Some interesting challenges ahead for those seeking to ensure an accessible election process on 12th December. I think it’s going to be messy, with local Councils in the forefront of sorting it out as best they can; sidestepping nativity plays and Christmas fairs; working their way round the threatened Royal Mail strike to ensure postal voters are not disenfranchised – and all with those copious resources we are supposed to have, or been given – what is it the French say ‘plus ça change plus c’est la même chose!’
It’s barely day one of election fever and we have already had a ministerial resignation, some highly inappropriate tweets and comments (with immediate apologies and apologists of course) and some spectacular spending promises from all sides – so nice to know all parties are committed to saving the NHS isn’t it? I foresee some interesting conversations at our annual conference in a few weeks’ time and am looking forward to meeting those of you who can make it in these busy times.
I’ve a few bits of information to pass on, in true Yin and Yang style one is an opportunity and one is a challenge.
First the opportunity. I have been asked, and am happy to publicise an upcoming ‘Introduction to Democratic and Committee Administration’ course that South East Employers are running in February and March 2020. Our own John Austin will be involved as trainer – so you know it will be good. The course is designed for newly appointed or intermediate Committee Administrators, including Member Services and Democratic Services Officers in local authorities and runs over four days – 12th and 13th February and 11th and 12th March 2020. It will be held in London Borough of Wandsworth and anyone booking must be available to attend all four days.
The price is as follows:
£699 ADSO / SEE members + VAT per delegate
£750 non-ADSO / non-SEE members + VAT per delegate
I have had the occasional approach from newly appointed DSOs looking for a starter course and this might just be what you need, places are limited so book early. More information here: https://seemp.co.uk/events/democratic-committee-admin-programme/
Now the challenge: After a long and fruitful relationship the efficient and ever patient folk at Nottingham have informed me they are no longer able to administer our open training programme and will cease to provide support at the end of this calendar year (December 2019). We are sorry to hear this but we all know how tight resources are and they no longer have the capacity to run the programme for us. I am sure you would want to join me in expressing our appreciation for all their support and hard work – particularly to Kate Morris who many of you will have had contact with when booking or enquiring about courses. Obviously this places us in a tight spot as we need to find a new service provider quickly – not the best time of year to be doing this, especially with an election ahead. So two things really:
- a plea for your patience – I have already had requests for information on the course programme for next year, which is due to start in January, and I know what I hope to run but things may not run as smoothly as usual as we seek out a new provider. I will be doing my best to run the programme I planned around the times I planned to – please keep an eye on the newsletter and the training courses page of the website for updates and information.
- if any of your Councils are interested in quoting for the work (we pay an annual fee) do please get in touch with me, I will be working on a specification and Nottingham will assist with handover.
It’s always good to see active conversations on the Members Forum. All Directors check in regularly to see what the issues of importance are for you, and to participate in forum posts. It’s your forum to engage in conversation with colleagues and I was interested to see the active debate around the new Councillor’s Code of Conduct with lengthy contributions from some of you. I also noticed a new request for information from Wendy – asking for leads for Domestic Abuse Training for Members (supporting residents and tenants) – good to see forward thinking around supporting members in their community-facing roles so I hope someone who has done this already can help. Anita has also recently posted some questions around Community Safety Partnerships so please visit the Members Forum if you have some views to share or just want to add to the conversation.
That’s all for this week – off to watch the news in case there are any more exciting election developments (quarrels, spats, fights, exaggerations etc etc).