Dec
6
Wed
Part 1: Overview and Scrutiny @ Online via Zoom
Dec 6 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

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 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.

Date and time

Workshop One: Wednesday 6th December 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Wednesday 13th December 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 August 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-/80626

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.

Dec
7
Thu
ADSO Webinar – An Introduction to Community Power @ via GoTo Webinar
Dec 7 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

This webinar will provide you with an introduction to community power in public services, including:

  • What community power is
  • The three routes to community power
  • What community power means for decision-making and community participation
  • Councillors and community power
  • Reflections on community power for Democratic Services Officers.

We will talk about how and why councils have adopted this way of working, as well as sharing some case study examples to bring it to life and give a general introduction to New Local and our network.

The presentation is particularly relevant to Democratic Service Officers but could also be of interest to other officers in councils who are keen to learn more about community power.

By the end of the session, you should be able to:

  • Understand what community power is
  • Understand how community power is being put into practice in councils and what this means for council decision-making and community participation
  • Have some useful takeaways to consider for the future for those in Democratic Services roles.

Our speakers are Stephanie Riches, Senior Network Officer and Grace Pollard, Head of Public Services Policy from New Local, an independent think tank and network of councils with a mission to transform public services and unlock community power.

Our webinar is sponsored by Politis Consulting (https://politisconsulting.co.uk/), a citizen-centric research and advice consultancy specialising in local government. Backed by PhD-qualified experts, Politis seamlessly blend academic rigour with practical experience to empower local Councils.

From bespoke research to expert advice services, Politis empowers local government officers with innovative ideas and practical solutions. Our governance support ensures timely issue resolution, often preventing escalation into formal complaints. Our mediation work with smaller Councils means we are frequently the Monitoring Officer’s best friend.

Politis excels in project management, including income-generating initiatives, capital schemes, community-led programmes, and service delivery enhancements. We also serve as a critical friend for corporate planning, a crucial yet often overlooked priority for local councils.

In times of transition, our locum services provide temporary support while you recruit full-time officers. Politis thrives in the complex landscape of local government, where academic excellence meets real-world expertise, driving success in your Council.

Oh, and we have a podcast called “Standing Orders”, which is mildly more entertaining than the introduction above.

https://politisconsulting.co.uk/

To book, click on the following link:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/321694445696451160

Please note that you will need to be able to login in to GoTo webinar in order to access the webinar.  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.

Dec
11
Mon
Part 2: Meetings Procedures @ Online via Zoom
Dec 11 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

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 30th November 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Monday 11th December 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 August 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 30th November to be able to attend both workshops and attendance is required at both sessions.

https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/ADSO—Meetings-Procedures-/80620

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.

 

Dec
13
Wed
Part 2: Overview and Scrutiny @ Online via Zoom
Dec 13 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

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 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.

Date and time

Workshop One: Wednesday 6th December 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Wednesday 13th December 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 August 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-/80626

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.

Dec
14
Thu
Monitoring Officer/Deputy Monitoring Officer group meeting @ via Teams
Dec 14 @ 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

Dec
15
Fri
ADSO Full Board meeting @ London Councils
Dec 15 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Jan
17
Wed
Workshop 1: Just a Minute @ Via Zoom
Jan 17 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

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

Trainers – Ian Millichap and Vicky Wemyss-Cooke

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.

Vicky is currently the Committee Services Manager at London Borough of Camden and has been a DSO in London for almost 30 years and for the last 7 years has been the Committee Services Manager in Camden, managing a small team servicing Council, Cabinet, scrutiny and non-executive committees, along with a range of other bodies such as school appeals panels and tenants’ consultative committees.  Throughout her career, she has also undertaken a range of roles in support of local, national and regional elections and currently serves as Chief Count Supervisor for the Holborn and St Pancras Constituency area.  Vicky has been an active ADSO Member from its inception and is an assessor for the Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge.

Date and time

Workshop One: Wednesday 17 January 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Thursday 25th January 2024. 9.30am-12.30pm

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on 17th 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

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.

East of England Regional Meeting @ Via Zoom
Jan 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Jan
22
Mon
Workshop 1: Meetings Procedures @ Via Zoom
Jan 22 @ 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 – Lennox Beattie and Ian Curtis

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 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: Monday 22nd January 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Wednesday 31st January 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 via the link below.

Please note that you only need to book the workshop on 22nd Jan 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.  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. 

Jan
25
Thu
Workshop 2: Just a Minute @ Via Zoom
Jan 25 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

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

Trainers – Ian Millichap and Vicky Wemyss-Cooke

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.

Vicky is currently the Committee Services Manager at London Borough of Camden and has been a DSO in London for almost 30 years and for the last 7 years has been the Committee Services Manager in Camden, managing a small team servicing Council, Cabinet, scrutiny and non-executive committees, along with a range of other bodies such as school appeals panels and tenants’ consultative committees.  Throughout her career, she has also undertaken a range of roles in support of local, national and regional elections and currently serves as Chief Count Supervisor for the Holborn and St Pancras Constituency area.  Vicky has been an active ADSO Member from its inception and is an assessor for the Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge.

Date and time

Workshop One: Wednesday 17 January 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two: Thursday 25th January 2024. 9.30am-12.30pm

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on 17th 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

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.