Jan
21
Thu
Module 1: Structures and Functions @ Online via Zoom
Jan 21 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Structures and Functions
ADSO are delighted to announce the launch the interactive, virtual course ‘Structures and Functions’.  Structures and Functions will be delivered as two two hour workshops held virtually. Delegates will be required to attend two workshops, the first will take place on 21st January 2021, the second date will now take place on 28 January – full details below.

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 year’s 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

  • Help learners understand local government in its wider context
  • Describe the evolution of local government to the present
  • Invite learners to discuss and dissect the structure of local government today

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

Trainer
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.

Dates and times

  • 21 January 9:30 – 11.30
  • 28 January 09:30 – 12:00 (please note that this session will last 2 hours and 30 minutes)

Please note that changes have been made to the previously advertised course date.

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  You only need to book once to access both modules of the course.

Cost

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

All costs subject to VAT.

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please contact us if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

To book a place please visit here https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/76152

Jan
28
Thu
Module 2: Structures and Functions @ Online via Zoom
Jan 28 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Structures and Functions
ADSO are delighted to announce the launch the interactive, virtual course ‘Structures and Functions’.  Structures and Functions will be delivered as two two hour workshops held virtually. Delegates will be required to attend two workshops, the first will take place on 21st January 2021, the second date will now take place on 28 January – full details below.

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 year’s 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

  • Help learners understand local government in its wider context
  • Describe the evolution of local government to the present
  • Invite learners to discuss and dissect the structure of local government today

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

Trainer
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.

Dates and times

  • 21 January 9:30 – 11.30
  • 28 January 09:30 – 12:00 (please note that this session will last 2 hours and 30 minutes)

Please note that changes have been made to the previously advertised course date.

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  You only need to book once to access both modules of the course.

Cost

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

All costs subject to VAT.

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please contact us if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

To book a place please visit here https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/76152

Jan
29
Fri
ADSO Webinar – Councillor Code of Conduct @ via GoTo Webinar
Jan 29 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am

The new Councillors’ Code of Conduct was published by the LGA in December 2020. This free webinar, hosted by ADSO, will take place on Friday 29th January at 10.30, lasting for one hour.

Paul Hoey from Hoey Ainscough Associates and the co-architect of the new code will present its key elements and in particular the changes from the consultation version. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of Paul and share your views.

THE WEBINAR IS NOW FULL.

A recording of the webinar will be made available to access by all ADSO members if you have not been able to book on.  Look out for announcements on social media and the website.

The webinar is sponsored by Public-I providing hardware and software to the public sector for the best meeting experience.

 

 

Feb
10
Wed
Module 1: Council and its Governance @ Online via Zoom
Feb 10 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Council and its Governance
ADSO are hosting ‘Council and its Governance Arrangements’ a virtual course in February 2021.  Council and its Governance will be delivered as two three hour workshops held virtually.  Delegates will be required to attend both of the virtual workshops.

Audience
This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the different types of governance arrangements and the role of Council meetings.  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;

  • provide an understanding of good governance principles and how they apply to democratic services
  • provide an understanding of the internal governance arrangements by which councils exercise their powers
  • examine the differences between Leader & Cabinet and the Committee systems
  • explore how the Full Council meeting operates in different governance settings.

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

Please note that places will be limited to ensure interactivity, early booking is advised.

Trainer
The virtual workshops will be led by Ian Millichap.  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.  He is a Member of Governance Institute (Formerly ISCA).

Ian now supports ADSO with their virtual training programmes.

Date and time
The course is made up of two virtual workshops, delegates are required to attend both workshops.

  • 10 February 2021 – 9:30 – 12:30
  • 24 February 2021– 9:30 – 12:30

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 per person to attend both workshops
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 per person to attend above workshops

All costs subject to VAT.

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please contact us if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

How to book
To book a place please complete the online booking form below.  Please ensure you provide a purchase order with booking, alternatively please send it to Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk shortly after you book the place.

