First hurdle cleared! Well done to everyone who was involved in the election last week, such a huge amount of planning and effort goes into an election. The next hurdle is of course the induction, I hope that all your planning pays off, do share your tips and ask questions on the forum, those who don’t have elections this year will be eagerly watching and listening.
I am staggered that a week of May has already passed, early spring came and went in a bit of a blur for me, although I am teaching my little people the joys of growing vegetables this year, we won’t be growing carrots again for sure, the thinning process is not one I enjoy! I do find growing vegetables really good for my mental health though, even if something has eaten all the tomato plants we planted from seed.
The last few months has been busy in terms of festivals and religious events, but I would like to wish a belated Eid Mubarak to everyone who celebrates, I wish you and your family peace, joy and hope that between election and induction planning you had a chance to celebrate.
Spring brings the joy of Annual Council, we have ours this week, a slightly different set up this year, still rather complicated though, but we haven’t had to hire and set up chairs and tables and mark out walkways and two metre positioning thankfully, although I know many of you still have challenging arrangements. I hope that the meetings run smoothly for you all.
ADSO Conference
In the next week, we hope to be able to launch the #ADSOConf2022, the event will take place on 17 and 18 November 2022 in Broughton, North Lincolnshire. The programme should provide a mix for both those new to democratic services and those who have been around for a while. There will lots of opportunities to network over the two days, I hope to be able to have a chat with many of you I have exchanged emails with in the last few years over coffee and learn from you. Once bookings open, please do get your bookings and accommodation booked as soon as possible, as the hotel are only holding the rooms until 1st September.
I am personally really looking forward to the Leadership and Teamwork session and Question Time, after the success of last year and several of the workshops, there really is too much choice. I also look forward to the presentations of the #ADSOAwards2022, they are such a moment to celebrate and reflect on the amazing, hidden work we all do. We will be launching the awards by the end of the month, so watch this space.
Mental Health Awareness Week
We are about to go into Mental Health Awareness Week (9-15 May), the work we do is frequently misunderstood and underplayed, a reason it is so important for us to have an organisation like ADSO, that understands the job and the pressures and provides the opportunity to connect with people in similar roles or facing the same challenges. It is also fair to say we frequently provide a listening ear to a variety of people, frequently councillors and I have noticed an increase in posts on the forum about this extra support we provide. Do make the effort this week to look after your own mental health and those around you and take a look at the information on the MHA website about loneliness, the theme of the awareness week this year.
ADSO Course – Becoming a DSO – An Introduction
Skipping forward into summer, we are taking bookings for the following training session, Becoming a DSO, an introduction on 23 June. In June, you have the opportunity to attend the interactive, virtual course ‘Becoming a DSO – an introduction’. It 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.
This course is aimed at newly appointed Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of their role. It is for those who have never worked in this area before and who want a quick introduction to orient themselves.
The course will be delivered virtually, and by the end of the workshop you will:
- Understand what a local Council is and how it is funded.
- Know the different types of local Council and what services they provide
- Understand how decisions are made and your role in supporting this, both in and out of meetings
- Have a sense of how accountability works in local government, how Councils and Councillors are held to account and the role of scrutiny.
- Have considered the impact of politics and what this means for you as an officer of the Council.
To book and for further information visit https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/Adso/ADSO—Becoming-a-DSO-an-introduction-June/79922
Warning re homoglyphing of ADSO website
Earlier this week, we were alerted that a web domain/website had been set up that is very similar to the ADSO one. I learnt, from the emails and telephone conversation with the National Cyber Crime Unit (NNCU) at the National Crime Agency, that this is called homoglyphing, every day really is a school day! We are therefore asking that when contacting us, you either click on links from our website, communications etc. or if typing it in you take care and check before sending and are very careful on the emails you reply to from us. The NCCU informed us that often these spoof sites conduct criminal activity. This includes, but is not limited to sending emails from spoof email addresses, conducting phishing activity and sending emails purporting to be from senior colleagues. Please can I ask if you receive any messages that you think may be fraudulent or phishing attempts to let us know using the contact details on our website. We will continue to monitor the website and the situation, having already conducted a security review of our website in light of the recent cyber security threats, but please remain vigilant.
I know that May is very busy for you all, with induction sessions, Annual Council meetings, appeal hearings, civic functions, member support and development, busy committee schedules and much more, I hope it all goes well and that you take time out, get some fresh air and look after yourselves and your colleagues.
Joanna Boaler, Director of Communications