Request for case studies for the BBC – Abuse targeted at people within local government by members of the public
The BBC is looking at the problem of abuse of local government councillors, officers and other involved such as volunteers. They feel it is a growing problem, worthy of national coverage. They are interested in talking to anybody THIS WEEK who can provide case studies.
If you know of anybody within your authority who has suffered such abuse etc and would be willing to discuss the matter with the BBC, please get in touch with us urgently by emailing info@adso.co.uk and your details will be passed onto the BBC.
Being a Monitoring Officer
I was looking back and my last newsletter in December and note I was asking for volunteers to sit on a pilot ‘Becoming a Monitoring Officer/Deputy Monitoring Officer’ course. That pilot took place last week and definitely has the makings of a key course in the ADSO Training programme. Many thanks to Karen Widdowson (more on Karen below) and Tracy Couper who put the course together.
This course will provide a practical perspective and guidance on the role of DSO/DSM as a Monitoring Officer, giving advice and tips on how to undertake the MO/DMO role. Watch out for this course being added to the Training Programme soon.
Congratulations to Karen/ ADSO MO and DMO Group
I have been fortunate enough to be a Monitoring Officer at Blackpool Council for the last 12 years and I am delighted to welcome Karen Widdowson to ‘the club’ after she was appointed Monitoring Officer at Charnwood Borough Council earlier this month. Well deserved. The recently launched ADSO Monitoring Officer/ Deputy Monitoring Officer Group is also taking shape under the leadership of James McLaughlin and it is heartening to see the number of Monitoring Officers who have that governance/ democratic background. I am a firm believer in the submission ADSO made to the review of the changing role of the Monitoring Officer undertaken by the LGIU and the call for it to be retitled ‘The Chief Governance Officer’. In my view it should be the best person for the role not the one who happens to be the most senior legal person. I have known Karen for many years and she is a great example of someone with the right skills, knowledge, experience, influence and confidence who would be an asset to any local authority as Monitoring Officer.
Training Courses
Keeping with the Monitoring Officer theme, there is the Ethics and Standards Course coming up shortly and details of that course and some others in the months ahead are listed below. A full list of courses coming up can be accessed here.
Ethics and Standards
Workshop 1: Tuesday 12th March 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop 2: Tuesday 19th March 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
ADSO – Ethics & Standards (emcouncils.gov.uk)
Working in a Political Environment
Workshop 1: Tuesday 12th March 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop 2: Wednesday 20th March 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
ADSO – Working in a Political Environment (emcouncils.gov.uk)
Becoming a DSO – an introduction
Wednesday 17th April 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
ADSO – Becoming a Democratic Services Officer – An Introduction (emcouncils.gov.uk)
Structures and Functions
Workshop 1: Thursday 18th April 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop 2: Thursday 25th April 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
ADSO Structures and Functions (emcouncils.gov.uk)
Other Links of Note
A recent report from Grant Thornton at a Metropolitan Borough Council also raises concern over governance risks and “third layer” position of monitoring officer.
LLG has just launched its ‘Planning Code of Practice’, for those of you who are LLG members you can access it on their website or I am sure LLG members in your authority will share it with you if you enquire with them.
Finally a very useful guide from the LGA regarding safer canvassing for councillors and candidates.
Mark Towers, ADSO Company Secretary