Excitement is mounting at ADSO HQ ahead of our annual conference in Oxford later this month. The finishing touches are being made: presentations and speeches are being finalised, awards are being engraved; the DJ is working on their playlist. The ADSO Board is very much looking forward to seeing delegates at the conference. For those who really wanted to come this year but were not able to, please be reassured that we are looking for a bigger venue for 2024, probably somewhere in the Midlands. Further details to follow early in the New Year.
Use of AI within Democratic Services
We picked up a really interesting thread on the forum initiated by Mark Paul Braddock from LB Hillingdon about the extent to which AI is being used, or could be used, to automatically generate minutes and support other tasks within the Democratic Services sector. The ADSO Directors have asked the Society for Innovation, Technology and Modernisation (SOCITM) for an informal briefing on AI technologies before a wider conversation within our sector in the New Year, possibly in the form of a webinar. It’s vital we all have an understanding of AI; both it’s potential benefits and disadvantages. Watch this space!
Introduction to Democratic and Committee Administration Programme – 20/21st February & 5/6th March 2024
I am pleased to inform you that the 2024 Introduction to Democratic and Committee Administration Programme (IDCA) is now open for bookings. The four day programme will be delivered virtually via MS Teams or Zoom on the 20th/21st February and the 5th /6th March 2024. The programme continues to be priced at £699 for ADSO Members and £750 for non ADSO Members.
The programme is targeted at those new to the role of Democratic Services/Committee Administration Officer and those with up to five years’ experience who wish to further develop knowledge and skills. The revised programme now in its sixteenth year will be led by John Austin (ADSO Chair) and Peter Edwards (Former Head of Democratic Services) and just 20 delegate places are available on the programme.
The programme is consistently popular so early booking is advisable. To book a place please use the link to the online booking form below.
Peter Sass, ADSO Vice Chair