Apr
17
Wed
Becoming a Democratic Services Officer – An Introduction @ Via Zoom
Apr 17 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting an opportunity to attend this interactive, virtual course ‘Becoming a DSO – an introduction’ held via Zoom.  Specifically designed for those taking their first steps into the world of Democratic Services, this course is aimed at those in the first twelve weeks of starting.

This is a quick introduction, designed to give you some essentials and to give you the chance to ask questions and meet other new starters.  It will be delivered as a single 3-hour workshop.

Audience

This course is aimed at newly appointed Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of their role.   It is for those who have never worked in this area before and who want a quick introduction to orient themselves.

How the course will be delivered

The course will be delivered virtually, and by the end of the workshop you will:

  • Understand what a local Council is and how it is funded.
  • Know the different types of local Council and what services they provide.
  • Understand how decisions are made and your role in supporting this, both in and out of meetings
  • Have a sense of how accountability works in local government, how Councils and Councillors are held to account and the role of scrutiny.
  • Have considered how the political environment of your workplace affects your role and makes it unique.

The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with colleagues from across the country.

Trainers – Lennox Beattie and Ian Millichap

Lennox is an experienced Democratic Services practitioner having been the Executive and Regulatory Manager at Blackpool Council for the past 14 years. He has been responsible for support to the Executive and its governance for that period.  Lennox is also involved in ADSO work through the qualifications, which includes both the certificate and diploma.

Ian has over 30 years’ experience of working in local government and has spent 15 years in senior roles.  He has previously worked for London Borough of Southwark as head of the committee governance team.  Ian has Clerked Full Council, Cabinet and all Major Committees and has experience of both Committee and Executive arrangements.

Date and time

Wednesday 17th April 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £55 + VAT per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £80 + VAT per person to attend the course

How to book a place

Please book a place using the link below.

Terms and conditions for booking can be found here

Booking requirements

  • A purchase order number is required for all bookings.  Please make the PO out to ADSO.
  • A hardcopy of the purchase order is required.
  • Please provide us with your ADSO Membership number (if applicable)
  • A few days after booking you will receive a calendar invite for the workshop(s).  Please note that your email address will be visible to all participants unless you advise us otherwise.

Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.

Apr
18
Thu
Workshop 1: Structures and Functions @ Via Zoom
Apr 18 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the interactive, virtual course ‘Structures and Functions: The anatomy of Local Government’.  The course will be delivered as two, three-hour workshops held virtually via Zoom.  Delegates will be required to attend both of the virtual workshops.

Local government in England and Wales is complex and constantly evolving. The workshops will help learners to be more effective in their roles by:

  • Explaining local government’s place in the UK’s constitutional arrangements
  • Unpicking the different kinds of authorities and councils and what they do
  • Exploring the geographies of local government and the drivers of change: Is bigger better?

Audience

This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the different kinds of local authorities, what they do and how they fit into the wider government landscape of the UK.  The target audience will be those who are relatively new to democratic service teams and those with a few years’ experience.

The content is also linked to the Council and Governance module of the ADSO Certificate so it will help learners with their research for this module.

How the course will be delivered

The course will be delivered virtually, to maximise the delegates learning experience the course has been broken into two virtual workshops. The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country.

Trainers – Ian Curtis and Fabiola Fuschi

Ian is a solicitor who has worked in local government in the UK for more than thirty years. He is presently Head of Governance at Fylde Council in Lancashire, where he has worked seventeen years. Ian was council’s statutory Monitoring Officer for nine years and has acted as Deputy Returning Officer for local, national and European elections.  Ian is a past chair of the North West branch of the Association of Council Secretaries and Solicitors.

Fabiola has been a Democratic Service Officer since 2014, across three authorities in Greater Manchester, currently with Rochdale Borough Council. Fabiola supports decision making and scrutiny committees as well as school admission appeals, independent review panels and Elections. Fabiola has previously completed the ADSO Certificate which she found pivotal in consolidating her knowledge and understanding of local government law and practice.

Fabiola has also achieved qualifications in training, and she is passionate about supporting colleagues using her knowledge and experience.

