A number of Board members have mentioned in their weekly update the development of Overview and Scrutiny guidance. We are of course aware that, where O&S is concerned, the performance of councils across the country varies considerably, but we would like the guidance to be informative even for those who consider they already have effective arrangements in place. We are still seeking views on how this should look, and want you to consider what you would like to see in this guidance. ADSO is uniquely placed to influence how any final guidance looks, but really need members to tell us want they want it to include. Please contribute to the forum discussion; https://www.adso.co.uk/forums/topic/help-develop-the-guidance-for-how-os-works-in-local-authorities/
Res Publica are hosting a conference on “tomorrow’s democracy”. The conference will explore where democracy is today and where it is headed next. Given the continuous rise of populism, which has caused a “crisis” in liberal democracy, there has never been a more important time for insightful discussion and debate about how democracy is working and what might need to change to ensure its survival. This is a free event taking place on 5th November 2018, at The Riverfront, Newport. more details can be found here: http://pk3p4c.attendify.io/#
Final arrangements for the conference next month are going well, numbers are up on last year and we are looking forward to seeing those that can attend.
Have a good week.