There’s only one thing dominating my thoughts this week and that’s the shocking news of the tragic loss of our Finance Director, founding ADSO Director and dear friend and colleague, John Lynch. Many colleagues I have spoken to are struggling to come to terms with this and it will take time to grieve and accept what has happened. Thank you to everyone who has got in touch with us to offer their sympathy and who have added wonderful comments to the book of condolence on the website. In time, the Board will discuss and agree how to ensure that John’s legacy is a lasting one that rightly acknowledges his huge presence and strength within ADSO.
We are all hurting very much but John would want ‘the show to go on’ and it will. Training courses, webinars, the qualifications and our first face-to-face conference since 2019 all have John’s indelible mark on them and we will remember him always by carrying on the excellent work that he and others began.
We have just received interim news of John’s celebration of life ceremony. This will take place on Wednesday 10 August at 2pm in East Sussex (precise venue to be confirmed). John’s wife Wendy would like the best estimate of numbers attending so she can choose the right venue. So, with apologies for the rush, could you please email John Austin (john.austin@adso.co.uk) by this afternoon, Monday 25 July if you plan to attend. The cremation ceremony will take place on 9th August for immediate family members only.
Finally, just to let you all know, this is the last ADSO newsletter before the summer break – our next newsletter will hit your desks on Monday 5th September. I hope you all manage to get some time away from the office and are able to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. The August ‘recess’ as it was when I first started in local government is not what is used to be and I know many colleagues who support Planning and Licensing committees in particular will carry on with meetings in August, but we all go again in September – just as John would have wanted.
ADSO Awards
The deadline for the submission of award nominations is fast approaching. Please get your nominations in by next Friday, 29th July, full details and a nomination form can be accessed here: https://www.adso.co.uk/adso-conference-and-awards-ceremony-2022/adso-awards-2022/
We haven’t received that many nominations so far this year. We need more nominations for the awards to be viable and if we don’t get a decent number of nominations, I’m afraid we might not proceed with the awards this year.
Thank you to all of you who’ve submitted nominations to date.
ADSO Training
New Opportunity – Train the Trainer Course
We have around 5 places available on an online ‘Train the Trainer’ course we are running over two sessions on September 13th and 20th, 9.30-12.30. Places are available at our usual rate of £110 for members and £160 for non-members. The course is designed for DSOs who are regularly involved in training but who have had no formal training for this. If you are interested, get in touch with Kirsty Lowe at kirsty.lowe@emcouncils.gov.uk for more information and to book a place.
Workshop 1: (13 September 2022)
The first part of the course will focus on how to design a training event. This workshop will make reference to the virtual environment and will be applicable to face-to-face learning events.
Workshop 2: Designing for the virtual environment (20 September 2022)
The second workshop will focus on delivering in a virtual environment. The workshop will provide delegates with the practical experience of using the tools as a participant, understanding how a delegate engages in the virtual environment and how this learning can be applied in their own delivery.
New trainers
We are delighted to introduce four new trainers to our group:
- Fabiola Fuschi from Rochdale
- Tracey Couper from East Cambs
- Karen Widdowson from Charnwood
- Colin Gamble from Southend
A very warm welcome to you all and all of the existing trainers are looking forward to working with you very much.
ADSO membership
It’s that time of year when we offer the early bird discount for new members. Those joining ADSO during August, September and October will have their membership until October 2023, giving them a maximum of 15 months membership for the price of 12. This is great value, so if you know of anybody who is thinking of joining, please draw their attention to this offer. They apply in the normal way via the website and the extended membership will happen automatically.
Peter Sass, Vice Chair