Hello everyone, it has been exactly a year since my last newsletter, and I am thankful to the board for giving me the opportunity to 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 … Continued
Excitement is mounting at ADSO HQ ahead of our annual conference in Oxford later this month. The finishing touches are being made: presentations and speeches are being finalised, awards are being engraved; the DJ is working on their playlist. The ADSO Board is very much looking forward to seeing delegates at the conference. For those … Continued
Well autumn is officially here; the clocks have gone back and the leaves are turning gold and red and of course it is raining. I am just back from holiday in Provence and had to break my self-imposed rule about not putting the heating on until 1st November, the contrast in weather there and here … Continued
As regular readers of this newsletter may know, I became a member of the ADSO Board in spring of this year and my writing of this newsletter marks almost exactly five months since I joined. Over the summer I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the organisation and understand its position, from reading … Continued
Welcome to this week’s newsletter. As I write this edition we are coming to the end of European Local Democracy Week 2023. There are a number of reasons that I have a strong and long-standing interest in this initiative. Firstly it always coincides with my birthday, an annual reminder that it was clearly written in … Continued
I hope everyone is well and that you were able to enjoy the good weather over the weekend. Thanks to those who have processed their membership renewals. If you haven’t, please do so as soon as possible. Local Government Association (LGA) – Councillor Training Following the recent successful webinar, we have received an update from the … Continued
Membership Update As you will no doubt be aware, the membership renewals process is now underway. Please could you liaise with your council contact and make sure these are completed and returned as soon as possible. I reported to the September Board before the renewals were issued that we had reached over 1,500 members. This … Continued
With the financial situation of local government prompting rumours of more section 114 notices, this is a busy time for DSOs across the country. Councillors will be seeking information, advice and support in tackling some severe financial pressures in their councils. ADSO is here to support DSOs so please contact us if you need to. … Continued
This is my last newsletter as Director of Communications, although I will remain in post until our conference in November. I therefore wanted to thank you all for your support over the last few years, it has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be a Director of ADSO. A special thank you also to … Continued
Where did the summer go? Hardly much of a break these days for Democratic Services. Planning and Licensing Committees carry on through August, as do many other meetings. Nevertheless, I do hope you’ve all managed to get some rest and a break with those close to you over the summer. ADSO conference We are thrilled … Continued