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
It’s September and I have just witnessed a torrential downpour. I have realised I live in hope and bought into all those promises of summer heat waves in August that never materialised and now there is another one forecast for September – hmmm! My holiday is done and dusted and I’m back to work, trying … Continued
A couple of weeks ago marked the first anniversary of the sad passing of our dear friend and colleague John Lynch. It still seems so unreal that John is not with us. He remains an integral part of what ADSO does and will do in the future. I am excited to see the progress with the community garden in … Continued
Welcome to this week’s newsletter. Whilst Parliament maybe embarking on their summer recess, I know from past experience that the wheels of local democracy will continue to turn at pace. I hope you all find the time to have a well-earned break over what’s left of the summer. Citizens’ Assemblies This week I came across … Continued
Holidays and Reflection I have just returned from a week away and feel so much better for it and hope everyone has time off planned during the summer and recess (does that still properly exist!). I read a book on holiday by Sir Rodney Brooke, the former Chief Executive of West Yorks Metropolitan County Council … Continued
Report from West Midlands Region In this week’s newsletter Matt Berry and Mel Harris, Joint Reps for the West Midlands Region, explore what DSOs need to support newly elected councillors as they become accustomed to their roles, work and responsibilities, especially towards their constituents. A big thanks to Matt and Mel for the piece and … Continued
July has arrived, I am not quite sure how that has happened, I feel as if I blinked and missed June… John and Peter are away at the LGA conference this week, with many officers and members from across the country, if you are attending or know someone who is, please ask them to visit … Continued
I have recently returned from the 77th IIMC annual conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was my first IIMC conference and I was privileged to attend as the sole representative of ADSO. The theme of the conference was BOLD Education in the BOLD North and the conference ran from 14th to 17th May 2023. What struck … Continued
Hi everyone and best wishes for midsummer, I hope you are enjoying the sun but wearing the sunscreen/hat. I have a number of different things to tell you about this week so let’s start with the good news. Good News We are delighted to announce that James McLaughlin (Director of Corporate Services at Derbyshire Dales District Council) … Continued