Sep
9
Fri
ADSO Full Board meeting @ Via Zoom
Sep 9 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Sep
15
Thu
Part 1: Law and Practice of Local Government @ Online via Zoom
Sep 15 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce a new dates for the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’.  The course will be delivered as two 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: 15 September 2022, 9:30 – 12:15
  • Workshop 2: 22 September 2022, 9:30 – 12:15

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 15 September course date to be able to attend both workshops.

How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below.  Please note that you will need to supply a purchase order number.  This can either be done by adding to your online booking, alternatively email the purchase order to kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk.

Click here to book:  https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/ADSO-Course—Law-and-Practice-of-Local-Government-/79985

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 email Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Terms and conditions for booking can be found here – www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO-Terms-and-Conditions 

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

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

Sep
16
Fri
South West Regional Meeting
Sep 16 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

The meetings run from 10.00 to 12.30 (approx.) and are currently held be Teams.

Anyone who would like an invitation should contact Louise deCordova (louise.decordova@bristol.gov.uk) or Douglas Campbell (DCampbell@swindon.gov.uk).

Sep
20
Tue
ADSO Webinar – The Councillor: from whom much is expected; little is often given – except from DSOs @ via GoTo Webinar
Sep 20 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Councillors operate in a fragmented, often chaotic and differentiated world with different demands on their time, resources and efforts. They face not only the formal demands of council work in cabinet, scrutiny, various committees and full council, but also a series of demands made by the public and community and by the government. In addition, councillors are ever more interacting with an array of organisations outside the council of which they are a member and which they seek to influence on both an operational and strategic level.  Then there is the party and party group and the expectations they have of councillors.

DSOs are the eyes and ears of the councillor and often those to whom councillors turn to for advice, support and assistance and not just for the practical stuff – for emotional support, a shoulder to lean on.

The aim of the webinar is to provide a further insight for DSOs into the demands, expectations and life of the councillor. It will also explore some contemporary issues and how they have affected the councillor such as virtual meetings and continuing demands for more stringent ethical and behavioural standards.

It will explore the following themes of relevance to DSOs:

  • The differentiated roles of the councillor
  • The expectations councillors face from the council, the public, the media and the government and how they respond
  • The levels of support provided and those needed for councillors
  • Interacting with external agencies
  • The effects of council membership of councillors’ social, private and working lives
  • Behaviour and ethics
  • Centralization and devolution and the councillor

The webinar will focus on what the DSO needs to know about the life of the councillor and is particularly suitable for; Democratic Services Officers in all types of local authority; Councillors; all officers who work with councillors; and Officers who wish to know a bit more about what it’s like to be a councillor.

Our speaker is Colin Copus, Emeritus Professor of local politics at De Montfort University and a Visiting Professor at the University of Ghent. Colin has worked closely with policy-makers and practitioners in central and local government and is currently the academic advisor to two All Party Parliamentary Groups and a member of the Council of Europe’s group of experts on the Charter of Local Self Government.

Our webinar is sponsored MVI AudioVisual https://www.mvi-audiovisual.com/Connect/ who provide standard software for automatic camera controlname displaying and voting automation in council chambers. MVI’s products are widely used around Europe, including the UK.

To book, click on the following link:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2429717711376338192

Please note that you will need to be able to login in to GoTo webinar in order to access the webinars.  If you are logging in from your workplace, you will need to ensure that GoTo has not been blocked by your organisation.  Otherwise, you can log on from your mobile.

Sep
22
Thu
Part 2: Law and Practice of Local Government @ Online via Zoom
Sep 22 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce a new dates for the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’.  The course will be delivered as two 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: 15 September 2022, 9:30 – 12:15
  • Workshop 2: 22 September 2022, 9:30 – 12:15

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 15 September course date to be able to attend both workshops.

How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below.  Please note that you will need to supply a purchase order number.  This can either be done by adding to your online booking, alternatively email the purchase order to kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk.

Click here to book: https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/ADSO-Course—Law-and-Practice-of-Local-Government-/79985

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 email Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Terms and conditions for booking can be found here – www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO-Terms-and-Conditions 

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

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

Sep
27
Tue
Part 1: Just a Minute @ Online via Zoom
Sep 27 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the highly popular, virtual course ‘Just a Minute’.  Just a Minute 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 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
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.

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!

Trainer
The workshop will be delivered by Julia Cleary, Scrutiny and Systems Manager at City of Wolverhampton Council.

Date and time

  • 27 September – 9:30 – 12:30
  • 4 October – 9:30 – 12:30

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 27 September course date to be able to attend both workshops.

How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below.

Please note that you will need to supply a purchase order number.  This can either be done by adding to your online booking, alternatively email the purchase order to kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk. Please note that the ADSO Certificate Learner free places do not apply for the ‘Just a Minute’ Course.

Terms and Conditions of booking can be found here.

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.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

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

Book here:  https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/ADSO—Just-a-Minute-September-October-/80172

 

Sep
28
Wed
Becoming a DSO – An Introduction @ Online via Zoom
Sep 28 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

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

Learner requirements
You will be required to watch a short video and reflect on some of the ‘jargon’ you may have already experienced in preparation for some of the activities.