Please note that you only need to book on the 10 Febraury course date to be able to attend both workshops.

Terms and conditions of booking
The terms and conditions of booking can be found here.

Feb
12
Fri
ADSO Webinar – Councillor Code of Conduct @ via GoTo Webinar
Feb 12 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The new Councillors’ Code of Conduct was published by the LGA in December 2020. This second free webinar, hosted by ADSO, will take place on Friday 12th February at 14:00, lasting for one hour.

Paul Hoey from Hoey Ainscough Associates and the co-architect of the new code will present its key elements and in particular the changes from the consultation version. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of Paul and share your views.

To register for the webinar, please copy and paste the following link into your browser:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5555929424655932429

If you are unable to attend or are unable to book on, a recording of the webinar along with the earlier one from 29th January, will be made available to access by all ADSO members.  Look out for announcements on social media, in the newsletter and on the website.

 

 

Feb
24
Wed
Module 2: Council and its Governance @ Online via Zoom
Feb 24 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Council and its Governance
ADSO are hosting ‘Council and its Governance Arrangements’ a virtual course in February 2021.  Council and its Governance will be delivered as two three hour workshops held virtually.  Delegates will be required to attend both of the virtual workshops.

Audience
This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the different types of governance arrangements and the role of Council meetings.  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;

  • provide an understanding of good governance principles and how they apply to democratic services
  • provide an understanding of the internal governance arrangements by which councils exercise their powers
  • examine the differences between Leader & Cabinet and the Committee systems
  • explore how the Full Council meeting operates in different governance settings.

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

Please note that places will be limited to ensure interactivity, early booking is advised.

Trainer
The virtual workshops will be led by Ian Millichap.  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.  He is a Member of Governance Institute (Formerly ISCA).

Ian now supports ADSO with their virtual training programmes.

Date and time
The course is made up of two virtual workshops, delegates are required to attend both workshops.

  • 10 February 2021 – 9:30 – 12:30
  • 24 February 2021– 9:30 – 12:30

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 per person to attend both workshops
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 per person to attend above workshops

All costs subject to VAT.

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please contact us if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

How to book
To book a place please complete the online booking form below.  Please ensure you provide a purchase order with booking, alternatively please send it to Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk shortly after you book the place.

Please note that you only need to book on the 10 Febraury course date to be able to attend both workshops.

Terms and conditions of booking
The terms and conditions of booking can be found here.

Mar
3
Wed
Workshop 1: Law and Practice @ Online via Zoom
Mar 3 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce the launch the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’.  The course will be delivered as two, two and a half hour workshops held virtually.  Delegates will be required to attend both of the virtual workshops.

Audience
This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the legal 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.

The content is also linked to the Law and Practice 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

  • Provide an understanding of the statutory position of local government and the main pieces of legislation governing its operation and constitutional arrangements.
  • Examine the practical application of this legal framework to the aspects of a council’s operation that impact most directly on the democratic services function, including:
    • Governance arrangements and decision-making under executive arrangements or a committee system;
    • Political proportionality rules;
    • Legal provisions affecting members and officers; and
    • Arrangements to ensure good governance including access to information, transparency and ethical standards.

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

Trainer
The virtual workshops will be led by John Williams.  John has over 30 years’ practical experience in the field of democratic services, governance and constitutional advice.  For 12 of these he headed up the service at the London Boroughs of Croydon and then Tower Hamlets, where he was also appointed as Returning Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer.

John now works as a consultant in democratic and electoral services and has extensive experience of delivering training in each of these areas.  He is also an assessor for the ADSO Diploma.

Dates and times

  • Workshop 1: Wednesday 3 March 2021, 9:30 – 12:00
  • Workshop 2: Wednesday 10 March 2021, 9:30 – 12:00

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 3 March course date to be able to attend both workshops.

