News

We are delighted to announce the individuals who have been shortlisted for the Learner of the Year at the #ADSOAwards 2021. The Learner of the Year award is open to Learners who have completed either the ADSO Certificate or Diploma since the previous awards ceremony for learners in November 2020.   These learners were nominated by their … Continued

We are delighted to announce the individuals who have been shortlisted for the Distinguished Service Award at the #ADSOAwards 2021. This is a new award for 2021. The Board wishes to recognise the dedication and achievements of an individual who has made a significant and distinguished contribution to the Democratic Services sector, not necessarily in … Continued

We are delighted to announce the individuals who have been shortlisted as Rookie of the Year at the #ADSOAwards 2021. The contribution that these new starters have made in their Local Authorities in such a short time is impressive and we are delighted to welcome them into the sector, one we are all very proud … Continued

  As a professional association, we are strongly committed to ensuring that inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. This includes a commitment to ensuring that all of our events, governance materials, resources, training, discussion platforms and services are developed with inclusivity at the centre. Equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination are … Continued

The below guidance has been prepared by Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) and the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) in association with Bevan Brittan LLP for the benefit of its respective membership following the High Court judgment on remote meeting provision in respect of local authorities in England. Many questions have been raised following … Continued

Following the Judgement from the High Court in relation to our Virtual Meeting Judicial Review, the court indicated at the end of that judgement within a postscript, that it would consider references to a meeting being “open to the public” or “held in public”. That judgement was handed down today.   The Court has ruled … Continued

Press Release 28th April 2021 The application to the High Court made by ADSO, LLG and Hertfordshire County Council in relation to virtual meeting provision for local authorities has today been dismissed. You can read the Judgement here. extension: docx The court concluded that:  “…. the Secretary of State was correct in November 2016 and … Continued

  Proceedings for a court declaration that virtual meetings can proceed past 6th May 2021 was heard today in the High Court before the President of the Queen’s Bench Division, Dame Victoria Sharp and the Hon Mr Martin Chamberlain QC. ADSO and LLG instructed Counsel, Peter Oldham QC of 11KBW to make submissions and we … Continued

Press Release 26th March 2021   The letter to Council Leaders from Luke Hall MP received yesterday (25th March 2021)  does not change the need for our court hearing, in fact if anything, it makes the need for it more pressing. Councils are already actively considering the options the minister has suggested, including looking at … Continued

ADSO and LLG (along with Hertfordshire County Council) have received permission to expedite our claim for a declaration in the High Court which will provide certainty for local authorities on whether they can continue to hold meetings remotely past the 6th May 2021 deadline, due to the expiry of the Local Authorities and Police and … Continued