I am really delighted to be able to write the introduction to the newsletter this week – selfishly because it means I am recovered from my operation and back to full capacity, if rather home based, which none of us could have predicted. However in all challenges there is opportunity and I have been hearing really interesting and impressive things about how ADSO members have adapted to virtual meetings, such a great showcase for our members’ skills and creativity. Do use the opportunity to apply for our awards this year to showcase what you have achieved – if for nothing else it means your good work will be showcased within our own community- and your own Council!
As Director of Training I have been looking at how to adapt our training programme to virtual and online learning offers. This is a complicated task but we are moving forward. Last week, we had an internal demo of some webinar software and we are planning to begin a regular webinar programme from the Autumn – John Austin is spearheading this as a ‘webinar old timer’. I have been working with our fantastic trainers to re-purpose our training offer and we are hoping to offer something in the Autumn, alongside this we are working with a few Councils on bespoke training using their own virtual meeting software. I’m talking to East Midlands Councils about how they will support us in offering a virtual programme next year, as feedback indicates this is most likely to be what you want. It’s not that we won’t do face to face – but expect demand to be less either for financial reasons or because of travel caution. Finally Sue Keogh and I are talking about how moving to online learning affects those working towards their qualifications and how online environments can be used to support their learning journey.
South East Employers Training course
Speaking of face to face training. Mark Palmer at South East Employers asked me to make you aware of a training course they are organising on 13th-14th January 2021 at London Councils, ‘Advanced Democratic and Committee Administration Programme’ for those with 18 months to five years’ experience. Follow the link for more information https://seemp.co.uk/event-directory/
Susan Biddle, Director of Training