Remote Meetings
Physical meetings are becoming the norm again but ADSO is still pressing the Government for remote meetings to be reinstated as an option for councils. We are disappointed that the Government to date is not engaging with us. We have written to the Secretary of State twice since the High Court case without even an acknowledgement, despite ADSO and LLG committing many tens of thousands of pounds in legal costs trying to achieve something that the Government should have been doing. But we will keep pressing the case whenever we can. Please encourage your authorities and members to lobby the Secretary of State. We do not want this to disappear off the agenda. That’s probably what the Government wants to happen.
School appeals statistics
Here is a link to the school appeals statistics published on 19th August 2021 by the DfE, which will be of interest to our members and their authorities: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/admission-appeals-in-england-academic-year-2020-to-2021
The first of our free School Appeals webinars, ‘School Appeals: The Basics’ takes place on Thursday 30 September at 11am. There are still some places available but we would recommend booking soon on the following link to secure your place: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8437279912774995728
ADSO Annual Conference 2021 – Bookings open
The ADSO 2021 Annual Conference and Award Ceremony is taking place virtually using GoTo Webinar on 25th and 26th November. Book your place here: https://www.adso.co.uk/events-3/adso-annual-conference-2021/
Mobile UK
Mobile UK, which represents the 4 main mobile operators, has contacted us with the following information: ‘Over the last year, and particularly during the pandemic, there has been an alarming rise in attacks on mobile phone infrastructure based on misinformation and conspiracy theories. To put this into numbers, at the peak of the pandemic, over 160 masts and supporting equipment were burnt down, and over 300 members of staff were attacked both physically and verbally.
In response, we (Mobile UK) launched the #5GCheckTheFacts campaign specifically to provide simple information and Q&As about the technology, how it relates to health and the benefits it will bring to society. Through our research and work with the LGA, CCN, DCN and NALC we have found that Cllrs and Officers have become the front line in received questions, FOIs and/or protests about 5G. We have therefore produced the following information to be used by local councils:’
https://www.mobileuk.org/5g-and-health
https://www.mobileuk.org/5g-benefits
https://www.mobileuk.org/5g-local-authority-toolkit
Council of Europe Report on the Future of the Municipal Councillor
The Governance committee of the Council of Europe has recently approved a report written by our Non-executive director, Emeritus Professor Colin Copus, on the future of the municipal councillor. The report may be of interest to ADSO members who work closest with councillors and it can be found here: https://mycloud.coe.int/s/icrtJdSJRoq9ome?dir=undefined&path=%2FDocuments%20-%20English&openfile=5508766
ADSO Autumn training offer – places available
Introduction to Electoral Services – ADSO is launching this new interactive, virtual course ‘Introduction to Electoral Services’. The course will be delivered as two workshops held virtually. Delegates will be required to attend both of the virtual workshops.
- Workshop 1: Friday 24 September 2021, 9:30 – 12:15
- Workshop 2: Friday 1 October 2021, 9:30 – 12:15
This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers and others who may work alongside Electoral Services teams and who wish to develop their understanding of the procedures relating to electoral registration and elections, perhaps with a view to becoming involved in the work to support the delivery of elections, the annual registration canvass or other aspects of electoral work. The course content will be relevant both to those who are relatively new to democratic services and officers with a few years’ experience. For more information and to book a place visit here https://www.adso.co.uk/event/part-1-introduction-to-electoral-services/
Ethics and Standards – ADSO is delighted to announce a new interactive, virtual course ‘Ethics and Standards’. The course will be delivered as two workshops held virtually.
Workshop 1 – 30 November 2021, 9:30am to 12:30pm
Workshop 2 – 8 December 2021, 9:30am to 12:30pm
This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the legal framework within which councils operate and the practical application of this to the range of work areas undertaken by democratic services teams. The course content will be relevant both to those who are relatively new to democratic services and officers with a few years’ experience, who may want to refresh their knowledge on ethics and standards. For more information and to book a place visit here https://www.adso.co.uk/event/part-1-ethics-and-standards/
Becoming a DSO – an introduction
ADSO are hosting two opportunities to attend the new, interactive, virtual course ‘Becoming a DSO – an introduction’ this autumn. The workshop is specifically designed for those taking their first steps into the world of Democratic Services- this course is aimed at those in the first eight weeks of starting.
This is a quick introduction, designed to give you some essentials and to give you the chance to ask questions and meet other new starters. It will be delivered as a single 3 hour workshop.
Workshop dates;
- 8 October – details here https://www.adso.co.uk/event/becoming-a-dso-an-introduction-3/
- 1 December – details here https://www.adso.co.uk/event/becoming-a-dso-an-introduction-4/
IIMC Zoom sessions
The IIMC are holding two Zoom sessions open to ADSO members.
Sessions will be limited to a maximum of 20 participants in four breakout rooms – in other words five per discussion group. Seats will be available on a first come basis.
The first session on the topic of “Bullying in the workplace” will be held on 22nd September 2021 at 5.00pm. The second session on the topic of “Your Resilience/Wellbeing” will be held on Wednesday 29th September 2021 at 5.00pm . Both sessions are expected to last an hour.
Spaces are limited, if you wish to register, please do so by 5pm on 10 September by:
Emailing Tom van der Hoven, our International Development Consultant, at imeet@iimc.com with the following detail:
- In the subject heading the words “Zoom Registration – ADSO”
- In the body of the email include your name, your local authority and your position/post as well as the date of the topic/session you would like to attend.
Tom will then confirm if you have a space by Wednesday 15 September.
Colin Copus, Non-Executive Director