ADSO is hosting a virtual course ‘Becoming a DSO – an introduction’ held via Zoom.

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.   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.

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 

Rachel Basham
Rachel has over fifteen years’ experience of working in local government, in a variety of roles across Democratic Services and Leadership teams. Her current substantive post is Member Services Manager at Surrey County Council, although she is currently on a 12-month secondment at Woking Borough Council, providing additional strategic support to their Leadership team. Rachel is a City and Guilds qualified adult trainer alongside being an assessor for both the ASDO Certificate in Democratic Services and the Charter for Member Development.

Amanda Dickinson

Amanda is Democratic Services Team Leader at Boston Borough Council and an experienced trainer with over 20 years’ experience across private and public sectors. She has a strong background in governance, committee management, and member support, and previously worked as a Modern.Gov Trainer delivering system training to local authorities nationwide. Amanda now runs an independent Democratic Services Consultancy, offering bespoke training, governance advice, and committee management solutions. Amanda holds the NVQ Level 4 in Democratic Services, a predecessor to the current ADSO qualifications, and is passionate about supporting professionals to develop confidence and skills in democratic processes, with particular expertise in virtual training environments. Amanda brings strong political awareness, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and a proven ability to communicate effectively through public speaking, formal reporting, and national networking.

Date and time

17th June 2026, 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
• ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge Learner – Free

How to book a place
Please book a place using the link below.  The 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 (please note above). 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.