I hope you are all enjoying the mini heatwave, I have certainly taken the opportunity to take my laptop into the garden and work in the glorious sunshine. Please see below some key messages from ADSO HQ for this week…
VVG Conference, Netherlands, 6 & 7 October 2022 – Sponsorship for attendance for ADSO members
As part of our affiliation with IIMC (International Institute of Municipal Clerks) ADSO has been invited to attend the 2022 conference of our partner organisation in the Netherlands, VVG. This will take place on 6 and 7 October in Utrecht, 30 minutes outside of Amsterdam by train. The theme of the conference will be Leadership.
The ADSO Board sees this as a really good opportunity for members to experience an international event and to learn more about local government in the Netherlands. We have therefore agreed to sponsor up to 10 members for £300 each towards the cost of attending the conference. This should cover most if not all your expenses. VVG have kindly offered free delegate passes to the conference to ADSO members. They have also arranged one night’s accommodation and social event on the evening of 6 October for the sum of 195 euros. The cost will include all food and drink at the social event.
If you want to extend your stay, there are also opportunities to take part in the wider IIMC study tour in the Netherlands in the days leading up to the conference. This will involve visits to key government venues including the Hague plus the chance to network with like-minded professionals from the USA and elsewhere.
If you are interested in attending, please let Sarah Hawkins know by close of play on 16 July by emailing sarah.hawkins@adso.co.uk.
Are you interested in becoming an ADSO trainer?
ADSO is looking to recruit a couple of new people to its trainer pool. We are particularly interested in serving and experienced DSOs who are interested in delivering training for us. You don’t have to have experience of training, although this helps, but you do need the right kind of delivery style and an interest in training others.
Please contact Susan Biddle our Director of Training (susan.biddle@adso.co.uk) if you are interested. Susan will arrange an informal telephone discussion. If you are successful, you will be expected to attend online Train the Trainer sessions on 13th and 20th September.
Structures and Functions Training Course, 9 & 13 July
We have a couple of places left on our Structures and Functions Course which runs 9th July (am) and 13th July (pm). The course is a great overview of Local Government in England and Wales and where it sits in relation to the UK’s constitutional arrangements. It’s a key part of the Certificate Programme and a good introduction for new DSO staff with no prior local government experience. More information is available here https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/adso/Council-and-its-Governance/76152
ADSO Webinar – Friday 15 July 14:30-15:30
Our next webinar will be presented by Jess Norman, Senior Policy Adviser (Democracy and VCS) at the LGA on the subject of LGA’s soon to be published statement and report on the impact of abuse and intimidation of councillors, following their 2022 census of councillors. The report will be launched at the LGA Conference in Harrogate later this week.
ADSO has expressed its full support for the LGA’s work, and we are committed to doing all we can to help address this very serious problem and threat to local democracy. As ADSO members, you will be getting an early insight into the LGA report and the opportunity to comment on future action.
Booking details for the webinar will follow in the near future but please save the date in your diaries.
Wishing you all a great week ahead.
Priya Patel, ADSO Company Secretary