Access to the hackspace is based entirely on trust. Naturally we do not feel comfortable providing keys to our space until we are comfortable that you are a trustworthy and responsible individual. Many of our tools are dangerous in careless hands, and the trustees have a responsibility to the rest of our members to ensure their security, and the security of the space itself.
Trusted members are permitted to be keyholders, and are hence allowed to use the space 24x7. Until you are a trusted member, you can use the space only when a trusted member is on-site, and must leave the space when they leave.
Trust is naturally a very subjective thing, but for the purposes of making this as straightforward and quick as possible:
The time it takes for the trustees to agree on this is not set in stone, but should typically take around a month - and often significantly less.
Trust - and hence key holding - is also not a right, and may be taken away - though not lightly:
It is not compulsory to be a keyholder if you are a trusted member, if you would prefer not to have that responsibility. You are more than welcome to use the space 24x7, but need to get a set of keys
Only trusted members are allowed to be in the space when no other trusted member is present. If you possess a set of keys and are not a trusted member, then you must hand them back to a trustee or other trusted member.