Date and time

Workshop One: Thursday 18th April 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Thursday 25th April 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm

Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book to attend the workshop on 18th April to be able to attend both workshops.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 + VAT per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 + VAT per person to attend the course

Please contact adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

How to book a place

Please book a place using our online booking form, please note that you will only need to book to attend the first session to attend both.  Terms and conditions for booking can be found here.

Booking requirements

  • A purchase order number is required for all bookings.  Please make the PO out to ADSO.
  • A hardcopy of the purchase order is required.
  • Please provide us with your ADSO Membership number (if applicable)
  • A few days after booking you will receive a calendar invite for the workshop(s).  Please note that your email address will be visible to all participants unless you advise us otherwise.

Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.

Apr
25
Thu
Workshop 2: Structures and Functions @ Via Zoom
Apr 25 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the interactive, virtual course ‘Structures and Functions: The anatomy of Local Government’.  The course will be delivered as two, three-hour workshops held virtually via Zoom.  Delegates will be required to attend both of the virtual workshops.

Local government in England and Wales is complex and constantly evolving. The workshops will help learners to be more effective in their roles by:

  • Explaining local government’s place in the UK’s constitutional arrangements
  • Unpicking the different kinds of authorities and councils and what they do
  • Exploring the geographies of local government and the drivers of change: Is bigger better?

Audience

This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the different kinds of local authorities, what they do and how they fit into the wider government landscape of the UK.  The target audience will be those who are relatively new to democratic service teams and those with a few years’ experience.

The content is also linked to the Council and Governance module of the ADSO Certificate so it will help learners with their research for this module.

How the course will be delivered

The course will be delivered virtually, to maximise the delegates learning experience the course has been broken into two virtual workshops. The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country.

Trainers – Ian Curtis and Fabiola Fuschi

Ian is a solicitor who has worked in local government in the UK for more than thirty years. He is presently Head of Governance at Fylde Council in Lancashire, where he has worked seventeen years. Ian was council’s statutory Monitoring Officer for nine years and has acted as Deputy Returning Officer for local, national and European elections.  Ian is a past chair of the North West branch of the Association of Council Secretaries and Solicitors.

Fabiola has been a Democratic Service Officer since 2014, across three authorities in Greater Manchester, currently with Rochdale Borough Council. Fabiola supports decision making and scrutiny committees as well as school admission appeals, independent review panels and Elections. Fabiola has previously completed the ADSO Certificate which she found pivotal in consolidating her knowledge and understanding of local government law and practice.

Fabiola has also achieved qualifications in training, and she is passionate about supporting colleagues using her knowledge and experience.

Date and time

Workshop One: Thursday 18th April 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Thursday 25th April 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm

Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book to attend the workshop on 18th April to be able to attend both workshops.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 + VAT per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 + VAT per person to attend the course

Please contact adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

How to book a place

Please book a place using our online booking form, please note that you will only need to book to attend the first session to attend both.  Terms and conditions for booking can be found here.

Booking requirements

  • A purchase order number is required for all bookings.  Please make the PO out to ADSO.
  • A hardcopy of the purchase order is required.
  • Please provide us with your ADSO Membership number (if applicable)
  • A few days after booking you will receive a calendar invite for the workshop(s).  Please note that your email address will be visible to all participants unless you advise us otherwise.

Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.

May
16
Thu
Workshop 1: Just a Minute @ Via Zoom
May 16 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the highly popular course ‘Just a Minute’ which will be delivered as two, virtual three-hour workshops.   Delegates will be required to attend both.  

Audience

This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who are required to take minutes of meetings.   The target audience will be those who are relatively new to democratic service teams and those with a few years’ experience.

How the course will be delivered

To maximise the delegates learning experience the course has been broken into two virtual workshops.

The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country.

This workshop aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to write a local government minute, including:

  • An understanding of the law relating to local government minutes
  • Tips and good practice for local government minute writing
  • An awareness of the different minutes styles used for different types of meetings
  • The opportunity to apply your knowledge in practical exercises and case studies with colleagues from other local authorities.

You will need to bring pen and paper, or laptop, or your own preferred minute writing medium!