Date and time
28 September – 09:30-12:30

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

Cost

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

All costs subject to VAT.

ADSO learners
This course is not part of the offer to ADSO members working towards the Certificate or Diploma

Please note that this is an ADSO course, purchase order numbers will need to be made to ADSO.  Is you would like to confirm details for the purchase order number please email Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk .  Please note that this is not an East Midlands Councils course, East Midlands Councils is supporting ADSO with the delivery of its courses.

Click here to bookhttps://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/Becoming-a-DSO-%E2%80%93-an-introduction-ADSO-September/79913

Sep
29
Thu
Part 1: Working in a Political Environment @ Online via Zoom
Sep 29 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the interactive, virtual course ‘Working in a Political Environment’ in September 2022, this is an additional course added to the ADSO programme.  Working in a Political Environment will be delivered as two, 3 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 work more effectively with elected members. 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 Module 6, Members and Officers in Local Government, 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 seek to:

  • Explore and better understand the differences between the roles and responsibilities of elected members and officers.
  • Examine the legal, constitutional and procedural framework regulating the conduct of members and officers.
  • Enhance your understanding of the political environment around you.
  • Develop your knowledge and skills of how to operate effectively in a political environment.

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 Michael Robson. Michael has worked in the Democratic Services Team at North Tyneside Council for over 30 years. During this time Michael has supported a wide variety of democratic functions, including a period as a Scrutiny Officer. Michael’s current responsibilities include Planning and Scrutiny committees, the Health & Wellbeing board and School Admission appeals. Since electing its first Mayor in 2002, North Tyneside has experienced significant periods of political turbulence, particularly when the Council and its overview and scrutiny committees were controlled by the opposing group to the Elected Mayor.

Michael serves on the ADSO Board as the Regional Representative for the North East. As well as a trainer, Michael is also a qualified A1 Assessor working with learners undertaking the Certificate In Democratic Services Knowledge.

Date and time

  • Thursday 29 September 2022, 9:30 – 12:30
  • Wednesday 5 October 2022, 9:30 – 12:30

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 29 September course date to be able to attend both workshops.

How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below.  Please note that you will need to supply a purchase order number.  This can either be done by adding to your online booking, alternatively email the purchase order to kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk.

Booking link:  https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/ADSO—Working-in-a-Political-Environment/80049

For the terms and conditions for booking visit www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO-Terms-and-Conditions

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 reserves 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 Platfor
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

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

Oct
4
Tue
Part 2: Just a Minute @ Online via Zoom
Oct 4 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the highly popular, virtual course ‘Just a Minute’.  Just a Minute 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 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
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.

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!

Trainer
The workshop will be delivered by Julia Cleary, Scrutiny and Systems Manager at City of Wolverhampton Council.

Date and time

  • 27 September – 9:30 – 12:30
  • 4 October – 9:30 – 12:30

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 27 September course date to be able to attend both workshops.

How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below.

Please note that you will need to supply a purchase order number.  This can either be done by adding to your online booking, alternatively email the purchase order to kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk. Please note that the ADSO Certificate Learner free places do not apply for the ‘Just a Minute’ Course.

Terms and Conditions of booking can be found here.

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.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

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

Book here:  https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/ADSO—Just-a-Minute-September-October-/80172

 

Oct
5
Wed
Part 2: Working in a Political Environment @ Online via Zoom
Oct 5 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the interactive, virtual course ‘Working in a Political Environment’ in September 2022, this is an additional course added to the ADSO programme.  Working in a Political Environment will be delivered as two, 3 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 work more effectively with elected members. 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 Module 6, Members and Officers in Local Government, 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 seek to:

  • Explore and better understand the differences between the roles and responsibilities of elected members and officers.
  • Examine the legal, constitutional and procedural framework regulating the conduct of members and officers.
  • Enhance your understanding of the political environment around you.
  • Develop your knowledge and skills of how to operate effectively in a political environment.

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 Michael Robson. Michael has worked in the Democratic Services Team at North Tyneside Council for over 30 years. During this time Michael has supported a wide variety of democratic functions, including a period as a Scrutiny Officer. Michael’s current responsibilities include Planning and Scrutiny committees, the Health & Wellbeing board and School Admission appeals. Since electing its first Mayor in 2002, North Tyneside has experienced significant periods of political turbulence, particularly when the Council and its overview and scrutiny committees were controlled by the opposing group to the Elected Mayor.

Michael serves on the ADSO Board as the Regional Representative for the North East. As well as a trainer, Michael is also a qualified A1 Assessor working with learners undertaking the Certificate In Democratic Services Knowledge.

Date and time

  • Thursday 29 September 2022, 9:30 – 12:30
  • Wednesday 5 October 2022, 9:30 – 12:30

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 29 September course date to be able to attend both workshops.

How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below.  Please note that you will need to supply a purchase order number.  This can either be done by adding to your online booking, alternatively email the purchase order to kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk.

Booking link:  https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/ADSO—Working-in-a-Political-Environment/80049

For the terms and conditions for booking visit www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO-Terms-and-Conditions

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 reserves 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 Platfor
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

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