A Socitm-led masterclass for Democratic Services Officers on how AI is shaping democracy and governance in public services. It introduces wider digital trends, provides an overview of AI and why adoption is accelerating, and also focuses on practical opportunities and the main risks, ethics, and governance needed for safe use. Using an applied scenario and breakout discussions on operational impact, skills, trust, and accountability, we’ll encourage practical considerations for your workplaces and “do now” actions to assist with the commencement or continuation of your adoption journey.

This Masterclass is limited to 20 delegates to ensure all those attending derive maximum benefit.

Audience

This Masterclass is open to anyone responsible for or involved in the strategic or operational use of emerging tech and AI in local government.

Nadira Hussain, Chief Executive, Socitm

An established IT and change management leader, NED and coach with 30 years’ experience, Nadira has worked primarily in local government; leading the IT and digital service, managing wider teams including business improvement, transformation and customer services. Nadira has implemented numerous complex change programmes across shared services to deliver new operating models, efficiencies and service improvement.

At Socitm, Nadira is supporting members shape and deliver effective public services through improved use and adoption of digital, data and technology (DDaT) solutions and practices. Her key motivation is to improve outcomes for people and communities in places. She continues to focus on the work she initiated as president of the society (15/16); building the leadership, skills and diversity of the sector’s workforce. Her passion is to tackle inequality, promote professionalism, improve personal development opportunities and champion women role models.

Her wider responsibilities include non-exec director roles for Federation for Informatics Professionals (FEDIP) advisory board, Impera Analytics, Solace in Business (SiB) Board and Wandle (housing association). Her voluntary and charitable work include; Advisory group member for the Shuri Network, co-founder and co-chair of the Socitm/UKAuthority Women in Local Government IT network, and Executive Committee member of the Major Cities of Europe (MCE) forum.

Twitter handle @nadirahussain44

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadira-hussain-63a08314/ 

www.socitm.net

Samantha (Sam) Smith, Director of Institute and past President, Socitm

Sam is a former President of Socitm and now the Director of the Socitm Institute. In that role she leads the delivery of services including Artificial Intelligence, procurement, social value, policy, research, data, learning & development, and benchmarking. Before joining Socitm Sam spent 27 years in local government IT & Digital Services culminating in Service Director for a shared IT service working across two Councils in the East of England. Managing shared services of different types and sizes has been a feature of her professional life and has given her an incredibly rich view of local government in England. Throughout her career she has been keen to share experiences and collaborate across the public sector. Socitm has given her the opportunity to do this at regional and national levels.

Date and time

2nd June 2026, 09.30 – 11.00

Cost

• ADSO Member rate – £100 + VAT per person to attend the course
• Non-ADSO Member rate – £125 + VAT per person to attend the course
• Terms and conditions for booking can be found here.

Booking requirements

• A purchase order number is required for all bookings made out to ADSO (please 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.