The May 2026 local elections have seen a significant increase in councils moving into no overall control (NOC). This creates new governance, political management and decision-making challenges for democratic services professionals across the sector.

This timely ADSO Bite-size Learning session is designed to support officers who are working in – or preparing for – NOC administrations, ahead of Annual Council meetings and the establishment of new political arrangements. Hosted by Peter Sass, Head of Governance and Deputy Monitoring Officer serving Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, this session will explore the practical realities of operating in a NOC environment.

With NOC arrangements becoming an increasingly common feature of local government, this session offers an essential opportunity for democratic services professionals to build their confidence, share good practice and prepare effectively for the months ahead.

Who is it for?

This session is for Democratic Services Officers, Monitoring Officers, governance professionals and senior officers supporting political management and decision-making processes within local authorities.

Trainer: Peter Sass

Peter was elected Chair of ADSO in April 2025 having been an avid supporter of the association for many years.  He has previously held the Vice-Chair and Company Secretary roles on the ADSO Board.

He is currently Head of Governance and Deputy Monitoring Officer at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils in South-West London; both unitary Councils, which are separate legal entities but have a single, shared staff group. Richmond operates a Committee System, whereas Wandsworth has a Leader and Cabinet model.

With over 40 years’ experience in Democratic Services, Peter has worked at District, Borough, Parish, Town, County, Unitary and regional levels of local government. He is passionate about the sector and in particular, supporting the development of the next generation of Democratic Services professionals at every stage of their careers.

Date and time

19th May 2026, 10.00 – 11.00 am

Cost

• Free of Charge for ADSO Members
• Terms and conditions for booking can be found here.

Booking requirements

• 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.