Trainers 

Michelle Beaumont is currently a Democratic Services Manager at the London Borough of Richmond and has worked in Democratic and Member Services at both the London boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth and Spelthorne Borough Council since 2013. She has also been an active ADSO member holding several positions including joint Company Secretary (2020-21), Qualifications Manager (2021-present) and assessor (2018 – present). Michelle was recently appointed Training Officer for NACO having managed both the Richmond and Wandsworth Civic Office. Michelle also supports the elections for Richmond and Spelthorne as senior presiding officer and assistant count supervisor. Outside of work Michelle is a keen runner and runs a marathon every year for the Mayor’s charities.

Karen Widdowson is currently Democratic Services Manager and Deputy Monitoring Officer at Charnwood Borough Council. She is an experienced Democratic Services practitioner having worked in the profession for 20+ years across all key areas of Democratic Services including meetings and civic support, member development, scrutiny, citizenship and elections.  Karen has worked for several types of local authority which has built up extensive knowledge and experience about local government decision making and different political arrangements.  Karen is also an ADSO qualifications assessor and trainer, and an Independent Person for Sheffield and Barnsley Councils.

Date and time

Workshop One: Thursday 16th May 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Thursday 23rd May 2024 9.30am-12.30pm

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on 16th May course date to be able to attend both workshops.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 + VAT per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 + VAT per person to attend the course

How to book a place 

To book a place please use the online booking form available on the following webpage:

ADSO – Just a Minute (emcouncils.gov.uk)

Terms and conditions for booking can be found here.

Booking requirements

  • A purchase order number is required for all bookings made out to ADSO.  Courses cannot be attended if a purchase order is not received.
  • A hardcopy of the purchase order is required.
  • Please provide us with your ADSO Membership number (if applicable)
  • A few days after booking you will receive a calendar invite for the workshop(s).  Please note that your email address will be visible to all participants unless you advise us otherwise.

Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.

May
17
Fri
ADSO Full Board meeting @ Via Zoom
May 17 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
May
23
Thu
Workshop 2: Just a Minute @ Via Zoom
May 23 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the highly popular course ‘Just a Minute’ which will be delivered as two, virtual three-hour workshops.   Delegates will be required to attend both.  

Audience

This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who are required to take minutes of meetings.   The target audience will be those who are relatively new to democratic service teams and those with a few years’ experience.

How the course will be delivered

To maximise the delegates learning experience the course has been broken into two virtual workshops.

The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country.

This workshop aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to write a local government minute, including:

  • An understanding of the law relating to local government minutes
  • Tips and good practice for local government minute writing
  • An awareness of the different minutes styles used for different types of meetings
  • The opportunity to apply your knowledge in practical exercises and case studies with colleagues from other local authorities.

You will need to bring pen and paper, or laptop, or your own preferred minute writing medium!

Trainers 

Michelle Beaumont is currently a Democratic Services Manager at the London Borough of Richmond and has worked in Democratic and Member Services at both the London boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth and Spelthorne Borough Council since 2013. She has also been an active ADSO member holding several positions including joint Company Secretary (2020-21), Qualifications Manager (2021-present) and assessor (2018 – present). Michelle was recently appointed Training Officer for NACO having managed both the Richmond and Wandsworth Civic Office. Michelle also supports the elections for Richmond and Spelthorne as senior presiding officer and assistant count supervisor. Outside of work Michelle is a keen runner and runs a marathon every year for the Mayor’s charities.

Karen Widdowson is currently Democratic Services Manager and Deputy Monitoring Officer at Charnwood Borough Council. She is an experienced Democratic Services practitioner having worked in the profession for 20+ years across all key areas of Democratic Services including meetings and civic support, member development, scrutiny, citizenship and elections.  Karen has worked for several types of local authority which has built up extensive knowledge and experience about local government decision making and different political arrangements.  Karen is also an ADSO qualifications assessor and trainer, and an Independent Person for Sheffield and Barnsley Councils.

Date and time

Workshop One: Thursday 16th May 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Thursday 23rd May 2024 9.30am-12.30pm

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on 16th May course date to be able to attend both workshops.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 + VAT per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 + VAT per person to attend the course

How to book a place 

To book a place please use the online booking form available on the following webpage:

ADSO – Just a Minute (emcouncils.gov.uk)

Terms and conditions for booking can be found here.

