Hello everyone,
It’s been several months since my last newsletter and I am thankful to the board for giving me the opportunity 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.
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 popular and this month we welcome 29 new Certificate learners who have just started on programme – a very warm welcome to you all.
I completed the Certificate programme in 2018 and found the experience rewarding and the knowledge I acquired invaluable and 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 don’t forget to use them!
Bursaries
In these challenging times our members tell us that they are finding it harder to secure funding for learning and development – do not let this stop you! ADSO has a bursary offer and since launching the offer we have been able to award all applicants with funding so please do check out the ADSO Training Bursaries and submit an application.
Assessors
I found completing the certificate such a valuable experience I decided to become an ADSO assessor and have been assessing for several years now and find it extremely rewarding. It also keep me on my toes as I have worked with some fantastic learners 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 after completing their induction they have started working with their learners and I am looking forward to seeing them all at the annual assessor standardisation event in October.
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. 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.
DLUHC Guidance – New definition of extremism (2024)
Using threatening, inciting, justifying, glorifying or excusing violence towards members of local government could be considered behaviour constituting extremism under new guidance issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The guidance issued this month (March 2024) introduces a new definition for extremism alongside new ‘engagement principles’ as part of an effort to counter extremism and religious hatred while promoting “social cohesion and democratic resilience”.
The document says the engagement principles are for Government departments and are aimed at ensuring they “are not inadvertently providing a platform, funding or legitimacy to individuals, groups or organisations who attempt to advance extremist ideologies”.
Do take a moment to read the guidance on the New Definition of Extremism (2024) in full – it is an interesting read.
Councillor’s Home Addresses
The Government has encouraged Monitoring Officers to look sympathetically at accommodating requests from councillors for their home addresses to be withheld from published versions of the local authority’s Register of Interests where there are legitimate concerns of violence or intimidation. This came in a letter from Local Government Minister Simon Hoare dated 18 March to Chief Executives of local authorities in England aimed at making sure all councillors and elected mayors are aware of the sensitive provisions in Section 32 of the Localism Act 2011. This is in response to recent concerns from elected members about intimidation in public life.
Michelle Beaumont, ADSO Qualifications Manager