Cost

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

All costs subject to VAT.  Deadline for booking tickets: Tue 23 Feb 2021

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please email Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform

The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

If you have any questions about the course contact Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk

Mar
10
Wed
Workshop 2: Law and Practice @ Online via Zoom
Mar 10 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce the launch the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’.  The course will be delivered as two, two and a half hour workshops held virtually.  Delegates will be required to attend both of the virtual workshops.

Audience
This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the legal 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.

The content is also linked to the Law and Practice 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

  • Provide an understanding of the statutory position of local government and the main pieces of legislation governing its operation and constitutional arrangements.
  • Examine the practical application of this legal framework to the aspects of a council’s operation that impact most directly on the democratic services function, including:
    • Governance arrangements and decision-making under executive arrangements or a committee system;
    • Political proportionality rules;
    • Legal provisions affecting members and officers; and
    • Arrangements to ensure good governance including access to information, transparency and ethical standards.

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

Trainer
The virtual workshops will be led by John Williams.  John has over 30 years’ practical experience in the field of democratic services, governance and constitutional advice.  For 12 of these he headed up the service at the London Boroughs of Croydon and then Tower Hamlets, where he was also appointed as Returning Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer.

John now works as a consultant in democratic and electoral services and has extensive experience of delivering training in each of these areas.  He is also an assessor for the ADSO Diploma.

Dates and times

  • Workshop 1: Wednesday 3 March 2021, 9:30 – 12:00
  • Workshop 2: Wednesday 10 March 2021, 9:30 – 12:00

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 3 March course date to be able to attend both workshops.

Cost

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

All costs subject to VAT.  Deadline for booking tickets: Tue 23 Feb 2021

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please email Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

If you have any questions about the course contact Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk

ADSO Webinar – Civic Support @ via GoTo Webinar
Mar 10 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

****FULLY BOOKED****** Come into my Parlour! – demystifying the management of civic office

There is good evidence that, as longstanding Mayor’s and Chair’s Secretaries retire, they are not being replaced like for like. Instead, a senior manager might stalk the Democratic Services corridor and put their hand on the shoulder of an unsuspecting DSO, announcing ‘I want you to take on management of the civic office’.

After the initial shock, thoughts will turn to ‘what does it entail?’ ‘where do I start?’ and ‘who can I talk to for support?’

This ADSO webinar will set you in the right direction and will be led by Phil O’Brien, who has 37 years’ experience in the field. A former Head of Democratic Services at Derby City Council, Phil’s first local government role was as Assistant Mayor’s Officer and he served 32 consecutive Mayors. Phil is a founder member and sits on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Civic Officers (NACO) and is author of ‘Surviving Scrutiny – a 21st Century Civic Office.’ He also helped develop the ADSO Diploma Civic Pathway.

Hosted by ADSO, the webinar will take place on Wednesday 10th March from 3.30-4.30pm.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions of Phil and share your views.

The webinar is sponsored by Link Support Services (UK) Ltd (www.linksupportservices.co.uk). Link is in its 27th year providing highly regarded bespoke member and officer training.  It supports over 150 Councils, Police and Crime Panels, Fire and Rescue Authorities and Combined Authorities with their member and officer training requirements and are a NACO approved training partner.

 

Mar
17
Wed
ADSO Webinar – Rules relating to the pre-election period @ via GoTo Webinar
Mar 17 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

*****FULLY BOOKED*****

This webinar will be presented by Mark Heath, one of the most experienced and respected Returning Officers in the country. Mark, who for over 20 years was also a Monitoring Officer, will take you through the rules relating to the pre-election period (sometimes known incorrectly as purdah) for Councils, particularly from a democratic services aspect, using practical examples to guide you through the election period.

Hosted by ADSO, the webinar will take place on Wednesday 17th March from 12.30-1.30pm including a Q&A session where you will have the opportunity to ask questions of Mark and share your views.

The webinar is sponsored by Public-i (https://www.public-i.tv/webcasting-services/hybrid-link/#Hybrid_Link) Established in 2000, Public-i is the leading provider of live-streaming and audio-visual services to the public sector providing hardware and software to the public sector for the best meeting experience.