Booking requirements

  • A purchase order number is required for all bookings made out to ADSO.  Courses cannot be attended if a purchase order is not received.
  • A hardcopy of the purchase order is required.
  • Please provide us with your ADSO Membership number (if applicable)
  • A few days after booking you will receive a calendar invite for the workshop(s).  Please note that your email address will be visible to all participants unless you advise us otherwise.

Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.

Jun
12
Wed
Monitoring Officer/Deputy Monitoring Officer group meeting @ via Teams
Jun 12 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Please contact the Chair of the group, James McLaughlin, if you are an MO/DMO who would like to join the group by emailing James_McLaughlin@sandwell.gov.uk

Jun
19
Wed
Workshop 1: Meetings Procedures @ Via Zoom
Jun 19 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the popular course ‘Meetings Procedures’.  It will be delivered as two virtual 3-hour workshops.  Delegates are required to attend both workshops.

Audience

This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to further develop their understanding of the legal and governance framework within which councils operate and the practical application of this to the range of work areas undertaken by democratic services teams.  The course content will be relevant both to those who are relatively new to democratic services and officers with a few years’ experience (6 months to 3 years’ experience of supporting meetings as a guide.)

The content is also linked a number of modules especially  Law and Practice module and the Structures and Functions of the ADSO Certificate and ADSO Diploma so it will help learners with their research for this module.

How the course will be delivered

The course will be delivered virtually via Zoom, and by the end of the workshop you will:

  • Understand how decisions are made and reported and your role in supporting this, both in and out of meetings
  • Constitutional issues of meetings- quorums, points of order
  • Dealing with motions and voting including amendments, adjournments and deferrals
  • Have a sense of how accountability and good governance works in local government, how Councils and Councillors are held to account and the role of scrutiny.
  • Understand the rules of debate and consider the impact of politics and what this means for you as an officer of the Council.

The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country.

Trainers 

Fabiola Fuschi has been a Democratic Service Officer since 2014, across three authorities in Greater Manchester, currently with Rochdale Borough Council. Fabiola supports decision making and scrutiny committees as well as school admission appeals, independent review panels and Elections. Fabiola has previously completed the ADSO Certificate which she found pivotal in consolidating her knowledge and understanding of local government law and practice.

Ian Curtis is a solicitor who has worked in local government in the UK for more than thirty years. He is presently Head of Governance at Fylde Council in Lancashire, where he has worked seventeen years. Ian was council’s statutory Monitoring Officer for nine years and has acted as Deputy Returning Officer for local, national and European elections.  Ian is a past chair of the North West branch of the Association of Council Secretaries and Solicitors.

Date and time

Workshop One: Wednesday 19th June 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Wednesday 26th June 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 + VAT per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 + VAT per person to attend the course
  • Terms and conditions for booking can be found here.  

How to book a place

To book a place please use the online booking form available on the following webpage:

ADSO – Meetings Procedures (emcouncils.gov.uk)

Please note that you only need to book the workshop on 19th June to be able to attend both workshops and attendance is required at both sessions.

Booking requirements

  • A purchase order number is required for all bookings made out to ADSO.  Courses cannot be attended if a purchase order is not received.
  • A hardcopy of the purchase order is required.
  • Please provide us with your ADSO Membership number (if applicable)
  • A few days after booking you will receive a calendar invite for the workshop(s).  Please note that your email address will be visible to all participants unless you advise us otherwise.
  • Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.
Jun
24
Mon
Workshop 1: Overview and Scrutiny @ Via Zoom
Jun 24 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting its highly popular course ‘Overview and Scrutiny’.  The course will be delivered as two, virtual three-hour workshops.  Delegates will be required to attend both.

Audience

This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the main principles, roles and methodology of overview and scrutiny.  The target audience will be those who need an introduction to overview and scrutiny to equip them with the basics to support Overview and Scrutiny Committees and task and finish groups. The content is also linked to Module 7 of the ADSO Certificate so it will help learners with their research for this module.

How the course will be delivered

The course will be delivered in two workshops to maximise delegates learning experience.

The workshops will

  • Provide an understanding of the relevant legislation underpinning overview and scrutiny.
  • Provide an understanding of the roles and principles of good scrutiny.
  • Explore ideas about how to put together a Scrutiny Work Programme
  • Explore how to scope a scrutiny review.
  • Explore ideas for measuring effectiveness.

