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 – Lennox Beattie and Ian Millichap
Lennox is an experienced Democratic Services practitioner having been the Executive and Regulatory Manager at Blackpool Council for the past 14 years. He has been responsible for support to the Executive and its governance for that period. Lennox is also involved in ADSO work through the qualifications, which includes both the certificate and diploma.
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
Wednesday 17th April 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.
Terms and conditions for booking can be found here
Booking requirements
- A purchase order number is required for all bookings. Please make the PO out to ADSO.
- 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.