1-Person to Person

1-Person to Person Model (1 to 1 exchanges)

Theory
•    A mutual (open) credit system where credit only exists between individuals
•    Exchanges take place between individuals initially set up by a central hub
•    Facilitates acts of neighbourliness between individuals

Practice
•    Time bank often established as a project within a ‘host organisation’
•    When an individual joins the bank they are asked to list the skills they can share and the skills they would like to receive
•    Exchanges are co-ordinated and recorded by a broker
•    Type of exchanges is governed by skills available within the membership
•    Project is evaluated by number of time bank members, number of exchanges taking place

Factors for Success
•    Supportive host with organisation-wide understanding of time banking
•    Funding for a time bank broker and project manager
•    Core group of local supporters
•    Visible location (e.g. shop front)
•    Clear definition and understanding of project area (geographically & operationally)
•    Links to local community sector

Potential Problems
•    Need to avoid over-reliance on the broker by members when setting up exchanges and activities
•    Important to ensure that the time bank is embedded within the organisation and able to extend/ improve existing activities as well as developing new ones
•    Important to have sufficient resources to manage the administration of 1-to-1 exchanges

Examples from London
•    Rushey Green Time Bank: launched in 2000 this project is housed within a doctors surgery, although it is an independent registered charity.