Well, I expect everyone is busy trying to work out the implications of the new budget statement and wondering what the future may hold for virtual meetings now we have all got used to them. I’d say these were ‘interesting times’ but I think we are beyond that now and have become used to constant change, uncertainty and challenge.
ADSOs virtual training programme
ADSO’s own virtual journey continues – I’ve been keeping you informed via this newsletter of our developing virtual training offer and we’ve already run a number of virtual courses that have proved popular.
Our next virtual course will be ‘Working in a Political Environment’ on 7th and 14th April delivered by John Williams. You can find out more about the programme and book a place if you follow this link:
https://www.adso.co.uk/event/module-1-working-in-a-political-environment/?instance_id=229
I also want to give you advance notice of a new course we have been developing, particularly for newly appointed Direct Services Officers. It’s a brief introduction and in half a day covers some of the fundamentals. We are planning to offer this for the first time on 20th May – when bookings open there will be a link on the training pages of the website. This course is for those with no previous experience.
Also being developed, a virtual ‘Just a Minute’. This will be ready to run in June, probably over two modules on 23rd and 30th June. We will advertise it in the newsletter and on the website when it is ready.
Emilia’s story – ADSO Rookie of the Year 2020 Award Winner
We were delighted to award Emilia our ‘Rookie of the Year’ prize at the Awards last year, it’s with people like her in mind that we have designed the new course – not that she would need it now. This week we learn a little bit about Emilia.
“Hello! I’m Emilia and I work as a Democratic Services Officer at Sevenoaks District Council. In my role, I provide meeting support at various committees as well as civic support to the Chairman of the Council. Before becoming a Democratic Services Officer, I was studying full time for my degree in maths and philosophy and doing part time work such as telephone fundraising. As you can imagine, it has been a pretty interesting year in my first full time role. I achieved the Rookie of the Year Award which has really helped develop my confidence in my delivery of service. Like others, we have been considering how we would run hybrid meetings. We also are continuing to come up with ways to run events with the Chairman such as flag flying days which comply with the ever changing government guidance.”
You can view a short video on Emilia’s work at Sevenoaks District Council here
ADSO Webinars
Our webinar programme is also proving popular – our first three have been fully booked which shows a real interest out there in these short, topic focused talks. We have slotted in an additional one on 17th March following the decision to hold the elections this year. It will cover Rules relating to the pre-election period, what you need to know in this important time. Our presenter is Mark Heath, one of the most experienced and respected Returning Officers in the country. For more details and to book one of the 100 available places follow the link below: https://www.adso.co.uk/adso-training/webinar-programme/
Regional meetings
Keeping up with the pace of change and maintaining your networks has never been so important so I’m using an inch or two of this letter to remind you of upcoming regional meetings.
South West Region – 12 March at 10am
Eastern Region – 19 March at 10am
ADSO Board Meeting – 26 March at 10am
North East, Yorkshire & Humberside Region – 1 April at 10am
ADSO Forum
Finally, when things are uncertain, it’s always good to ‘phone a friend’ so do make use of the members Forum on the ADSO website. It’s a really good way of asking your peers for advice or seeking examples of other practice and ideas to bring into your own organisation. I was particularly interested in a thread recently started to seek information on any Councils that have addressed the issue of workplace pensions for elected members. If you can offer any thoughts or advice please join the discussion here: https://www.adso.co.uk/forums/topic/work-place-pensions-for-councillors/
Personally I’d love to see a few more examples of ‘weird and wonderful scrutiny reviews’ for the member who is seeking examples of genuinely useful scrutiny reviews that go beyond the boundaries of the Council business plan – how interesting!
https://www.adso.co.uk/forums/topic/weird-and-wonderful-scrutiny-reviews/
Best wishes to you all – stay safe.
Susan Biddle, Director of Training