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In May 2023, the Government released an amended version of the code on school suspensions and permanent exclusions effective from 1 September 2023: Suspension and Permanent Exclusion from Maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units in England, including pupil movement.  This webinar will highlight any changes in the amended version of the code to encourage a standardised approach in schools and hopefully ensure good practice as a result.

Our speakers are Ann Coldicott, Democratic Services Manager at Essex County Council and Jill Thwaites and Lindsey Atkinson who work as Independent Clerks.

The presentation aims to give participants a better understanding of the amended code and what is required following a permanent exclusion leading to an Independent Review Hearing.  It is particularly suitable for Democratic Services Officers who manage, organise or clerk Independent Review Panel (IRP) hearings as well as Panel Members i.e. serving Headteachers, lay Chairs or Governors.

Our webinar is sponsored by FCS Software Solutions Ltd https://fcssoftware.co.uk/ specialists in the development of web-based software for local authorities including AppealsPro, a suite of secure, web-based applications that have been designed to manage school admission, exclusion, and transport appeals across all schools and key stages.

AppealsPro puts all of the appeals data at your fingertips in a secure environment and removes the need for multiple spreadsheets and the traditional bundles of paper and post-it notes.

With parent and school portals for the submission and sharing of information and evidence, automatic generation of appeal letters and packs, automated appeal scheduling, appeal cost calculations and generation of the DofE report, you’ll wonder how you ever managed before AppealsPro.

To book, click on the following link:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3462236103325197146

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.

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.

Please contact the Chair of the group, James McLaughlin, if you are an MO/DMO who would like to join the group by emailing James_McLaughlin@sandwell.gov.uk

ADSO members can view the agenda, papers and link to join the meeting here

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