I know most of you will be preparing for the council elections and I wish you all the very best. It can be an exhausting time but it shows the very best of local government officers, not just elections and democratic services staff. I will be thinking of you all when I go to vote. There’s … Continued
With local elections fast approaching, I’m sure this is a busy time for many readers. As a resident of a London borough, I will vote on no less than three different positions. My doorbell is getting regular exercise, and the volume of leaflets dropping through my letterbox, with varying combinations of optimism and anger printed … Continued
Hello from me I joined ADSO in February and although I’ve been busy refreshing our communications since then (we hope you like the new look newsletter), I wanted to take a moment to say a proper hello. I’m currently Engagement and Communications lead for Kirklees Democracy, Co-organiser of the Notwestminster network, and part of the … Continued
Has Spring finally sprung? My garden thinks so, but my hat and gloves needed for early morning commutes into London in the last week or so think not. Oh well, hopefully the warmer weather will soon be here to go with the lighter evenings. It’s election season again and we are gearing up for Mayoral … Continued
ADSO would like to send our very best wishes to all those involved in the running, organising, management and oversight of the local elections on 2nd May. As the process gears up and the elections get closer you are at the forefront of ensuing the integrity and smooth running of the local democratic processes. You’ll … Continued
Hello everyone, It’s been several months since my last newsletter and I am thankful to the board for giving me the opportunity provide you with an update on the ADSO Certificate and Diploma Programmes and the work that has been going on in the background to make sure that both programmes are kept up to … Continued
Retirement and the Future Some of you may be aware that I have decided to retire on 01 November from my main role at Blackpool Council as Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer. This week has been a key milestone in preparing for that as I stood down as Monitoring Officer. My Deputy Lorraine Hurst … Continued
Hi all and welcome to Spring (well the daffs are out round here). We are all rather on tenterhooks about what may or may not happen, and when, this year. In the absence of concrete information, although informed guesses abound, it’s business as usual here with the caveat that it can all change ‘if needs … Continued
Welcome to this week’s newsletter. I am hastily writing this edition having just returned from a short break in Poland. As always seems the case when I go abroad, I inevitably find myself reflecting on the civic life of the place I have visited. I hope I am not alone in walking around a new … Continued
I hope everyone is well and that your budget council meetings have gone smoothly. I always remember feeling a sense of relief when that particular meeting was behind me – but that didn’t last long as the next meeting was upon us before we knew it. You know that feeling only too well! Annual Conference 2024 … Continued