The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country.

Trainers
Tracy Tiff has worked in Local Government since 1995, moving to Democratic Services in 1997. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge in governance, constitution and Overview and Scrutiny.  Tracy gained valuable experience from worked at Northampton Borough Council from 2001 to 2021, transferring to the Unitary Council – West Northants Council in April 2021; where she is continuing in the field of Democratic Services.

Peter Foulsham is the Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager at Wyre Council, where he has worked for seventeen years, previously as the Scrutiny Officer.  Peter has been involved in training and development throughout his working life and has worked with ADSO in this role over the past eight or nine years.  Peter is also an assessor on ADSO’s Diploma in Local Democracy.

Date and time

Workshop One: Monday 24th June 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Thursday 27th June 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on 24th June course date to be able to attend both workshops.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 + VAT per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 + VAT per person to attend the course

Please email adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

How to book a place

To book a place please use the online booking form available on the following webpage:

ADSO – Overview and Scrutiny (emcouncils.gov.uk)

The terms and conditions of booking can be found here.

Booking requirements

  • A purchase order number is required for all bookings.  Please make the PO out to ADSO.  Courses cannot be attended if a purchase order is not received.
  • A hardcopy of the purchase order is required.
  • Please provide us with your ADSO Membership number (if applicable)
  • A few days after booking you will receive a calendar invite for the workshop(s).  Please note that your email address will be visible to all participants unless you advise us otherwise.
  • Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.
Jun
26
Wed
Workshop 2: Meetings Procedures @ Via Zoom
Jun 26 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the popular course ‘Meetings Procedures’.  It will be delivered as two virtual 3-hour workshops.  Delegates are required to attend both workshops.

Audience

This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to further develop their understanding of the legal and governance framework within which councils operate and the practical application of this to the range of work areas undertaken by democratic services teams.  The course content will be relevant both to those who are relatively new to democratic services and officers with a few years’ experience (6 months to 3 years’ experience of supporting meetings as a guide.)

The content is also linked a number of modules especially  Law and Practice module and the Structures and Functions of the ADSO Certificate and ADSO Diploma so it will help learners with their research for this module.

How the course will be delivered

The course will be delivered virtually via Zoom, and by the end of the workshop you will:

  • Understand how decisions are made and reported and your role in supporting this, both in and out of meetings
  • Constitutional issues of meetings- quorums, points of order
  • Dealing with motions and voting including amendments, adjournments and deferrals
  • Have a sense of how accountability and good governance works in local government, how Councils and Councillors are held to account and the role of scrutiny.
  • Understand the rules of debate and consider the impact of politics and what this means for you as an officer of the Council.

The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country.

Trainers 

Fabiola Fuschi has been a Democratic Service Officer since 2014, across three authorities in Greater Manchester, currently with Rochdale Borough Council. Fabiola supports decision making and scrutiny committees as well as school admission appeals, independent review panels and Elections. Fabiola has previously completed the ADSO Certificate which she found pivotal in consolidating her knowledge and understanding of local government law and practice.

Ian Curtis is a solicitor who has worked in local government in the UK for more than thirty years. He is presently Head of Governance at Fylde Council in Lancashire, where he has worked seventeen years. Ian was council’s statutory Monitoring Officer for nine years and has acted as Deputy Returning Officer for local, national and European elections.  Ian is a past chair of the North West branch of the Association of Council Secretaries and Solicitors.

Date and time

Workshop One: Wednesday 19th June 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Wednesday 26th June 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 + VAT per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 + VAT per person to attend the course
  • Terms and conditions for booking can be found here.  

How to book a place

To book a place please use the online booking form available on the following webpage:

ADSO – Meetings Procedures (emcouncils.gov.uk)

Please note that you only need to book the workshop on 19th June to be able to attend both workshops and attendance is required at both sessions.

Booking requirements

  • A purchase order number is required for all bookings made out to ADSO.  Courses cannot be attended if a purchase order is not received.
  • A hardcopy of the purchase order is required.
  • Please provide us with your ADSO Membership number (if applicable)
  • A few days after booking you will receive a calendar invite for the workshop(s).  Please note that your email address will be visible to all participants unless you advise us otherwise.
  • Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.