Association of Democratic Services Officers

Presentation to London Scrutiny Network – July 2011

Association of Democratic Services Officers

John Austin ADSO

Chairman

What is ADSO?What is ADSO?

National body representing democratic services Local Authorities, Joint Authorities, Employers Organisations ‘Democratic Services’ covers:

Meetings support Overview & Scrutiny Members Services Community governance Civic Support

Not electoral services

National body representing democratic services Local Authorities, Joint Authorities, Employers Organisations ‘Democratic Services’ covers:

Meetings support Overview & Scrutiny Members Services Community governance Civic Support

Not electoral services

Association of Democratic Services Officers

What does ADSO offer?What does ADSO offer?

Nationally recognised professional body Raising profile of sector Practitioner input into national policies Major networking / development opportunities An inter- active website Set quality standards in professional practice and training Over 800 members (200+ in scrutiny) 209 authorities £45 individual membership per year

Nationally recognised professional body Raising profile of sector Practitioner input into national policies Major networking / development opportunities An inter- active website Set quality standards in professional practice and training Over 800 members (200+ in scrutiny) 209 authorities £45 individual membership per year

Association of Democratic Services Officers

Progress to dateProgress to date

Board with co-opted representatives from nearly all regions

Increased membership in second year

Business plan 2010 – 2013

Benchmarking

Weekly legal bulletin

MJ Awards

Website – www.asdso.co.uk

3rd Annual conference November 2011

Association of Democratic Services Officers

QualificationsQualifications

Certificate in Democratic Practice (optional scrutiny module)

Diploma in Local Democracy

Both qualifications are nationally recognised within the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and awarded by Proqual

Association of Democratic Services Officers

CertificateCertificate

• Level 4 qualification.

• For more inexperienced staff working within Democratic Services / O & S etc

• Includes 6 assignments and professional discussions on key legislative areas (covering all areas of Democratic Services including Scrutiny)

• 2 mandatory modules on democratic behaviours

• A range of optional practice modules (eg managing and supporting meetings, member development, overview and scrutiny) to suit the learners area of work.

Association of Democratic Services Officers

Democratic Services Professional DiplomaDemocratic Services Professional Diploma

Launched June 2011.

Learners will be experienced Democratic Services Officers who possess knowledge of the main democratic functions.

Level 6 qualification

Pathway approach using specialist area (e.g. overview and scrutiny, member services etc, executive, ethical framework etc).

Modules of underpinning, high level Democratic knowledge

Dissertation style piece of extended study, with either internal or external focus

Association of Democratic Services Officers

Any questions?Any questions?

Association of Democratic Services Officers