The meetings run from 09:30 to 12:00 (approx) and are currently held on Teams.
Anyone who would like an invitation should contact Louise deCordova Hayley Caves or Heather Rae
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 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
Tuesday 12 September 2023, 09:30-12:30
Cost
- ADSO Member rate – £55 + VAT per person to attend the course
- Non-ADSO Member rate – £80 + VAT per person to attend the course
ADSO learners – This course is not part of the offer to ADSO members working towards the Certificate or Diploma
How to book a place
Bookings will open on 1st March 2023.
Please book a place using the link below. The Terms and conditions of booking can be found here.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/ADSO—Becoming-a-DSO—An-Introduction/80293
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)
Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.
For more information, please contact Fiona Rae (frae@lambeth.gov.uk) or Maria Burton (mburton@westminster.gov.uk)
ADSO is hosting a virtual course ‘Overview and Scrutiny’. 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.
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 virtually, to maximise the delegates learning experience the course has been broken into two virtual workshops.
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
- Consider the principles of good questioning
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 Tracy Tiff and Peter Foulsham.
Peter is the Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager at Wyre Council, where he has worked for fifteen years, previously as the Scrutiny Officer. Throughout his working life Peter has always been involved in training and development, and has assisted ADSO in this role over the past seven or eight years. Peter is also an assessor on ADSO’s Diploma in Local Democracy.
Tracy 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 newly formed Unitary Council – West Northants Council in April 2021; where she is continuing in the field of Democratic Services.
Date and time
Workshop One: Wednesday 20 September 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Wednesday 27 September 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on the 20 Sept 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
ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please email adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.
How to book a place
Bookings will open on 1st March 2023.
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below. The Terms and conditions of booking can be found here.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/ADSO—Overview-and-Scrutiny/80294
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)
Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.
Serving in public office is both a privilege and a responsibility. However, there is a growing issue of abuse and intimidation in public and political discourse that can have a negative impact on councillors, their families and local democracy. This is why the Local Government Association (LGA) commissioned Riber Consultants to work with councils and relevant partners to consider the best approaches to supporting councillors to prevent and manage abuse linked to their elected role. Through the project, researchers identified key challenges to supporting councillors with these issues, principles for councils to consider, and top tips and good practice case studies to help councils better support councillors prevent and handle abuse and intimidation.
Our speaker is Jess Norman who is a Senior Policy Adviser at the LGA responsible for Democracy and Voluntary and Community Sector issues. In particular, she leads on Elections and the Civility in Public Life programme which looks at councillor standards and conduct, issues of abuse and intimidation of councillors and councillor safety. She has previous experience working in Fire and Rescue, FGM and death policy and in frontline housing and benefits services.
The webinar is for anyone working in Democratic Services and will aim to provide attendees with an opportunity to consider new approaches to supporting councillors in their own authorities and to discuss the challenges and opportunities set out in the report.
Attendees will hear about principles of good practice identified in the report and particular examples from other councils. There will the opportunity to ask questions of the presenter and comment at the end of the presentation.
Our webinar is sponsored Link Support Services, led by David McGrath. As a former front-line councillor in Birmingham (8 years) and community campaigner for over 30 years, David provides lively, bespoke, interactive and practical personal safety training for members (over 1500 councillors between 2021-23).
Link Support Services courses look at how members can prevent and manage potential risks in a range of typical scenarios (e.g. on the doorstep, in surgeries, in challenging meetings, online and more). This thought-provoking training can be delivered at any point in the municipal year (induction, pre-election, refresher), and can also assist officers to review and bolster their member support strategies.
Visit www.linksupportservices.co.uk or email Linkukltd@aol.com or call David on 01676 522775 for further details
To register for the webinar, click on the following link:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1919200178237666648
Please note that you will need to be able to login in to GoTo webinar in order to access the webinar on the day. 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.
ADSO is hosting a virtual course ‘Overview and Scrutiny’. 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.
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 virtually, to maximise the delegates learning experience the course has been broken into two virtual workshops.
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
- Consider the principles of good questioning
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 Tracy Tiff and Peter Foulsham.
Peter is the Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager at Wyre Council, where he has worked for fifteen years, previously as the Scrutiny Officer. Throughout his working life Peter has always been involved in training and development, and has assisted ADSO in this role over the past seven or eight years. Peter is also an assessor on ADSO’s Diploma in Local Democracy.
Tracy 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 newly formed Unitary Council – West Northants Council in April 2021; where she is continuing in the field of Democratic Services.
Date and time
Workshop One: Wednesday 20 September 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Wednesday 27 September 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on the 20 Sept 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
ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please email adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.
How to book a place
Bookings will open on 1st March 2023.
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below. The Terms and conditions of booking can be found here.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/ADSO—Overview-and-Scrutiny/80294
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)
Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.
ADSO is delighted to announce dates for a virtual course via Zoom on ‘Meetings Procedures’. It will be delivered as two 3 hour 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
Lennox Beattie, Executive and Regulatory Manager, Blackpool Council
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.
Date and time
Workshop One: Thursday 28 September 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Thursday 5 October 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
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. This course is not part of the offer to ADSO members working towards the Certificate or Diploma.
How to book a place
Bookings will open on 1st March 2023.
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below. Please note that you only need to book the workshop on 28 Sept to be able to attend both workshops and attendance is required at both sessions.
The Terms and conditions of booking can be found here.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/ADSO—Meetings-Procedures/80315
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)
Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.
ADSO is hosting the highly popular, virtual course ‘Just a Minute’. Just a Minute 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 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 virtual workshop 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).
Date and time
Workshop One: Wednesday 4 October 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Wednesday 11 October 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on the 4 October 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
Bookings will open on 1st August 2023.
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below. 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.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/ADSO—Just-a-Minute-/80317
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)
Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.
ADSO is delighted to announce dates for a virtual course via Zoom on ‘Meetings Procedures’. It will be delivered as two 3 hour 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
Lennox Beattie, Executive and Regulatory Manager, Blackpool Council
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.
Date and time
Workshop One: Thursday 28 September 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Thursday 5 October 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
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. This course is not part of the offer to ADSO members working towards the Certificate or Diploma.
How to book a place
Bookings will open on 1st March 2023.
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below. Please note that you only need to book the workshop on 28 Sept to be able to attend both workshops and attendance is required at both sessions.
The Terms and conditions of booking can be found here.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/ADSO—Meetings-Procedures/80315
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)
Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.