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 an interesting article from Caludia Chwalisz, Chief Executive of DemocracyNext entitled Barack Obama Discusses Citizens Assemblies. Putting to one side that I’m a democracy nerd, it is illustrative of a much wider discussion that has been gaining pace nationally and internationally for some time now.
Citizens’ assemblies are but one approach that reflect a growing shift to a more citizen-led participatory democracy. Whether we call this Community Power or the Citizenshift this is relevant because of the implications that this will increasingly have for representative democracy. What does it mean for local councillors and their roles, and the governance arrangements that you all co-ordinate and support?
Since I became actively involved with ADSO I have often heard colleagues discuss the term “the modern DSO”. We all know that DSOs, by the nature of the role, operate in a dynamic and constantly changing environment. Operating in a digital age has brought this into even sharper focus.
Whilst there are many challenges facing DSOs, I believe that the opportunities presented by more a citizen-led democracy will be increasingly at the forefront of your changing role over coming years. It will be DSOs who will be at the interface of this changing power dynamic which may require new skills and knowledge. I look forward to exploring these issues in more detail over coming months. Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences using the Members Forum or just send me an email – carl.whistlecraft@adso.co.uk
ADSO Awards 2023 – Deadline Extended to Friday 11 August
One of my favourite take-aways from last year’s conference was the Awards. It was brilliant to see colleagues acknowledged by their peers for their hard work, dedication and commitment to their role, their team and local democracy generally. I know that an awful lot of work takes place behind the scenes to plan and co-ordinate the awards and it is all worthwhile when success is acknowledged at conference.
It is for these reasons that it is important to emphasise that the awards will only continue if colleagues engage in the process. In order to acknowledge and celebrate success we are wholly dependent on you taking the time to make nominations.
This year we have extended the deadline for nominations until close of play on Friday 11 August 2023 to hopefully allow you to put forward your star. By way of a reminder, we have three categories this year:
Learner of the Year
This is open to ADSO members who have completed either the ADSO Certificate or Diploma since the previous awards ceremony for learners in November 2022. The learner should be nominated by their Regional or Specialist Adviser and the nomination should cover the following criteria:
- Demonstrated significant progress, innovation or resilience during the course of their studies
- Applied their learning in the workplace for the benefit of their organisation
- Demonstrated new skills or personal development as a result of their studies
- Shown that their qualification and learning experience has directly influenced their progression in the workplace
- Their nomination is supported by their employer
Rookie of the Year
This award is to recognise an individual who is new to the sector but has had a strong and positive impact within their team. Individuals must be members of ADSO; have had no more than 12 months’ experience in Democratic Services by the deadline for nominations; and should be nominated by line managers (supported by the service head and/or director). The submission should show that the individual has met one or more of the following criteria:
- Demonstrated real commitment to their Authority
- As a new entrant to the sector, has demonstrated an ability to learn at pace, develop working relationships quickly and able to work successfully with minimum supervision
- Developed innovation or best practice in the area of Democratic Services or Governance
- ‘Gone the extra mile’ to provide an excellent service to customers.
The John Lynch Distinguished Service Award
This award seeks to recognise the dedication and achievements of an individual who has made a significant and distinguished contribution to the democratic services sector, not necessarily in terms of length of service, but more about the quality of their contribution. Nominees need to be an ADSO Member and will be judged using the following criteria:
- Worked as part of a team or led a team that provides a first-class service
- Successfully implemented new legislation, new systems, new governance structures or new ways of working and/or efficiencies
- Has developed positive and constructive working relationships with elected Members and senior officers over an extended period and can demonstrate where these positive working relationships have been needed to navigate difficulties.
- Led or demonstrated innovative and leading-edge service delivery
- Is an excellent role model for Democratic Services
Application process and deadlines
To complete a nomination form and for full details, visit our Awards 2023 website page or contact Peter Sass: peter.sass@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
Entries need to be submitted by e-mail by the close of business on Friday 11th August 2023. Shortlisting will take place by the end of August followed by Teams or Zoom interviews with the three top submissions in each category. The winners will be announced as part of the annual conference in Oxford. All entries for the three awards will be entered into a draw and the winner of the draw will be able to choose a local or national charity to receive a donation of £100 from ADSO. Shortlisted Award nominees also have places reserved for them at conference at a reduced rate.
IIMC symposium/VvG conference subsidy for 15 ADSO members
You have until 5pm on Friday 4th August to let us know if you would like to attend the symposium and conference which runs on 21/22 September in Amsterdam. There are no delegate fees and a subsidy is provided towards accommodation/travel from ADSO. Full details are on the following link (you will need to log in to access this):
If you are interested in attending, please use the email address on the above webpage to let us know why you want to attend and which nights you will need accommodation for. If demand exceeds capacity, there will be a selection process as outlined on the webpage.
ADSO Conference Waiting List Closed
Due to unprecedented demand, all our conference places are now taken and the waiting list is closed. We are sorry if you wanted to attend this year but hope you will have the opportunity to come to next year’s conference instead.
If you are already on the waiting list, we will contact you should a place become available.
Carl Whistlecraft, ADSO Non-Executive Director