ADSO is hosting the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’. The course will be delivered as two, virtual three-hour workshops. 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 and combined authorities 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 to officers with a few years’ experience.
The content is also linked to the Law and Practice module of the ADSO Certificate and 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. To maximise the delegates’ learning experience the course has been divided into two virtual workshops.
The workshops will
- Provide an understanding of the statutory position of local and combined authorities and the main pieces of legislation governing their operation and constitutional arrangements.
- Examine the practical application of this legal framework to the aspects of an authorities’ operation that impact most directly on the democratic services function, including:
- Governance arrangements and decision-making under executive arrangements, elected mayor or leader and cabinet 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 colleagues from across the country.
Trainers – John Williams and Tracy Couper
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.
Tracy Couper has been Democratic Services Manager at East Cambridgeshire District Council since 2005 and Deputy Monitoring Officer since 2015. This is her 36th year in Democratic Services and previously she has held senior roles at Bedfordshire County Council prior to its abolition, Peterborough City Council during the transition period to it becoming a Unitary Council and started her career at Huntingdonshire District Council. She has been Clerk to the Fire Authority whilst at Bedfordshire and more recently involved in the establishment of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
Dates and times
Workshop One: Thursday 1st February 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Thursday 8th February 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on 1st Feb 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
Terms and conditions for booking can be found here.
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 via the link below.
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.
Please contact Mel Harris Mel.Harris@wychavon.gov.uk or Matt Berry mattberry@cannockchasedc.gov.uk for more information.
Please contact either Michael Robson Michael.Robson@northoftyne-ca.gov.uk or Shauna Healey shaunahealey@merseyfire.gov.uk
For more information, please contact Fiona Rae (frae@lambeth.gov.uk) or Maria Burton (mburton@westminster.gov.uk)
Please try to re-book this as it was noted as full on EMC website in error
ADSO is hosting a virtual it’s highly popular course ‘Overview and Scrutiny’. The course will be delivered as two, virtual three-hour workshops. 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.
- 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 & Peter Foulsham
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 Unitary Council – West Northants Council in April 2021; where she is continuing in the field of Democratic Services.
Peter 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: Tuesday 30th January 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Tuesday 6th February 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on the 30 Jan 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 via the link below. 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.
- 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.
ADSO is hosting the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’. The course will be delivered as two, virtual three-hour workshops. 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 and combined authorities 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 to officers with a few years’ experience.
The content is also linked to the Law and Practice module of the ADSO Certificate and 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. To maximise the delegates’ learning experience the course has been divided into two virtual workshops.
The workshops will
- Provide an understanding of the statutory position of local and combined authorities and the main pieces of legislation governing their operation and constitutional arrangements.
- Examine the practical application of this legal framework to the aspects of an authorities’ operation that impact most directly on the democratic services function, including:
- Governance arrangements and decision-making under executive arrangements, elected mayor or leader and cabinet 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 colleagues from across the country.
Trainers – John Williams and Tracy Couper
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.
Tracy Couper has been Democratic Services Manager at East Cambridgeshire District Council since 2005 and Deputy Monitoring Officer since 2015. This is her 36th year in Democratic Services and previously she has held senior roles at Bedfordshire County Council prior to its abolition, Peterborough City Council during the transition period to it becoming a Unitary Council and started her career at Huntingdonshire District Council. She has been Clerk to the Fire Authority whilst at Bedfordshire and more recently involved in the establishment of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
Dates and times
Workshop One: Thursday 1st February 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Thursday 8th February 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on 1st Feb 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
Terms and conditions for booking can be found here.
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 via the link below.
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.
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
ADSO is hosting an interactive, virtual course ‘Introduction to Health Service Governance’. This will be delivered as two, three-hour virtual workshops held via Zoom with delegates being required to attend both workshops.
Audience
- Are you currently in the NHS working at bands 5-8?
- Or are you working in local government with health scrutiny committees or keen to explore a career in the NHS?
- If so, this course will help you understand the key questions, drivers and decisions driving health service governance. It will also demonstrate how your local authority governance skills can be applied in another setting to aid career development.
Content
The workshops will provide an overview of NHS governance including:
- Its structure and functions
- The law and guidance that surrounds it
- How leadership and culture are vital to its success
- The roles and responsibilities of an NHS board
- The difference (and similarities) between the NHS and local government
The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with other people from across the country.
Trainers – John Thorpe & Matthew Kane
John Thorpe is Foundation Trust Secretary at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and formerly Democratic Services Manager at Leicester City Council.
Matthew Kane is Associate Director of Corporate Affairs at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and formerly Governance Manager/Deputy Monitoring Officer at two district councils in north Derbyshire.
Date and time
Workshop One – Monday 11th March 2024, 1.30pm-4.30pm
Workshop Two – Monday 18th March 2024, 1.30pm-4.30pm
Cost
- ADSO Member rate – £110 + VAT per person to attend the course
- Non-ADSO Member rate – £160+ VAT per person to attend the course
How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via 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.
ADSO will be running an interactive, virtual course ‘Ethics and Standards. The course will be delivered as two, three-hour long workshops held virtually.
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, who may want to refresh their knowledge on ethics and standards.
How the course will be delivered
The course will be delivered virtually. To maximise the delegates’ learning experience the course has been divided into two virtual workshops.
Workshop 1
- Provide an overview of the Legal Framework
- An overview of the Code of Conduct, together with some case studies
- Committee on Standards in Public Life and LGA – model Code of Conduct
- What the law says about Members’ Interests, together various case studies regarding Members’ Interests
- Dispensations from the Monitoring Officer
Workshop 2
- Provide a short recap of the learning from Workshop 1
- An overview of the Standards Committees
- Explanation of Independent Persons and their role
- Details about complaints, Investigations and Standards Hearings, together with various case studies around complaints
The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country. This will also provide great opportunity for delegates to network and share contact details with each other for future reference and information sharing.
Trainers – Tracy Tiff & Peter Sass
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 Unitary Council – West Northants Council in April 2021; where she is continuing in the field of Democratic Services.
Peter Sass is the Head of Governance & Deputy Monitoring Officer. (Wandsworth) serving Richmond and Wandsworth Councils He has 35 years’ experience in numerous governance roles; mainly Democratic/Members’ Services and elections/electoral registration and has worked at all tiers of local government including a parish council.
Dates and times
Workshop One – Tuesday 12th March 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two – Tuesday 19th March 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on 12th March 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 via the link below. 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.
- 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.