From the Chair...

This is going to be a long introduction, but I hope to keep it interesting and relevant so please be patient and stick with it to the end! UK democracy has probably never been so passionate and controversial with terms like “constitutional crisis”, “abuse of power” and the clash of executive and parliament” being bandied … Continued

A few reminders this week before you all are (hopefully) off on your well earned summer break. Firstly, training. We are running the following courses after the holidays: Law & Practice London – 13 September Wigan – 19 September Working in a Political Environment London – 5 November Company Secretarial Practice This has been long … Continued

It would be impossible for me to comment on democratic and governance matters this week without reflecting on the change in Prime Minister.  The change has been dramatic, in some ways more dramatic than if there had been a change in political party.  Many of us will have experienced political change at the top of … Continued

I attended the SE Regional meeting today and it was good to catch up with colleagues and there was a useful exchange of information.  The session followed a Modern Gov User Group to make best use of peoples time. Given the large area the region covered it was felt that it would work better and … Continued

In my last newsletter I referred to the European elections. This time a number of you, like me, will be following another election on 23 July 2019, with great interest. With reports of duplicate ballot papers having been issued, it is clear that efficient and effective support is essential if we are to ensure the … Continued

Hi everyone and greetings from sunny south London.  This last few weeks I’ve been completely immersed in the London Mayor’s rapid review of the aims in his Health Inequalities Strategy.  I ran an event on social prescribing last week and one on supporting homeless people after hospital stays this week.  Obviously fascinating topics but also … Continued

I hope you are all getting some of the sunny weather we currently have in the north west. Having said that, I’m travelling to London today to attend a Lawyers in Local Government Stakeholders’ event so I hope it’s as good down there. The event is a really good opportunity to build relationships with organisations … Continued

Below are some events over the next few weeks that i wanted to remind members about, there are also places still available on our training courses, Just a Minute, Law and Practice and Working in a Political Environment. ADSO London Branch – Summer Seminar 5th July The ADSO London Branch Summer Seminar is taking place … Continued

As I write this (before the first round ballot unfortunately) the race to find a new Prime Minister is hotting up. Candidates are setting out their respective stalls and we will soon get to know what the collective priorites are. At this stage Brexit, tax cuts and budget proposals seem to be leading the way, … Continued