Mar
9
Wed
Becoming a DSO – An Introduction @ Online via Zoom
Mar 9 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO are hosting an opportunity to attend the 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 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

9 March 2022 – 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

Please note that this is an ADSO course, purchase order numbers will need to be made to ADSO.  Is you would like to confirm details for the purchase order number please email Kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk .  Please note that this is not an East Midlands Councils course, East Midlands Councils is supporting ADSO with the delivery of its courses.

Click here to book:  https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/Becoming-a-DSO-%E2%80%93-an-introduction-ADSO-December-session/78923

Mar
23
Wed
Part 1: Ethics and Standards @ Online via Zoom
Mar 23 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce a new interactive, virtual course ‘Ethics and Standards.  The course will be delivered as two 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 1 – 23 March 2022 – 9:30am to 12:30pm

Workshop 2 – 30 March 2022 – 9:30am to 12:30pm

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 23 March 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.

Terms and conditions for booking can be found here – www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO-Terms-and-Conditions 

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

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

Click here to book:  https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/Ethics-and-Standards-ADSO/79402

Mar
25
Fri
ADSO Full Board meeting @ Via Zoom
Mar 25 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Mar
30
Wed
Part 2: Ethics and Standards @ Online via Zoom
Mar 30 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

ADSO are delighted to announce a new interactive, virtual course ‘Ethics and Standards.  The course will be delivered as two 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 1 – 23 March 2022 – 9:30am to 12:30pm

Workshop 2 – 30 March 2022 – 9:30am to 12:30pm

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 23 March 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.

Terms and conditions for booking can be found here – www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO-Terms-and-Conditions 

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

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

Click here to book:  https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/Ethics-and-Standards-ADSO/79402

Mar
31
Thu
Part 1: Working in a Political Environment @ Online via Zoom
Mar 31 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 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,3 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

  • Thursday 31 March 2022, 9:30 – 12:30
  • Thursday 7 April 2022, 9:30 – 12:30

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 31 March 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.

For the terms and conditions for booking visit www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO-Terms-and-Conditions

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

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

Apr
7
Thu
Part 2: Working in a Political Environment @ Online via Zoom
Apr 7 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 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,3 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

  • Thursday 31 March 2022, 9:30 – 12:30
  • Thursday 7 April 2022, 9:30 – 12:30

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 31 March 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.

For the terms and conditions for booking visit www.emcouncils.gov.uk/ADSO-Terms-and-Conditions

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

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

Apr
20
Wed
ADSO Webinar – Levelling-Up: The Implications and Opportunities for DSOs @ via GoTo Webinar
Apr 20 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Levelling-Up White Paper, while aimed at addressing economic inequalities across the country and stimulating economic growth, sets a framework within which further devolution to local government will operate. It also raises the prospect of local government reorganisation, the creation of more combined authorities and additional elected mayors and/or directly elected county leaders. It is these areas that have the most implications for Democratic Services Officers.

The webinar will focus on those aspects of the levelling-up agenda that will affect the work and activities of DSOs across the country. It will explore the following themes of relevance to DSOs:

  • The role of local government in the levelling-up agenda
  • The role of DSOs in facilitating the work of councillors and councils in addressing the aims and objectives of levelling-up
  • Local government reorganisation and DSOs
  • New forms of political governance and decision-making
  • DSOs working across organisational and council boundaries
  • Developing new forms of communication with the centre
  • The change in member roles and perspectives
  • How councillors and DSOs will contribute to levelling-up and in shaping the levelling-up agenda

The webinar will also examine how the policy, research and support functions of DSOs will be influenced by the expectations of the white paper and the levelling-up agenda generally.

Target Audience
Democratic Services Officers in all types of local authority as well as Councillors and Officers involved in the levelling-up agenda.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the session participants will be able to:

  1. Identify and understand the main aims of the levelling-up white paper and the general levelling up agenda as it is relevant to DSOs
  2. Understand the implications for DSOs of the white paper’s proposals
  3. Appreciate the way the white paper will affect the work of councillors
  4. Understand the potential changes to DSOs work and workloads of the white paper and its proposals
  5. Recognise the new support and services councillors will require
  6. Understand the governance implications of the white paper and its proposals

Speaker
Colin Copus is an Emeritus Professor of local politics at the Department of Politics and Public Policy, De Montfort University and a Visiting Professor at the University of Ghent. His academic interests are central-local relationships and the constitutional status of local government, devolution, localism, local party politics, local political leadership and the changing role of the councillor. Colin has worked closely with policy-makers and practitioners in central and local government. He was an academic advisor to the Political and the Constitutional Reform Committee and the Communities and Local Government Committee on its inquiry into the role of the councillor and he is currently the academic advisor to two All Party Parliamentary Groups.  He is a member of the Council of Europe’s group of experts on the Charter of Local Self Government.

He has published widely in academic journals. Colin’s latest book is entitled: In Defence of Councillors, published by Manchester University Press.  Colin was the editor Local Government Studies 2001 to 2013 and has also served as a councillor on a London Borough council, a county and a district council and three parish councils.

To book, click on the following link:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3137367791467332368

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

Apr
22
Fri
East of England Regional Meeting @ Via Zoom
Apr 22 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Apr
29
Fri
East Midlands Regional Meeting @ via Microsoft Teams
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
May
12
Thu
Part 1: Just a Minute @ Online via Zoom
May 12 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

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

  • 12 May 2022 – 9:30 – 12:30
  • 19 May 2022 – 9:30 – 12:30

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on the 12 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. 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.

Click here to bookhttps://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/ADSO—Just-a-Minute-May/79912

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.

Virtual Platform
The virtual workshop will be held using Zoom.

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