Feb
24
Wed
Module 2: Council and its Governance @ Online via Zoom
Feb 24 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Council and its Governance
ADSO are hosting ‘Council and its Governance Arrangements’ a virtual course in February 2021.  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).

Ian now supports ADSO with their virtual training programmes.

Date and time
The course is made up of two virtual workshops, delegates are required to attend both workshops.

  • 10 February 2021 – 9:30 – 12:30
  • 24 February 2021– 9:30 – 12:30

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 per person to attend both workshops
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 per person to attend above workshops

All costs subject to VAT.

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please contact us if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

How to book
To book a place please complete the online booking form below.  Please ensure you provide a purchase order with booking, alternatively please send it to Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk shortly after you book the place.

Please note that you only need to book on the 10 Febraury course date to be able to attend both workshops.

Terms and conditions of booking
The terms and conditions of booking can be found here.

Mar
3
Wed
Workshop 1: Law and Practice @ Online via Zoom
Mar 3 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce the launch the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’.  The course will be delivered as two, two and a half 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 1: Wednesday 3 March 2021, 9:30 – 12:00
  • Workshop 2: Wednesday 10 March 2021, 9:30 – 12:00

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 3 March course date to be able to attend both workshops.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 per person to attend the course

All costs subject to VAT.  Deadline for booking tickets: Tue 23 Feb 2021

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please email Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform

The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

If you have any questions about the course contact Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk

Mar
10
Wed
Workshop 2: Law and Practice @ Online via Zoom
Mar 10 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce the launch the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’.  The course will be delivered as two, two and a half 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 1: Wednesday 3 March 2021, 9:30 – 12:00
  • Workshop 2: Wednesday 10 March 2021, 9:30 – 12:00

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 3 March course date to be able to attend both workshops.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 per person to attend the course

All costs subject to VAT.  Deadline for booking tickets: Tue 23 Feb 2021

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please email Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

If you have any questions about the course contact Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk

ADSO Webinar – Civic Support @ via GoTo Webinar
Mar 10 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

****FULLY BOOKED****** Come into my Parlour! – demystifying the management of civic office

There is good evidence that, as longstanding Mayor’s and Chair’s Secretaries retire, they are not being replaced like for like. Instead, a senior manager might stalk the Democratic Services corridor and put their hand on the shoulder of an unsuspecting DSO, announcing ‘I want you to take on management of the civic office’.

After the initial shock, thoughts will turn to ‘what does it entail?’ ‘where do I start?’ and ‘who can I talk to for support?’

This ADSO webinar will set you in the right direction and will be led by Phil O’Brien, who has 37 years’ experience in the field. A former Head of Democratic Services at Derby City Council, Phil’s first local government role was as Assistant Mayor’s Officer and he served 32 consecutive Mayors. Phil is a founder member and sits on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Civic Officers (NACO) and is author of ‘Surviving Scrutiny – a 21st Century Civic Office.’ He also helped develop the ADSO Diploma Civic Pathway.

Hosted by ADSO, the webinar will take place on Wednesday 10th March from 3.30-4.30pm.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions of Phil and share your views.

The webinar is sponsored by Link Support Services (UK) Ltd (www.linksupportservices.co.uk). Link is in its 27th year providing highly regarded bespoke member and officer training.  It supports over 150 Councils, Police and Crime Panels, Fire and Rescue Authorities and Combined Authorities with their member and officer training requirements and are a NACO approved training partner.

 

Mar
17
Wed
ADSO Webinar – Rules relating to the pre-election period @ via GoTo Webinar
Mar 17 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

*****FULLY BOOKED*****

This webinar will be presented by Mark Heath, one of the most experienced and respected Returning Officers in the country. Mark, who for over 20 years was also a Monitoring Officer, will take you through the rules relating to the pre-election period (sometimes known incorrectly as purdah) for Councils, particularly from a democratic services aspect, using practical examples to guide you through the election period.

Hosted by ADSO, the webinar will take place on Wednesday 17th March from 12.30-1.30pm including a Q&A session where you will have the opportunity to ask questions of Mark and share your views.

The webinar is sponsored by Public-i (https://www.public-i.tv/webcasting-services/hybrid-link/#Hybrid_Link) Established in 2000, Public-i is the leading provider of live-streaming and audio-visual services to the public sector providing hardware and software to the public sector for the best meeting experience.

