Nov
21
Tue
Part 1: Law and Practice @ Online via Zoom
Nov 21 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’ in November 2023 via Zoom.  The course 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 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 One: Tuesday 21 November 2023, 9:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Tuesday 28 November 2023, 9:30 – 12:30

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 21 November 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—Law-and-Practice-of-Local-Government/80297

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.

 

Nov
22
Wed
Part 2: Working in a Political Environment @ Online via Zoom
Nov 22 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the interactive, virtual course ‘Working in a Political Environment’.  This will be delivered as two,3 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 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

Workshop One – Thursday 16 November 2023, 09:30-12:30
Workshop Two – Wednesday 22 November 2023, 09:30-12:30

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on 16 Nov 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—Working-in-a-Political-Environment/80328

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.

 

Nov
28
Tue
Part 2: Law and Practice @ Online via Zoom
Nov 28 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO is hosting the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’ in November 2023 via Zoom.  The course 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 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 One: Tuesday 21 November 2023, 9:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Tuesday 28 November 2023, 9:30 – 12:30

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 21 November 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—Law-and-Practice-of-Local-Government/80297

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.

 

Nov
30
Thu
Part 1: Meetings Procedures @ Online via Zoom
Nov 30 @ 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
1
Fri
London Regional meeting @ Islington Town Hall
Dec 1 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

For more information, please contact Fiona Rae (frae@lambeth.gov.uk) or Maria Burton (mburton@westminster.gov.uk)

Dec
5
Tue
Becoming a DSO – an introduction @ Online via Zoom
Dec 5 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

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 5 December 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 August 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/80299

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
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
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.

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.