Happy third week of lockdown everyone (it is week three isn’t it – I have lost track!!)
AGM and Awards Ceremony
What I do know for sure is that our ADSO AGM and Award Ceremony is taking place this Thursday 26th November starting at 5.00pm and I want to remind you all as members to come along. The agenda papers for the AGM are now available on the ADSO website here.
The link for the Goto Webinar system to register for both is now live and can be accessed via the AGM papers or directly here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/797760967933481228
I’m looking forward to seeing you all there.
ADSO Membership renewal
This is the time of year when we need to remember to renew our ADSO membership. Membership is open to anyone who works or has worked within any of the functions listed in the definition of the Association. This includes members who work for Local Authorities, Joint Authorities, Housing Associations and Employers Organisations. Membership runs from 1 November – 31 October each year.
At our Board meeting on 18 September 2020, the Board agreed to offer 12 months free membership to those who are actively looking for a job within democratic services and are currently unemployed. We are hoping to increase future democratic services professionals in both their knowledge and networking to help them improve their employment prospects. If you are someone you know my be interested in this offer, please let us know by emailing info@adso.co.uk or contacting our Company Secretary, peter.savage@adso.co.uk
Our current membership rates are as follows:
£55 per person plus VAT for membership from 1 November 2020 onwards, with discounts for Authorities who will pay subscriptions on behalf of members on the following basis:
2 to 5 members – 10% overall reduction
6 to 10 members – 15% overall reduction
11 members or more – 20% overall reduction
ADSO Virtual Training – Council and its Governance
For those of you who have been waiting patiently I am pleased to announce that we have our first virtual training offer ready to release. This will cover ‘The Council and its Governance Arrangements’ and will take place over two sessions on 1st and 10th December 9.30-12.30. More details on the course and how to book are on the ADSO website training courses page here.
Calling all assessors, trainers and consultants
We are always looking for people to be assessors for the ADSO qualifications and for people who are interested in getting involved in delivering our training or in doing consultancy work for us. Ideally this would suit someone who has some spare time on their hands or is interested in moving into this arena, at the very least you should be an experienced DSO who can pass on your skills and expertise to others and has an interest in developing others.
For more information on being an assessor, contact: sue.keogh@adso.co.uk
For more information on becoming a trainer, contact: susan.biddle@adso.co.uk
For more information on consultancy work, contact: john.lynch@adso.co.uk
School Appeals update
The Department of Education have confirmed that subject to Parliamentary approval, the temporary regulations regarding holding school appeals virtually, due to expire on 31 January 2021, will be extended to 30 September 2021. The guidance says that the temporary regulations and guidance only apply where it is not reasonably practical to comply with the School Admissions Appeals Code for a reason relating to the incidence or transmission or coronavirus (COVID-19). Therefore the extension only applies as per the current regulations, and only applies as long as the need in relation to COVID-19 exists. Clearly this still is the case and therefore planning for appeals to be held virtually beyond the end of January can take place.
Best Wishes – stay safe and well.
Susan Biddle, Director of Training