Hello everyone, it has been exactly a year since my last newsletter, and I am thankful to the board for giving me the opportunity to provide you with an update on the ADSO Certificate and Diploma Programmes and the work that has been going on in the background to make sure that both programmes are kept up to date and all our wonderful learners and assessors are supported. I have also been working with Susan Biddle, our Director of Training, to ensure that the qualifications programmes compliment the training programme which has resulted in some great ideas, including updating the Certificate modules so that they are relevant to learners from Combined Authorities and joining forces with our trainers to complete a joint review of our content to make sure it is aligned. Thank you to all involved, it is a pleasure to work with such wonderful people.
Certificate and Diploma programmes
As most of you will know ADSO offers two excellent learning programmes the Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge and the Diploma in Local Democracy. Both programmes are extremely popular and always oversubscribed. I completed the Certificate programme in 2018 and found the experience rewarding and the knowledge I acquired invaluable – I often refer to my assignments and knowledge banks. I also attended several of the ADSO training courses that complement the programme and I encourage all learners to take a look at the training courses and get booking as they fill up fast – learners also get two free places so do use them!
Bursaries
In these challenging times our members tell us that they are finding it harder to secure funding for learning and development – don’t let this stop you! ADSO has a bursary offer and since launching the offer we have not actually spent the annual allowance so please do check out the information Online.
Assessors
I found completing the certificate such a valuable experience I decided to become an assessor and have been assessing for several years now and find it extremely rewarding – it also keeps me on my toes as I have worked with some truly amazing leaners who have produced some excellent work and signposted me to some brilliant articles and resources.
This year, five ADSO members expressed an interest in becoming an assessor and progressing through the induction process before taking on their first certificate learners in March 2024 and I am looking forward to working with them. We do, however, always need more assessors, particularly for the Diploma programme so if any members would be interested in finding out more I would love to hear from you – but please note that the Diploma is aimed at those with in- depth knowledge and several years’ experience in Democratic Services so assessors would be expected to be in, or have been in, relatively senior posts.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to our assessors, we would not be able to deliver our excellent learning programmes without you and the board, learners and I are truly grateful.
ADSO Conference
I am really looking forward to conference next week, the programme is excellent, and I can’t wait to see those learners who have completed their Certificate or Diploma programme collect their certificates. I am also excited for all of those who have been shortlisted for an ADSO award – I don’t envy the judges who must have had an extremely difficult job choosing a winner from among such fantastic entries. Best of luck everyone. For those of you able to attend the conference, look out for a final arrangements email coming later this week.
The Changing Role of the Monitoring Officer
As mentioned in an earlier Democracy Direct, ADSO has set up a group to support Monitoring Officers and Deputies. This is chaired by James McLaughlin, newly appointed Assistant Chief Executive at Sandwell Council. James has posted an interesting report on the MO / DMO forum. This is the result of research commissioned by a number of organisations including Lawyers in Local Government. It’s well worth a read. The report contains five recommendations including that Government should establish a professional body for monitoring officers, taking the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and Society of Local Authority Chief Executives as a starting point. Read the full report on the link below:
The Changing role of the Monitoring Officer – a report by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU)
extension: pdf
ADSO will be considering the report in detail and will comment in due course.
That’s all for this week, I hope you found the update useful, have a great week!
Michelle Beaumont, Qualifications Manager