ADSO will be running an interactive, virtual course ‘Ethics and Standards.  The course will be delivered as two, three-hour long workshops held virtually.

Audience

This course is aimed at Democratic Services Officers who wish to develop their understanding of the legal framework within which councils operate and the practical application of this to the range of work areas undertaken by democratic services teams.  The course content will be relevant both to those who are relatively new to democratic services and officers with a few years’ experience, who may want to refresh their knowledge on ethics and standards.

How the course will be delivered

The course will be delivered virtually.  To maximise the delegates’ learning experience the course has been divided into two virtual workshops.

Workshop 1

• Provide an overview of the Legal Framework
• An overview of the Code of Conduct, together with some case studies
• Committee on Standards in Public Life and LGA – model Code of Conduct
• What the law says about Members’ Interests, together various case studies regarding Members’ Interests
• Dispensations from the Monitoring Officer

Workshop 2

• Provide a short recap of the learning from Workshop 1
• An overview of the Standards Committees
• Explanation of Independent Persons and their role
• Details about complaints, Investigations and Standards Hearings, together with various case studies around complaints

The workshops will include plenary presentations, case studies and smaller group working, enabling delegates to learn with delegates from across the country.  This will also provide great opportunity for delegates to network and share contact details with each other for future reference and information sharing.

Trainers

Tracy Tiff
Tracy has worked in Local Government since 1995, moving to Democratic Services in 1997. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge in governance, constitution and Overview and Scrutiny.  Tracy gained valuable experience from worked at Northampton Borough Council from 2001 to 2021, transferring to the Unitary Council – West Northants Council in April 2021; where she is continuing in the field of Democratic Services.

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.

Dates and times

Workshop One – Wednesday 5th March 2025, 9.30am-12.30pm
Workshop Two – Wednesday 12th March 2025, 9.30am-12.30pm

Delegates are required to attend both workshops.  Please note that you only need to book on 5th  March course date to be able to attend both workshops.

Cost

• ADSO Member rate – £110 + VAT per person to attend the course
• Non-ADSO Member rate – £160 + VAT per person to attend the course
• ADSO Learner – Free

How to book a place

To book a place please use the online booking form via the link below.  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.  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.