ADSO is hosting ‘Council and its Governance Arrangements’ a virtual course in March 2023 via Zoom. Council and its Governance 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 different types of governance arrangements and the role of Council meetings. 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 the Council and Governance 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 good governance principles and how they apply to democratic services
- provide an understanding of the internal governance arrangements by which councils exercise their powers
- examine the differences between Leader & Cabinet and the Committee systems
- explore how the Full Council meeting operates in different governance settings.
The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with democratic service officers from across the country.
Please note that places will be limited to ensure interactivity, early booking is advised.
Trainer
The virtual workshops 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
The course is made up of two virtual workshops, delegates are required to attend both workshops.
Workshop One: Wednesday 22 March 2023, 09.30-12.30
Workshop Two: Thursday 30 March 2023, 09-30-12.30
Cost
- ADSO Member rate – £110+ VAT per person to attend both workshops
- Non-ADSO Member rate – £160+ VAT per person to attend above workshops
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
To book a place please complete the online booking form below. Please note that you only need to book on 22 March course date to be able to attend both workshops. The terms and conditions of booking can be found here.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/ADSO—Council-and-Its-Governance/80290
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 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 broken into two virtual workshops.
The workshops will
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.
Trainer
The virtual workshops will be led by Tracy Tiff. 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.
Dates and times
Workshop One – Tuesday 18 April 2023, 09:30-12:30
Workshop Two – Tuesday 25 April 2023, 09:30-12:30
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on the 18 April 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.
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. Terms and Conditions of booking can be found here.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/ADSO—Ethics-Standards/80322
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 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 broken into two virtual workshops.
The workshops will
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.
Trainer
The virtual workshops will be led by Tracy Tiff. 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.
Dates and times
Workshop One – Tuesday 18 April 2023, 09:30-12:30
Workshop Two – Tuesday 25 April 2023, 09:30-12:30
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on the 18 April 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.
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. Terms and Conditions of booking can be found here.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/ADSO—Ethics-Standards/80322
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 workshop will be delivered by Julia Cleary, Head of Governance and Corporate Support at the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Date and time
Workshop One: Thursday 18 May 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Thursday 25 May 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on the 18 May 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 March 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-/80311
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 workshop will be delivered by Julia Cleary, Head of Governance and Corporate Support at the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Date and time
Workshop One: Thursday 18 May 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Thursday 25 May 2023, 09:30 – 12:30
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on the 18 May 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 March 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-/80311
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 interactive, virtual course ‘Structures and Functions: The anatomy of Local Government’. 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.
Local government in England and Wales is complex and constantly evolving. The workshops will help learners to be more effective in their roles by:
- Explaining local government’s place in the UK’s constitutional arrangements
- Unpicking the different kinds of authorities and councils and what they do
- Exploring the geographies of local government and the drivers of change: Is bigger better?
Audience
This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the different kinds of local authorities, what they do and how they fit into the wider government landscape of the UK. The target audience will be those who are relatively new to democratic service teams and those with a few year’s experience.
The content is also linked to the Council and Governance 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 include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country.
Trainer
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: Tuesday 6 June 2023, 9:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Tuesday 13 June 2023, 9:30 – 12:30
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book to attend the workshop on 6 June 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 contact 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.
Please book a place using our online booking form, please note that you will only need to book to attend the first session to attend both. The terms and conditions of booking can be found here.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/ADSO—Structures-and-Functions/80347
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 interactive, virtual course ‘Structures and Functions: The anatomy of Local Government’. 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.
Local government in England and Wales is complex and constantly evolving. The workshops will help learners to be more effective in their roles by:
- Explaining local government’s place in the UK’s constitutional arrangements
- Unpicking the different kinds of authorities and councils and what they do
- Exploring the geographies of local government and the drivers of change: Is bigger better?
Audience
This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the different kinds of local authorities, what they do and how they fit into the wider government landscape of the UK. The target audience will be those who are relatively new to democratic service teams and those with a few year’s experience.
The content is also linked to the Council and Governance 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 include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country.
Trainer
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: Tuesday 6 June 2023, 9:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Tuesday 13 June 2023, 9:30 – 12:30
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book to attend the workshop on 6 June 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 contact 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.
Please book a place using our online booking form, please note that you will only need to book to attend the first session to attend both. The terms and conditions of booking can be found here.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO/ADSO—Structures-and-Functions/80347
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 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
Wednesday 8 March 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/80291
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 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
Part One – Tuesday 27 June 2023, 09:30-12:30
Part Two – Wednesday 5 July 2023, 09:30-12:30
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on 27 June 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—Working-in-a-Political-Environment/80326
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 interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’ in June 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: Thursday 29 June 2023, 9:30 – 12:30
Workshop Two: Thursday 6 July 2023, 9:30 – 12:30
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on the 29 June 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—Law-and-Practice-of-Local-Government/80327
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.