One of the key aims of ADSO is to provide a range of training and development opportunities for our members.
We have members from the full range of democratic support areas, including committee services, overview and scrutiny, civic teams, member services and community governance. We’re keen to provide professional development opportunities to suit all experience levels, through both our professional qualifications and our annual training programme.
ADSO offers two qualifications, a Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge and a Diploma in Local Democracy. We have up to 100 learners working towards these at a time. Our training courses offer more informal, shared learning. Our courses and our qualifications are open to ADSO members and to others.
We also provide training for Councillors.
Training courses
We provide an annual training programme, with a range of courses for officers working in local democracy.
Importantly we provide practitioner led training which facilitates the sharing of information across different local authorities, in sessions where delegates and facilitators learn from each other.
We run these popular online training courses via Zoom throughout the year.
These courses are ideal if you want to take part in less formal learning.
ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge
You can study with us to attain the ADSO Certificate. This is a distance learning programme of self-directed study. You will be assigned an Assessor to support you through your studies.
The assignments will provide you with a well-rounded understanding of the many different roles and responsibilities within Democratic Services. You will also learn about the relevant legislation and frameworks which support good decision making.
Learners can access two free places on our training courses during their time on the ADSO Certificate.
ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge
ADSO Diploma in Local Democracy
You can study with us to attain the ADSO Diploma. This is a distance learning programme of self-directed study. You will be assigned an Assessor to support you through your studies.
This is a rigorous programme, including written assignments and a dissertation on your chosen specialist area. We recommend completing the Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge programme before undertaking the Diploma in Local Democracy.
Learners can also access two free places on our training courses during their time on the ADSO Diploma.
ADSO Diploma in Local Democracy
Training for Councillors
We offer a range of courses to support Councillors.
All our courses are facilitated by our experienced practitioners and trainers, who are used to working with Councillors.
We can deliver these courses either in person or online.
If you are an officer responsible for Councillor training, we can work with you to make sure the training is tailored to the needs of your Councillors.
Bursaries
Bursaries are available to councils with ADSO membership, to support learners who wish to undertake either the Certificate or Diploma programme, but who are unable to do so because of the overall cost.
Become an ADSO Assessor
We are always looking for assessors to carry out assessments for our learners on the ADSO Certificate and Diploma programmes. These are paid roles and involve the marking of assignments to a timetable.
It’s a great opportunity to get involved in ADSO, learn a new skill and help develop the knowledge of those in the sector.