 

Apr
7
Wed
Part 1: Working in a Political Environment @ Online via Zoom
Apr 7 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce the launch the interactive, virtual course ‘Working in a Political Environment’.  Working in a Political Environment will be delivered as two, two and a half 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 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

  • 7 April 2021 – 9:30 – 12:00
  • 14 April 2021 – 9:30 – 12:00

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 7 April course date to be able to attend both workshops.

How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below.

https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/Working-in-a-Political-Environment-ADSO-Training-Course/77840

Please note that you will need to supply a purchase order number.  This can either be done by adding to your online booking, alternatively email the purchase order to kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 per person to attend the course

All costs subject to VAT.

Deadline for booking tickets: Wed 24 Mar 2021

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please email  Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

If you have any questions about the course contact Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk

Apr
14
Wed
Part 2: Working in a Political Environment @ Online via Zoom
Apr 14 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce the launch the interactive, virtual course ‘Working in a Political Environment’.  Working in a Political Environment will be delivered as two, two and a half 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 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

  • 7 April 2021 – 9:30 – 12:00
  • 14 April 2021 – 9:30 – 12:00

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 7 April course date to be able to attend both workshops.

How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below.

https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/Working-in-a-Political-Environment-ADSO-Training-Course/77840

Please note that you will need to supply a purchase order number.  This can either be done by adding to your online booking, alternatively email the purchase order to kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 per person to attend the course

All costs subject to VAT.

Deadline for booking tickets: Wed 24 Mar 2021

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please email  Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

If you have any questions about the course contact Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk

May
20
Thu
Becoming a DSO – An Introduction @ Online via Zoom
May 20 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce the launch of a new, interactive, virtual course ‘Becoming a DSO – an introduction’.  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 2.5-3 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.

Trainers
Peter Sass, ADSO Vice Chair and Head of Governance for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Peter Sass, ADSO Vice Chair and Head of Governance for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils in South-West London; Deputy Monitoring Officer for Wandsworth Council.  Peter has over 35 years’ experience in numerous governance roles; mainly Democratic/Members’ Services and elections/electoral registration. He has worked at all tiers of local government including a parish council.  Peter has supported ADSO since its inception in 2009 and believes passionately in the professionalisation of the sector.

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
Thursday, 20 May 2021 – 09:30-12:30

Virtual Platform – The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £55 per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £80 per person to attend the course

All costs subject to VAT.

ADSO learners – This course is not part of the offer to ADSO members working towards the Certificate or Diploma

How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below:

https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/Becoming-a-DSO-%E2%80%93-an-introduction-ADSO-/78587

Please note that you will need to supply a purchase order number.  This can either be done by adding to your online booking, alternatively email the purchase order to kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk.

If you have any questions about the course contact Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk

May
25
Tue
Part 1: Law and Practice of Local Government @ Online via Zoom
May 25 @ 9:30 am – 12:15 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce a new dates for the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’.  The course will be delivered as two 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 1: Tuesday 25 May 2021, 9:30 – 12:15
  • Workshop 2: Friday 28 May 2021, 9:30 – 12:15

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 25 May course date to be able to attend both workshops.

How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below.  Please note that you will need to supply a purchase order number.  This can either be done by adding to your online booking, alternatively email the purchase order to kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 per person to attend the course

All costs subject to VAT.

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please email Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

If you have any questions about the course contact Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk

May
28
Fri
Part 2: Law and Practice of Local Government @ Online via Zoom
May 28 @ 9:30 am – 12:15 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce a new dates for the interactive, virtual course ‘Law and Practice of Local Government’.  The course will be delivered as two 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 1: Tuesday 25 May 2021, 9:30 – 12:15
  • Workshop 2: Friday 28 May 2021, 9:30 – 12:15

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 25 May course date to be able to attend both workshops.

How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below.  Please note that you will need to supply a purchase order number.  This can either be done by adding to your online booking, alternatively email the purchase order to kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk.

Cost

  • ADSO Member rate – £110 per person to attend the course
  • Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 per person to attend the course

All costs subject to VAT.

ADSO reserve up to two places on this course for an ADSO learner depending on demand – please email Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

If you have any questions about the course contact Kirsty.Lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk