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 

Katherine Harclerode

Katherine is an experienced corporate trainer and university educator working in Democratic Services in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire since 2019. In 2020, Katherine drafted the purpose statement which was taken forward as ADSO’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan. Katherine is a current ADSO Co-rep for the East Midlands Region and enjoys sharing skills and perspectives to further equip local government professionals and councillors to make a positive impact on our world.

Rebecca Timoney

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.

Date and time

22nd September 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.