ADSO is hosting an opportunity to attend this interactive, virtual course ‘Becoming a DSO – an introduction’ held via Zoom. Specifically designed for those taking their first steps into the world of Democratic Services, this course is aimed at those in the first twelve weeks of starting.
This is a quick introduction, designed to give you some essentials and to give you the chance to ask questions and meet other new starters. It will be delivered as a single 3-hour workshop.
Audience – This course is aimed at newly appointed Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of their role. It is for those who have never worked in this area before and who want a quick introduction to orient themselves.
How the course will be delivered
The course will be delivered virtually, and by the end of the workshop you will:
- Understand what a local Council is and how it is funded.
- Know the different types of local Council and what services they provide.
- Understand how decisions are made and your role in supporting this, both in and out of meetings
- Have a sense of how accountability works in local government, how Councils and Councillors are held to account and the role of scrutiny.
- Have considered how the political environment of your workplace affects your role and makes it unique.
The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with colleagues from across the country.
Trainers – Karen Widdowson & Ian Millichap
Karen is the Democratic Services Manager and Deputy Monitoring Officer, Charnwood Borough Council. She is an experienced Democratic Services practitioner having worked in the profession for 20+ years across all key areas of Democratic Services including meetings and civic support, member development, scrutiny, citizenship and elections. Karen has worked for several types of local authority which has built up extensive knowledge and experience about local government decision making and different political arrangements. Karen is also an ADSO qualifications assessor and trainer, and an Independent Person for Sheffield and Barnsley Councils.
Ian has over 30 years’ experience of working in local government and has spent 15 years in senior roles. He has previously worked for London Borough of Southwark as head of the committee governance team. Ian has Clerked Full Council, Cabinet and all Major Committees and has experience of both Committee and Executive arrangements.
Date and time
Tuesday 10th December 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Cost
- ADSO Member rate – £55 + VAT per person to attend the course
- Non-ADSO Member rate – £80 + VAT per person to attend the course
How to book a place
Please book a place using the link below. The terms and conditions of booking can be found here.
https://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/events/adso-becoming-a-democratic-services-officer-an-introduction-3/
Booking requirements
- A purchase order number is required for all bookings. Please make the PO out to ADSO. Courses cannot be attended if a purchase order is not received.
- A hardcopy of the purchase order is required.
- Please provide us with your ADSO Membership number (if applicable)
- A few days after booking you will receive a calendar invite for the workshop(s). Please note that your email address will be visible to all participants unless you advise us otherwise.
- Please send the above information to adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk.