ADSO will be running an interactive, virtual course ‘Ethics and Standards. The course will be delivered as two, three-hour long workshops held virtually.
Audience
This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the legal framework within which councils operate and the practical application of this to the range of work areas undertaken by democratic services teams. The course content will be relevant both to those who are relatively new to democratic services and officers with a few years’ experience, who may want to refresh their knowledge on ethics and standards.
How the course will be delivered
The course will be delivered virtually. To maximise the delegates’ learning experience the course has been divided into two virtual workshops.
Workshop 1
- Provide an overview of the Legal Framework
- An overview of the Code of Conduct, together with some case studies
- Committee on Standards in Public Life and LGA – model Code of Conduct
- What the law says about Members’ Interests, together various case studies regarding Members’ Interests
- Dispensations from the Monitoring Officer
Workshop 2
- Provide a short recap of the learning from Workshop 1
- An overview of the Standards Committees
- Explanation of Independent Persons and their role
- Details about complaints, Investigations and Standards Hearings, together with various case studies around complaints
The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country. This will also provide great opportunity for delegates to network and share contact details with each other for future reference and information sharing.
Trainers – Tracy Tiff & Peter Sass
Tracy has worked in Local Government since 1995, moving to Democratic Services in 1997. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge in governance, constitution and Overview and Scrutiny. Tracy gained valuable experience from worked at Northampton Borough Council from 2001 to 2021, transferring to the Unitary Council – West Northants Council in April 2021; where she is continuing in the field of Democratic Services.
Peter Sass is the Head of Governance & Deputy Monitoring Officer. (Wandsworth) serving Richmond and Wandsworth Councils He has 35 years’ experience in numerous governance roles; mainly Democratic/Members’ Services and elections/electoral registration and has worked at all tiers of local government including a parish council.
Dates and times
Workshop One – Tuesday 12th March 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two – Tuesday 19th March 2024, 9.30am-12.30pm
Delegates are required to attend both workshops. Please note that you only need to book on 12th March course date to be able to attend both workshops.
Cost
- ADSO Member rate – £110 + VAT per person to attend the course
- Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 + VAT per person to attend the course
Please email adsotraining@emcouncils.gov.uk if you wish to be allocated a learner place.
How to book a place
To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below. Terms and Conditions of 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.