and sites? I'd like such a space to be able to plan and test out concealment techniques for future events before I go out to the field and test things out in muggle inhabited areas."

"Yes, of course Natasha." Her quill added the woman's name and Althea looked over at her at the next question. "No, not at this stage. Initially my goal is to focus on upskilling within our own department." The rest was the Minister's problem except in instances where accidents -or, you know, catastrophes- happened.

And as for her suggestion she nodded at that. "That's a good idea. Something we can include in the main work areas I think. I'll work with you on that."

... and apparently nobody else had any more input? Well, that was good, she supposed, if it meant the meeting would be over with quickly. Althea quickly went over a few more things and about ten minutes later she was done.

"Alright that wasn't too painful was it?" They had best not disagree. Mmmhmm.

"I'd like you all to take the opportunity over the next few days to think about work standards and performance indicators that we can all agree on as a minimum here in Accidents and Catastrophes. You have this opportunity to put in your two knuts, but if you don't wish to that is fine because I have a list myself that we can go off - though if you don't choose to contribute, I expect to hear no complaints about the eventual KPIs set in place." Which was fair no? If you didn't speak up, then shut up. Made perfect sense. She was willing to give everyone the opportunity to say their piece, it was up to them to take it.

"And please, while I won't go so far as to say my door is open any time," because it was NOT and she would hex the crap out of anyone who assumed it was and decided to barge in. "I do want you all to know that I will make the time for any one of you who has concerns, questions, or ideas."

Her Quill stopped writing with a decisive full stop, almost popping through the parchment page and she gave it a disapproving look, which caused its feather to wilt a little in apology.

"And of course do make use of the new facilities! And keep up with the memos, I assure you all the important information will be included, and there is no excuse for not knowing something when the pertinent information is made readily available. Lets get to it."

OOC: The meeting has ended. Sorry it took so long, I was hoping more people would respond I'll always do my best to give plenty of time and opportunity for everyone to join in, but it looks like we've all been pretty busy.

Althea arrived in the conference room first of course, and went to sit down. Refreshments would arrive soon too, along with employees new and old, but for now it was just the blonde woman who actually hadn't had a second to herself since the Board of Governors elections began, so it wasn't so bad at all.

Ashley was early-ish for the meeting but that's how she liked it, gave her a chance to get a prime seat and hopefully get a little something to eat before the discussion started up. There would be food at this meeting, yeah? The blonde had skipped breakfast this morning due to wardrobe problems and so she was just a bit hungry.

Her coworkers could just ignore any stomach rumbling coming from her direction, right?

"Hello." She greeted warmly as she slipping into the conference room and saw Althea already seated. The blonde went over and took the seat to the woman's right, smiling faintly at her. "How's the campaign going?" She'd seen the head in action at the debate and Ashley was impressed.

Having slept badly all through the night for a reason unknown Tasha had arrived to work far earlier than normal. On this day it proved to be good since Althea had called a department wide meeting which had totally slipped out of Tasha’s mind. She was going to tell her boss and friend that though. It would just be stupid.

Heading into the conference room with her blond locks pulled back into professional knot at the back of her neck and her two piece dress unwrinkled she saw that Althea was as she expected already there and so was Ashley. Putting on her best sunny beam she greeted them both. "Good morning Althea, Ashley!"

Claiming the vacant seat on Althea’s left she commented. "It's nice to be back at work after the long vacation."

Jade yawned a little as she headed to the A&C Conference Room. It was a touch too early for her tastes especially to have a departmental meeting first thing in the morning.

As she walked, she smoothed out her fiery red hair that today decided to be extra curly and bouncy despite the hair charms Jade had applied.

She walked into the room and saw that Thea, Ashley, and Natasha were already.

Wide awake now, Jade smiled and nodded to each, "Hey. How are you all doing?" before taking her seat.