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 

Rebecca Taylor
Rebecca is currently a Principal Committee Officer at the London Borough of Camden and has worked in Democratic Services since starting in Local Government in 2017.  Rebecca has experience servicing regulatory committees, scrutiny and non-executive committees, along with a range of other democratic functions, such as school appeals, executive decisions, member support and elections. She also serves as a member of Bedford Borough Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel.  Rebecca has been an ADSO Member since she started working in Local Government and is also an assessor for the Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge, after completing the certificate herself in 2021.

Tracy Tiff
Tracy is the Democratic Services Manager at West Northants Council and she has worked in Local Government since 1995, moving to the field of Democratic Services in 1997. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge including governance and constitution, ethics and standards, Member development and Overview and Scrutiny.   Along with being a trainer, Tracy is also an assessor for the ADSO qualification.

Date and time

Tuesday 8th July 2025, 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.

Please note that ADSO will now only be using their Membership bank account.  The details are below:

Account Number: 23545903
Sort Code: 20-02-25

Booking requirements

• A purchase order number is required for all bookings.  Please make the PO out to ADSO (see 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.