I hope you are all surviving the current lockdown – only just over 2 weeks to go! I have been watching the events in the USA with increasing sympathy for the election officials of those states targeted by Donald Trump. We have all faced criticism I’m sure during elections from voters, candidates, and agents etc who were unhappy with something or other. But how good does our system look against the USA model? It also highlights the integrity in the UK system when power changes hands – it’s seamless, dignified and efficient. Watch and learn Mr Trump!
AGM & Awards, Thursday 26th November
Closer to home now. Another reminder for the AGM and Awards on 26th November. The agenda papers for the AGM are now available on the ADSO website here.
The link for the Goto Webinar system to register for both is now live and can be accessed via the AGM papers or directly here:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/797760967933481228
We are looking forward to record numbers of ADSO members joining us for what promises to be an excellent evening.
ADSO Regions and Reps
One of the things I am really pleased about at the moment is the increasing number of members willing to get involved in ADSO. More and more regions now have 2 or more representatives. The latest is the North West. Following the last regional meeting, three members came forward to offer their services to support Alex Murphy in the role. We have agreed that they will share the workload and in time perhaps specialise in certain aspects of the region such as representing the region at Board meetings, membership development, training and external speakers/topics for meetings. My thanks to Rachel Gibbons and Georgia Latham (both from Wigan) and Charles Yankiah from Stockport for stepping forward. Well done all three and I’m looking forward to working with you.
We are still however looking for volunteers in the West Midlands to take over the regional representative role. Don’t leave it to others. Please step forward and do your bit for ADSO.
ADSO Main Sponsor 2021-2023 & webinar sponsor
Invitations have now gone out inviting sponsors to bid to be ADSOs Main Sponsor for 2021 -2023. This has been sent to all our usual sponsors but if you can think of anyone who might be interested in bidding or might be interested in sponsoring one of our forthcoming webinars, please send your suggestions to John Lynch (john.lynch@adso.co.uk) and he will contact the organisation directly.
LGA virtual events
The LGA is hosting three virtual events next month on improving digital citizenship. The document below sets this out in more detail and tells you how you can register. ADSO has been asked to take part in the first event so I will be involved. The topic of Civility in Public Life and the online abuse and intimidation of local councillors and supporting officers is of increasing importance so I would encourage you to attend.
LGA Civility in Public Life events – December 2020
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As usual there are some interesting topics in the Members’ Forum this week which you can access in the Members’ Forum section below.
Keep safe everyone.
John Austin, ADSO Chair