I had the pleasure of representing ADSO at the Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators (SOLAR) conference in Aberdeen last week from 15-17 March. I mentioned in previous bulletins that I was presenting a workshop on the role of democratic services officers in England and the ways in which you and your teams had responded to the financial challenges. There is an appetite within SOLAR for further discussions and joint working with ADSO, possibly at their Autumn Governance Conference in October. I will keep you informed of developments.
I’m in Birmingham twice next week on ADSO business. Firstly, Sue Keogh and I are facilitating the Diploma Network day on 21st March. If you are a diploma learner and wish to attend (but haven’t let Sue know) please do so urgently. Secondly, I will be at the ‘Scrutiny in Challenging Times’ seminar on 24th at Birmingham University facilitating a session on scrutiny from the ADSO perspective. Go to the INLOGOV website to book your place if you wish to attend.
On the subject of scrutiny, ADSO has submitted views to the CLG Select Committee to contribute to their current review. This will be posted on the website shortly.