Weekly message from John Lynch, Director of Finance

I hope you have managed to enjoy some of the warm weather and watched some of the tennis or football or both.

Free membership initiative
I am pleased that one of ADSO’s initiatives has had its first success. We offered free membership to those that were currently unemployed but actively looking for a job in democratic services. I’m pleased to hear that Jack Roberts, currently finishing his studies in Edinburgh, has been offered a democratic services apprentice job at the London Borough of Hillingdon. Well done Jack and we wish you every success in the new job.

Cross council boundaries
I was interested to read in LGC that the number of parliamentary constituencies that cross council boundaries is set to increase by a third, potentially creating more complexity for councils running elections and applying for government funds. As if you needed any more complexity in your lives!

ADSO Training course: Becoming a DSO – an introduction
ADSOs new course ‘Becoming a DSO – an introduction’ will next take place on 16 July at 9:30.  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.

Delegates at our first workshop said:

“Excellent, It was well organised and ran smoothly. The pace was perfect. Plenty of opportunity to ask questions”.

“Good, I thought as an introduction it was informative, enough info without being overloaded”.

The website is open to take bookings, please visit here for more information and to book a place.

The course will now be held regularly and we hope that this will become part of your induction programmes for new Democratic Service Officers.

IIMC Launches International Buddy Initiative
Are you interested in being a part of IIMC’s International Buddy Initiative? IIMC are assembling a list of their members interested in connecting with fellow members from another country to discuss matters of mutual interest. Please click HERE to fill out an online form with the following information:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Council/authority and country
  • Population of your council area
  • Budget of your council area
  • Purposes/Topics of Interest/Objectives (please limit to 75 characters)

If you have already reached out to Karen Lee, your information will be included.

Upcoming Meetings

  • 30th June South East Regional Meeting
  • 2nd July ADSO Board
  • 8th July London Regional Meeting

ADSO Members’ Forum
Latest things that caught my eye were:

  • Wrecking Amendment to Motions
  • ePetitions
  • Examples of Governance Arrangements
  • Virtual Quasi Full Council

Have a good week everyone.

John Lynch, Director of Finance

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